OMG are you as confused as I am at times with blog reviewers and if they are a good idea or not?  I just had to have a chat with my friend Megan over at Blogger Black Book and ask her to share her insider info with me (us) on how to best use bloggers to promote your brand.  As usual, Megan comes through with awesome info on how to find the right bloggers for your brand, how many to work with at a time, and how to get a blogger marketing strategy in place.  The most important thing, is to be clear with your objectives for having the blogger review your product – it is to drive FB fans, build your mailing list or direct sales to a certain retailer…….whatever the objective, be sure they are aware and can fulfill your requirements.  The other big take away for me was a great reminder – that the blogger must mirror your target market in order to be successful in reaching them!  Don't forget to register your blog for FREE at Blogger Black Book.

Megan is generously offering a 50% discount on her Blogger Black Book year long subscription for only $750 to get her monthly updated lists of bloggers.  Or, if you want to get her one-time download today, it's only $500.  Email Megan directly and be sure to mention ENTREPRENETTE for the discount.

When you hear the word press release what is the first thing you think of?  Somebody has great news to report right?  I think the same thing, and sometimes we can even be jealous of them and wish it was us right?  Did you know that the first thing most people feel when hearing the word press release is fear……of writing one.  Well I can relate to that as well can you?  It can be really hard to write about yourself, especially when needing to sing your own praises – you are sooooo not alone in that sister!   That is why god invented copywriters!  Yahooey! 

So what can we do to get ourselves great news to report? 

1. Getting products to celebrities
2. Reviewed in an on-line magazine
3. Mentioned in the newspaper
4. Landing a really big account
5. Portrayed or profiled in a glossy magazine
6. Hosting a trunk show
7. Doing an in-person event
8. Writing a book
9. Being on TV
10. Getting your product into a movie

My Entreprenette Experts give some great ideas on how to write a great press release that will help you get more eyes on it, more interest, and give you a better shot at some action! You will also find tons of leads for free and paid websites to post our release……and even a few places that will do it all for you…….loving that!  Don't be shy – let the world know what a superstar you are.  It's all in the spin.  And like I mentioned earlier, Copywriters are there for a reason……I use them all the time.

1. One page only!

How to write the best press release: Most importantly, keep your press release to only one page. Just like a resume, the chance of someone reading beyond the first page is slim to none. Hit the high points in the first paragraph and don't forget contact information at the end.

Thanks to: Barbara Schantz of Baby Dipper, LLC.

2. Be Clear and To the Point

How to write the best press release: Anyone can get names of editors and bloggers, and anyone can send them email trying to promote oneself. Remember, these people are super busy and are flooded with such requests. That's why your press release needs to be consise, about a specific event/product/service launch, get quickly to why/when/where and what. Keep in mind - don't send info about a new toaster to a fashion mag - make sure the product or service is relevant to the recipient. Good luck!

Thanks to: Joanna Morgan of Joanna Morgan Designs.

3. Make It Funny

How to write the best press release: A great press release is a unique press release. Don't get lost in the shuffle with your competitors and stand out by using a little humor, specifically in the title or in the first few sentences. It never hurts to use hyperbole and a conversational tone to differentiate your company. Not only is it unique but it also adds a much needed human touch to your company.

Thanks to: Tony Adams of Carpet Cleaning DFW.

4. Make sure it's newsworthy

How to write the best press release: In the age of the internet, sending out a press release is easier than ever. While it's tempting to use a site like PR9.net (my favorite) to spread information about your company, it can also be a huge waste of time if you aren't saying anything. If you have important news, share it. If not, spend your time creating something newsworthy. Sending out a continuous stream of aimless non-stories will cause people to tune out over time, defeating the whole point of sending out a press release!

Thanks to: Pam Pennington of Chimney Sweep Houston.

5. Look Big Even If You Aren't

How to write the best press release: My top sites to submit your releases - the more sites you submit to, the better. You'll get more exposure, more press & ultimately more back links to your site: PR.com; OnlinePRMedia.com; PRNewswire.com; Businesswire.com; PRWeb.com; MarketWire.com; eReleases.com; PRLeap.com; Eworldwire.com; InterfacePR.com; Free-press-release.com; Prlog.org; Pressreleasepoint.com. This is a combo of paid & free - save the paid sites for big announcements, submit the rest to the free sites.

Thanks to: Dreama Lee of Efficient Enterprises, Inc..

6. Press Releases for Smart Folks

How to write the best press release: Five easy tips for smart press releases:

1. Properly format and outline your release and what you want to communicate to readers. Answer who, what, when, where, why, and how in message.

2. Don't write "you" or any direct address. Releases aren't ads.

3. Use targeted keywords for SEO.

4. Use both a media list (try Mondo Times) and PRNewswire, PRWeb, or PR.com to distribute your release.

5. Send releases quarterly or when there's any company announcements.

Thanks to: Jasmine Powers of J Powers Marketing & Publicity LLC.

7. Publicize a Good Cause

How to write the best press release: Use a PR site like PR Buzz to spread the word about a good cause your company is doing. Feel good stories not only add a positive connotation and a human element to your business but also have the chance to go viral much easier than your standard piece of self promotion. You can then link to these press releases on your website to enhance credibility for potential customers. Do some good in your community and everyone is a winner.

Thanks to: Gabe Hecht of Decorative Stamped Concrete Dallas.

8. Drop It Like It's Hot

How to write the best press release: A Press Release is only as good as the distribution. You want to get it in front of as many people as possible, preferably in as many fields as possible. The easiest/cheapest way to maximize your audience is to submit your press release to as many free sites as possible. Although I do suggest paying for 1 very comprehensive drop using PRWeb.com. The additional free websites I use are:

PR-Inside.com
I-Newswire.com
PRLog.org
24-7PressRelease.com

Don't forget to be your own biggest fan!

Thanks to: Jillian Rowen of Apple Visual Graphics.

9. I can do PR in my sleep

How to write the best press release: When writing a press release make sure you have the basics, contact information, contact person etc. and make the press release exciting. I love PR in my Pajamas s a great website to promote your business: http://prinyourpajamas.com/ you should only send out press releases when you have exiting news regarding your business i.e. you just got the Entrepreneur of the Year Award or you are launching your new product line etc.

Thanks to: Eula M. Young, COO of Griot's Roll Film Production .

10. If You Write It They Will Come

How to write the best press release: We live and die with our press releases as PR has totally built this company. Everyone should learn how to write one. Key is to make it something you would personally find newsworthy if you were to read or hear about this information. Be brief and get right to the point and grab them right from the start with a catchy title. And a good quote in the release goes a long way. A clear concise press release that states something of interest and is clever and witty can do wonders for your company!

Thanks to: Craig Wolfe of CelebriDucks.

11. Hire Someone!

How to write the best press release: I am a professional golfer working my way through Q-school and I really don’t have time to send out press releases about my career. I tried for awhile to take care of that stuff, but I needed to be on the course practicing in order to achieve my goals. I found a great company, www.buzzrevolution.com that is very affordable and professional. They take care of marketing my image, while I take care of my game on the links!

Thanks to: Jordan Holley of jordanholleygolf.com.

12. Hook Them!

How to write the best press release: When writing a press release my biggest tip is to turn your release into a story! Media and trade publications receive hundreds, sometimes even thousands of press releases every week, many of which are mundane. Since your ultimately goal as a small business owner is to get publicity for your business or organisation you should really focus on adding some pizazz by conveying your businesses goals, successes or endeavours with a great hook or story that grabs attention and makes you stand out!

Thanks to: Victoria O of My Curls.

13. Make your Press Release Timely

How to write the best press release: One of easiest ways to get your press release picked up by the media is to make sure your topic has recently been newsworthy. I own a company that grades restaurants on their cleanliness and health violations. Whenever there is a food product recall or food poisoning outbreak I submit press releases to various media outlets to speak on behalf of the problem.

Thanks to: Dr. Harlan Stueven of Dining Grades, LLC.

14. Target your Release

How to write the best press release: I own a business in which we have a very niche market and really need to target our customers. Blasting out mass press releases on sites such as PR WEB doesn’t really help us. We target financial magazines and even more precisely reporters that cover financial topics in the news. It takes a little more research time but targeting industry specific reporters really enhances the chances that our stories get picked up.

Thanks to: Mike . of Bull Market Gifts.com.

15. PR is SEO

How to write the best press release: Press releases are critical for getting yourself (or your company) in the public eye quickly. I've used PR Web with great success. It ensured that it was picked up by numerous news agencies and with careful keyword selection improved my SEO.
Their service provides analytics, keyword help and even editing help if you need it.

Thanks to: Elizabeth Noblitt of Shi Shi Putter.

16. Embrace Editorial Calendars

How to write the best press release: All publications have editorial calendars outlining the year's issues and publication dates.This calendar will tell you, for example, that your news about Christmas gift baskets must be submitted no later than June 30. The calendar will also tell you how to slant your news release to make it more appealing. For instance, if you create tote bags from recycled plastic bottles, there's a better chance you'll get an editor's attention if you suggest your product for their September "green" theme.

Thanks to: Bonnie Boots of Bonnie Boots Communications.

17. Inverted Pyramid Still Rocks!

How to write the best press release: It is still as important as ever to write a press release like an inverted pyramid, meaning all of the important information in the title and the first few paragraphs. The key is to prioritize your information, putting less important information further down the page. Keep the press release to one page and create an eye catching title! Like the subject line in an email, you only have one shot and a few seconds to catch a journalist's attention! Be bold and creative but follow the pyramid rule!

Thanks to: Christy Cook of Teach My.

18. Who will read it?

How to write the best press release: There are several crucial steps to writing a spectacular press release. It must be concise, full of keywords and detailed. It also must have a headline that is attention grabbing and descriptive. Most importantly, you must get it into the right hands. You can purchase media lists, or you can do the investigative work yourself and find contact information for the editors in your niche. You don’t want to waste your time, or that of busy editors. Send your release to those who will be interested.

Thanks to: Dawn Berryman of Market Mommy.

19. News should be News!

How to write the best press release: The key to writing a killer press release is to provide key information in a short, but engaging way. A great press release can get the message across in the first paragraph, with just a few sentences. You should include a quote and/or picture and remember, you should only be sending out a press release for news-worthy matters, not solely to get press coverage. A great website to use is American Towns, where you can submit your press release to several outlets from the one site.

Thanks to: Jerian DiMattei of BluChip Marketing.

20. Hook Em' With the Facts

How to write the best press release: Great press releases are built on a foundation of facts and research paired with an engaging story or "hook" to get the reader interested. Your title must grab the reader, while the first few sentences must contain the overall vibe of what the release is about. Build the release with the most important information first winding down with the least important facts at the end.Check for grammar and spelling errors! Websites: PRNewswire.com and marketwire.com are standard press release services.

Thanks to: Peter Kelly of Framework Media Strategies.

21. What did you just say?

How to write the best press release: The “who” section of the Killer PR is all about building on the ‘stop-dead-in-your-tracks and keep reading' element that your headline and opening paragraph created a foundation in. The quote section reveals the person behind the press release. So make reader’s pause for reaction asking themselves, (aloud) “did I read that right?” You want publicity? Your story pinged, re-tweeted and bookmarked? Use the quote section to SAY something and stop readers from pressing the back button!

Thanks to: Mys Palmer of Heritage Calls Compositions.

22. The "So What" factor

How to write the best press release: When writing a great press release, you need to think about the "so what" factor. What's the strongest news angle? What will the press care about? When writing the lead and first few paragraphs, you need to say to yourself--What does the press care/want/should know more about? The news angle is the key in getting your releases picked up by the press! Plus, keep it short, sweet and concise.

Thanks to: Sabrina Kidwai of ASAE.

23. Make it readable and findable

How to write the best press release: Use quotes throughout to tell your story - dialogue is always more interesting and credible than plain copy and always include a headshot or other image of the subjects to further engage your readers. For paid distribution, I use PRWeb.com - they do a great job of connecting your release with the right audience and provide great SEO benefits, too. I use local editions of bizjournals.com Executive People on the Move to get free online and print coverage of professional awards, honors, promotions.

Thanks to: Sheila Sheley of Sheley Marketing LLC.

24. Wordsmith Your Subject Line

How to write the best press release: Wordsmith your news release subject line to activate curiosity by readers. "Caregivers All Fired Up About Cooking For Seniors" got coverage for my client. If announcing an upcoming event, include the event date as well in e-mail subject line. Headline in news release should match email subject. Send to appropriate media and also announce via social media marketing and newsletter.

Thanks to: Suzanne Fulton of Soarings, LLC.

25. Think Subtext and SEO!

How to write the best press release: First, write every line with subtext. Think high school English class: 'Show, don't tell.' Every sentence should have an underlying meaning that conveys your confidence, the business demand and the popularity of your brand! Also, today's press release is not your grandma's release. The Web wires are way better at supporting not just press strategies, but search engine optimization. Do your research, and know your keywords and backlink. Include images and video, too, for better pickup.

Thanks to: Leah Nurik of GABRIEL MARKETING GROUP.

26. The Best PR may NOT be a PR

How to write the best press release: The best press release may NOT be a press release. With the prevalence of social media, your message might be better received through a tweet, viral video or blog post--especially if you are trying to reach consumers. Press releases have become so overused and poorly written that the good ones are getting ignored and the entire practice getting a bad rap. If you do write one, avoid marketing jargon and tell a story! After all, a press release is supposed to be news!

Thanks to: Becky Biggs of Technology Association of Georgia.

27. Grab Them In the Gut

How to write the best press release: A good press release is all about the title. It has to be short, sexy and grabby, but at the same time, needs to work from a SEO perspective with the right search terms. It is not easy. The most effective press release titles include words like best, most affordable, first and only, etc. Why should the editor care about your release? Just because the announcement is important to your company, does not mean it is important to the press. The title has to present the WHY this news is important

Thanks to: Mark Shapiro of SRS Tech Media Relations.

28. The Rule of 3

How to write the best press release: Think 3 when you put a release together- list all key points first then circle the top three. Those are the main points communicated in the release. Make sure your headline and sub-head capture those three points and expand upon them in the body. 3 other tips: Don't forget a boilerplate (it's your brand/company statement, and should be consistent on each release); Always include a quote in every release; Make sure to put the release on your own website and social media channels.

Thanks to: Tina McCormack Beaty of C.Fox Communications.

29. IF YOU WRITE IT THEY WILL COME

How to write the best press release: We live and die with our press releases as PR has totally built this company. Key is to make it something you would personally find newsworthy if you were to read or hear about this information. Be brief and get right to the point and grab them right from the start with a catchy title. A good quote in the release goes a long way. Bottom line, a clear concise press release that clearly states something of interest and is clever and witty, will go a long way toward building a company.

Thanks to: Craig Wolfe of CelebriDucks.

30. Don't Forget SEO!

How to write the best press release: Choose 2 keywords: one broad, one narrow. Use throughout your release. Use both keywords (& variations) in headline, summary, lead paragraph, and about section (Boilerplate); use in 1st sentence. Make Headline 65 characters or less & summary should be 155 characters or less in order to show all on Google. Insert entire URL written out http://yoursite.com in summary/lead paragraph in case sites don't copy hyperlinks. Hyperlink keywords to relevant pages on your website/blog (1 link/100 words).

Thanks to: Tasha Mayberry of Social Media 22.

31. Read it out loud

How to write the best press release: The biggest problem with press releases today is lack of clarity. Too many are unnecessarily convoluted and cluttered with corporate-speak. Read your press release out loud as if it were a news story. If you run out of breath, shorten sentences. If it reads like self-promotional ad copy, cut it out. In addition to direct distribution, I mostly post to local e-news sites but have found that 24-7pressrelease.com feeds into multiple sites. Worth checking out for SEO.

Thanks to: Glenn Gillen of S&A Cherokee.

32. Avoid Boring

How to write the best press release: Write facts, but focus on persuasion and engaging your audience. The best press releases catch the target market's eye and makes them want to not only read more but learn more about the company or service in general. After all, marketing your company, gaining positive attention and acquiring clients is the goal of any press release. Even if your subject is dry, aim to make it as interesting and relevant as possible.

Thanks to: Allison Ubriaco of Marketicity.

33. Describe, don't characterize!

How to write the best press release: Even though releases now go direct to consumers, often media are your first audience. Avoid “selling” to media by overusing fluffy adjectives and empty claims. Just describe the product or service – let them decide how great it is by reading the facts. However, this doesn’t mean it must be boring!

Thanks to: Suzie Boland of RFB Communications Group.

34. Quotes on Top

How to write the best press release: Reporters often skim press releases & will more likely include your quotes in their write ups if they are placed under the 1st paragraph, not at the end of the release.

Thanks to: Becky Boyd of MediaFirst PR.

35. Think like a journalist

How to write the best press release: Before writing your release, ask yourself a question journalists will be asking: "What's the headline here?" You might never get your desired headline, but just by asking the question, you'll focus better on telling the story that really matters. And, if you discover you don't have an answer - happens all the time - seriously consider whether there's really any news, and whether the release is necessary at all. In short, exercise news judgement like a journalist does.

Thanks to: Patchen Barss.

36. Make Them Do a Double Take

How to write the best press release: Take a tip from the tabloids and use a headline that screams "You Need to Read This!" Start off with a newsworthy point, e.g. a statistic, a fact, a recent dilemma, to capture people's natural curiosity, and then tie in your company and what it can do to resolve fix/improve/lighten the situation. This way, your release isn't centered on just the business itself, but rather on an issue that the general public can relate to, making it more likely to be picked up by the media.

Thanks to: Joness Gonzales of RER, LLC.

37. Just say no to attachments

How to write the best press release: Don’t throw away all your time and effort spent crafting a killer release by then sending it as an attachment in your email. The attachment could cause your email to get caught in the reporter’s spam filter black hole, never to be seen or heard from again. Also, many media contacts don’t ever open attachments. I recommend creating a news release template that can be copied and pasted into the body of the email. Ever wonder why you’ve never gotten a bite from a release? Mystery solved.

Thanks to: Gretchen Fri, APR of InfoCision.

38. Releaseology

How to write the best press release: It shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to write a news release. The headline and lead sentence are crucial parts. The challenge is going back over it, trying to say the same things in fewer words, which usually have more impact. The pitch is a summary of the most newsworthy content; an in-your-face, eye-opening, enticing sentence to capture the attention of a busy journalist. We don’t believe in carpet bombing information. One guided missile aimed at the right target is the way to go.

Thanks to: Adrienne Mazzone of TransMedia Group.

39. The #1 Secret To PR Success

How to write the best press release: The #1 Secret To A Successful Press Release Is Having An Attention Grabbing Headline! 80% of your Press Release's success is attributed to your headline. Without a powerful headline your chances are almost zero of having your press release get any news play. Google - Obama Using Sneaky Marketing Tricks, this an example of attention grabbing headline. As long as you can tie your story to your headline go crazy - think outrageously.

Thanks to: Bert Martinez of FreePublicityExpert.com.

40. Be Timely! Tell a Story!

How to write the best press release: The best press releases tell a story. They have a catchy lead, are newsworthy and timely, and give the reporter the information they need to write a story. In world of social media and search engine rankings, they also include relevant keywords.

I use i-newswire.com, just so the release has wider distribution.

Thanks to: Christine Parizo of Christine Parizo Communications.

41. Can you make them care?

How to write the best press release: News releases that aren't news-worthy are the bane of the reporter's/editor's existence, so make it sizzle. Tease their interest with a catchy headline and short introductory sentence. Use the next sentence to answer the first question they might ask themselves. Make it short and snappy AND cover all the basics. Is there a downside to having a reporter call for more indepth information? If it's a dreary same-old-same-old, skip the news release...they won't read it anyway.

Thanks to: Susan Milhoan of STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc.

42. Give 'em quotes

How to write the best press release: Most press releases suck because they come off like what they are: a company tooting its own horn. Instead of just writing about yourself, lace your press release with quotes from your customers, your employees, and industry experts. This will give reporters good fodder to write a story without feeling like they're just getting pitched with an advertisement.

Thanks to: Michael Kaiser-Nyman of Impact Dialing.

43. The Best $3 You'll Ever Spend

How to write the best press release: Angle 1: Appeal to the masses. Everyone's trying to save a buck, time and gas, while satisfying their social consciousness. So, our press release shares how to do it all for only $3.

Angle 2: Solve something. Our press release presents a dilemma that thousands of women face nationwide. Then we present our $3 solution.

Angle 3: Attach a celebrity. Our press release highlights specific female celebs who find themselves on a frightening list, and what you can do to support those like them.

Thanks to: Pamela Thompson Smith of Smith Ink, LLC.

44. Broaden the national appeal

How to write the best press release: Every press release writer thinks their release will stand out and get the media's attention. When working in a small town or smaller market, your headline has just a few seconds to get the reporter's attention or end up "deleted." Tie in your headline to a national appeal or showcase that this newsworthy accomplishments goes above and beyond local readers and create a value proposition that they want to cover this story before it goes regional or national.

Thanks to: Crystal Brown-Tatum of Crystal Clear Communications.

45. How to write a press release

How to write the best press release: A simple press release can be written in an hour and has the following components: A headline to catch the audience’s attention, a lead paragraph sharing the most important pieces of information, a second paragraph that offers details about the story, a quote from a relevant spokesperson and a final paragraph, called a boilerplate, that provides a company backgrounder with a link to the company site. Depending on the story, the release is then be sent to print, broadcast and online media.

Thanks to: Amy levy of Amy Levy Public Relations, Inc..

46. One Size Does Not Fit All

How to write the best press release: Being relevant is the most important thing. Tailor your release to the recipient. If your new suspense novel features hockey as a sub-plot, then when you're sending to hockey magazines, re-focus on your hockey credentials and that aspect of the book. If the story takes place in Vancouver, when you send to the media there adjust your release to address why you chose Vancouver for the setting. If it's not pertinent to them, they have no reason to print it. Generic just won't cut it anymore.

Thanks to: K. S. Brooks of Award-winning Author & Photographer.

47. A Producer's Dream

How to write the best press release: If I like the news and topic of your press release and it states that you can provide or assist with getting visuals that support your story such as professional quality video, high resolution pictures, and props. Plus, if you have connections to supporting interview subjects and include facts or statistics from credible sources, you've just made my job as a TV Producer so much easier. I'd book you! The more a producer knows what you can bring to the table before the booking, the better.

Thanks to: Tiffany Pittman of "The Balancing Act" on Lifetime TV.

48. Make Your Headline a Grabber

How to write the best press release: Of all the press releases I've ever written, my favorite was for a client's book on electronic privacy. Instead of the boring, predictable "Electronic Privacy Expert Releases New Book" (snore!), I wrote "It's 10 O'Clock--Do You Know Where Your Credit History Is?" Use a similar approach to catch reader attention and tell "the story BEHIND the story."
-Shel Horowitz, primary author, Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green

Thanks to: Shel Horowitz of GreenAndProfitable.com.

49. Make it about them, not you

How to write the best press release: Write a great story instead of writing about how great you are. Ask and answer:

1. Why is this information newsworthy?
2. Why would people care about this?

Remember your customers in the process of writing your press release. Use your press release to solve a problem for them while offering a strong hook for the media at the same time. Don't just say you're worthy of the media's and your customers' attention. Prove it.

Thanks to: Gayle Nowak of My Writing Remedy.

50. Scan hot topics and headlines

How to write the best press release: Tie your news into a hot topic or current event--the more outrageous or incredible, the better. It's the quickest, easiest way to let your readers know (without explicitly telling them) why your news is relevant to their lives. Because the hot topic is already on everybody's minds, your press release is practically guaranteed to be shared, liked and tweeted via social media. One caveat: be sure you like attention, because you're likely going to get a lot of it.

Thanks to: Nichole Bazemore of Simply Stated Solutions.

51. Use Your Community

How to write the best press release: The best release is to have it come from your community, as a third
party reference.

Have your fans, and online followers reach out to magazines, blogs,
TV, and more to tell them about the work you do. I've noticed a much
better response from the press, and my community enjoys helping me
with my cause, too.

Thanks to: Walt Ribeiro of For Orchestra.

52. Press Release SEO

How to write the best press release: An optimized press release is great for SEO! Here are the steps: 1. Choose your business announcement. Pick something catchy yet newsy. Your content should be journalistic. Put anything promotional in quotes. 2. Choose two keyword phrases to focus on. 3. Use these phrases in your title, synopsis and 2-3 times in your content. 4. Use a quality distribution service. I like the premium i-newswire.com service. It is low cost and you can add keywords, pictures, videos and live links to your website.

Thanks to: Jayna Locke of Your Wish Marketing.

53. Not Just for Journalists . . .

How to write the best press release: Press releases are naturally full of keywords, and are often some of the best indexed pages on a website, so you attract a lot of visitors who are not reporters, but interested in your content. The press release page will be the first page of your site that they come to, and if they can't immediately see how to find out more, they'll leave.

So build plenty of calls to action and links to other parts of your site into your press releases for these visitors - think beyond the journalists!

Thanks to: Philippa Gamse of Total 'Net Value, Inc..

54. Tell a Story

How to write the best press release: Be creative. Write your lead as if you were writing the opening to a short story. This will grab the media outlet's attention. However, unlike a short story, the lead must also contain the who, what, where, and when of your announcement since most editors don't have time to read beyond the first two paragraphs. It takes practice, but it will deliver results.

Thanks to: Kevin Fritz of Fritz Communications.

55. Don't Bore Us

How to write the best press release: Song writers live by the mantra ‘don’t bore us, get to the chorus’. It’s true for press releases. Make your audience aware of what you are promoting. An ambiguous title, long-winded introduction and passive language will only serve to undermine your message. Initially use a one sentence summary paragraph for the core point. Throughout the press release use short sentences, quotes, clear language and no overblown expressions. In short: compress your press release as much as possible.

Thanks to: Stephen Logan of Koozai.

56. Make the Social Connection!

How to write the best press release: To build a killer press release always make the social connection!

Connect with the world- find out what links your topic to other current events. Reporters love when you make their jobs easier.

Connect with social media- If you don't have a Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn account your missing out on great company exposure. Use these sites to create a note/blog. Make sure to tag your clients & sponsors. It's a great way to increase visibility, engage followers, and it's FREE to post.

Thanks to: Rachel Green of A Brand CalledU Public Relations.

57. Quote This.

How to write the best press release: Make your press release interesting by quoting a person that is affiliated with the company/organization, commenting about what the release is trying to publicize.

If the release is about or mentions an individual, directly state what types of expert comment the individual can provide and include their contact information.

Include clients, targets or referral sources in releases when possible, to provide a “value-add” to your relationship with them.

Thanks to: Rebecca Dill of Poston Communications.

58. News Junkies Give Great Press!

How to write the best press release: Great press means being TIMELY and that can only happen if you are fully plugged into the news locally and nationally. You should be prepared to act quickly and you must seize the day when relevant news occurs organically. The window for being ‘TRULY TIMELY’ is short, whether you are ready or not.

A perfect news-based publicity opportunity may open suddenly and can snap shut just as quickly. When entering the arena of the news business be ready to fully engage at a moments notice!

Thanks to: Sandra Gehring of Breaking Your Own News.com.

59. Fast PR with Templates

How to write the best press release: My best tip for writing press releases is to create standard templates that you can use over & over again. Once you develop a recipe based on good writing fundamentals, you can crank out press releases pretty quickly. Your template should include your: 1) boilerplate company description 2) Search keyword phrase 3)customer/spokesperson quotes 4)call-to-action next steps, and 5) contact info for questions/interviews. Create templates for your most common releases, new products, new customers, etc.

Thanks to: Sue Watkins of SMBmarketer.com.

60. Tell a story

How to write the best press release: Instead of sending out press releases about every internal move you make within the company, think of an interesting story and how it can involve YOU. Write your press release like a real newspaper article and feature yourself as the expert. Give tips, quotes and your take on topics that are newsworthy and that people want to know more about. Editors and producers are always looking for the perfect story-- not just a local business to promote.

Thanks to: Amber Watson-Tardiff of Legal Marketing Maven.

61. Keep It Short and Sweet

How to write the best press release: Keep your press release short and sweet – journalists are on a deadline, so you should take that into consideration before writing a novel-length announcement. Be catchy, informative and succinct – all at the same time. While you want to get to the facts, try to write something that sets your news apart from the rest, whether through an attention-grabbing headline or bulleting out your key messages.

Thanks to: Sara Campbell of Wonacott Communications, LLC.

62. Be seen, heard and remembered

How to write the best press release: When writing a press release you have to remember that you're going through a filter first (a journalist). Your release is designed to draw their attention and get them to write about your brand. Get to know the people you're writing the release for. Read the journalists's previous articles, know the style of their publication. Think about how you can make their job easier. The easier you make it for them to cover your press release, the more likely it is to be used.

Thanks to: Peter Turkington of Peter Turkington PR Consulting.

So everyone wants awesome PR right? I know I do and am not ashamed to admit it…….but how does one get it?  When I had my handbag line, I worked with several PR companies until I hired my sister to come inhouse. Over the years, I learned many tricks of the trade, but my favorite is to look at the advertising editorial calendars (on the main website for the mag) to see what the magazines are working on so you know what to pitch.  Obviously pitching on-target is the most important thing. I'm not saying they won't look at something "unusual", but often they are just too busy and overworked.

There are some great tips in this list, so if you are looking for some new ideas……read on and become a star!

"If you follow yourself you don't have any competition" – anonymous woman on the street.

This one sentence sparked a fabulous dinner conversation a couple weeks ago.  It is something I often used to fret about when I started my first handbag line, but in the end I really didn't see them as competition, just other designers doing different things.  It wasn't until a major designer copied my signature bag that I felt the wrath of competition swell – which was healthy – and a good reminder that I wasn't bullet proof.

We all have moments of fear (fleeting as they may be) relating to our competition and wonder how they are doing it differently, the same, worse or possibly better than you are. And there are those of us who never think about it, or just plain ol' don't care what they are doing as it wouldn't make a difference to you.

These days I take a good look at my competition to see what I can learn about myself.  I strive to be better, stronger, faster just like you and don't always have the answers. I reached out to my Entreprenette experts who offer some great tips like looking at competitors forums and solving those problems in your business, emphasizing what sets you apart, checking keywords, and back-links  to see if you should use them too, and most importantly to remember there is room for all of us!

Check out their great tips.  Love to know what you do too.  If you want to share your smarts with me, become an Entreprenette expert by clicking here.

Dear Sarah,

I make these super cute round terry towels, that are incredibly absorbent, and have an unique button loop so you can hang it from almost anything; towel bars, stove bar, fridge handle, apron strings, high-chairs, cribs, strollers, tennis bags,  and gym bags.  I have targeted several celebrity moms, chefs, tennis pros and dog lovers who I want to send these to (I have your "How to get your products to Celebrities" CD) but how can I promote this if I can't get a photo of the celeb with my product since it most likely will be used in the home and not worn like a handbag or other fashion item?

Thanks,
Lana  Simply Lana

Dear Lana,

Thanks for asking this question. In this instance, I would proceed as planned to send to your target celeb list.  Perhaps you will see a tennis pro using one or a celeb mom with one on her stroller (cute photo on your website by the way) that you can find on TMZ or another celeb website or even in a weekly magazine.  But the approach you might want to take with this item in particular, is to find out what charities these celebs are into and offer to give a percentage of the towel of their choice to their favorite charity. That would give you the ability to put their photo on your website and drive traffic through social media and the celebs Facebook page as well.

Let me know how it works out!
xoxo
Sarah

Do I hear you groaning already?  So many creative inventors just cringe when they hear the words sales and marketing, even though you know deep deep deep down that this is the entire backbone of your survival…….right?  I have been right there with you sister…..I had the hugest-most-gigantic resistance for many years until I learned how to do it…….really learned…….not just going through the motions, but really understanding WHY it is important, and HOW to communicate with my target market.   Learning how to find your target market, engage them, keep up communication, and deliver what they want to buy is the name of the game! 

I reached out to my team of Entreprenette Experts to get you their best tips on how to grow your business!

Of course feel free to share your tips too! 

Hello Sarah,

I recently opened an Etsy shop selling personalized accessories for little girls, moms, teachers, and much more! We are still in the process of growing our site and we plan to expand to other types of accessories as well. I have been doing a handful of blog giveaways and trying to grow my FB and Twitter followers.
 

I am contacting you to see if you have any more suggestions or ways to get our name out there. I feel the blog giveaways have helped some, but not much with actual sales at this point. I know there are places to pay as sponsors on blog sites and other paid advertising, but since we are just getting started we can't that at this time. I'm sure there are ways to increase sales by paying but I'm going for the time and hard work route:) Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks so much,
Julia Forbes – Once Upon a Sugar Tree

Dear Julia,

I took a look at your Etsy site and your products are very cute and I can see the appeal. I do have a few suggestions for a few "free" sales and marketing things you can do to increase fans, followers and sales – trifecta! 

• From your website, I clicked on FB and Twitter and it took me to the Etsy pages.  Is this required?  If not, then I suggest redirecting those to your proper pages so it is easier to follow you.
• On your FB page, I noticed that you only post products you are selling…….don't mean to be harsh, but that is boring and does not build relationships with anyone who is a fan.  I'd like to see you find ways to engage your fans and get them to comment on your page. Ask questions, post a tip, figure out what they want from you and give it to them mama!
• Twitter is the same way.  In order to build a following, you need to  give people something to relate to.  If you haven't had a chance to listen to my interview with Ted Rubin, I suggest finding 30 minutes as he dives into buildng relationships on line and how to do that.
• Ok, now for blogging!  I would suggest building your own blog so you can write to your target market.  But be sure you are committed to this effort.  Not everyone can be.  They don't have to be long – 300 words or less is best.  Also- they can be varied types of posts; an original blog, a weekly tip, a product suggestion…..  there are many options.
• As for give-aways on blogs.  My feeling is that it is only worth it if they have over 5000 readers.  You have the right to ask how many. A good idea is to look them up on Alexa.com and compare them to other blogs on Compete.com.  This will give you some "real" numbers to compare to what they tell you.
• Lastly, I am wondering if you are wholesaling now or plan to?  This can be much more lucrative than relying on web sales to build a successful brand.  If you are planning to wholesale, I suggest starting to build a store list right away so you have potential customers at your fingertips.  Find companies whose products you feel you might "sit next to" in a store and see if they have retail outlets listed on their website.  If so, download the lists and let your fingers do the walking!

I hope this gives you a few more avenues to walk down.

Good luck with your line……can't wait to see what develops, please let me know

xoxo

Sarah

I recently met Ted Rubin at a Savor the Success event in NYC.  He was on a social media panel talking about his passion – being social and the ROR – Return on Relationship – a term he coined.  I was lucky to grab a quick interview with him between this jet-setters flights around the country speaking here and there….. Ted has helped launch mah-j-or brands over the years and now concentrates his time consulting and working as a Social Marketing Strategist. 

Some quick take-a-ways are:

1. Listen to your peeps – really listen
2. Make your tweets about what THEY need/want
3. Ask how you can serve/help them
4. Get to know your peeps so you can understand what their passion points are
5. Follow everyone back to help build your social network faster
6. Use Just Unfollow to unfollow folks who don't follow you back (after a few days of course!)
7. Create tweets that are only 122 characters so they are easy to RT
8. Always be building relationships

Plug on in and listen to some cool advice about how to use twitter to build relationships and spread the word about your brand. This not only helps build brand awareness, but also will ultimately build your sales as well.  Can you imagine tons of brand ambassadors singing your praises on Twitter?  Once you have raving fans, they will spread the word like wildfire for you – for free!  Think how often you see posts and tweets about how much people hated something, or were treated badly…..imagine how fast thy might react if they were trilled and had a relationship with you!!!!!

Follow Ted on Twitter and Facebook

Dear Sarah

1.     Website: I’d suggest changing the images on the home page to reflect your best selling categories instead of particular items. You might have one box that is the pick of the week and spot light one special item there.

2.     Navigation bar: Your navigation bar is very-very-very full and sort of hard to read. I’d try to group things more into categories so it’s easier on the eye. For example: Toddler hats, Baby hats, Diaper gear, Dress up, Hair clips, etc…

3.     Mailing list sign up: You are missing a HUGE opportunity to build your mailing list and take advantage of direct sales opportunities by not having a sign up box.

4.     Your blog: This is a great opportunity to connect with your customer base. I’d like to see you blogging at least 2x a week about things your target market wants to learn about. What are you an expert in? It is best to use your blog to show the world how much you can teach them, rather than use it to self promote.

5.     FB and twitter icons: I don’t see any links to Social media. I’d add those to the top of your website to make it easy for anyone to click. Again, you are missing out on free marketing tools.

6.     Charity Driven Products: If you are promoting the Israeli products, then what about giving a percentage to a charity? That might make those sales move faster.

7.    Colors: You might consider changing the black to a more kid friendly color that relates more to your product line.

8.    About you: Your story is interesting but could be written better by a pro….hard to write about yourself. 

9.    Facebook: Try to use your FB page to build rapport with your fans, not just sell to them. There is so much selling going on everywhere it’s like a Bazaar at times. Try to use your page to give supportive info and ask questions to get to know your target market better.

10. Connect:  Figure out who your target market is and start to “hang out” where they are and show them what a super star expert you are in all cute things for kids……… maybe there are mommy groups, mom bloggers, YMCA, local schools or religious communities where you can do a “pop up” sale one day like a tupperware party.