Do’s and Don’ts of Media Releases

Do’s

Do send relevant news.
Do check the accuracy of all facts, especially names, titles and phone numbers.
Do include ‘quotable quotes’ – sayings or comments that stand out for their originality, simplicity and strength – and source your quotes.
Do have permission from all quoted and referenced sources.
Do have at least two other individuals proofread your news release.
Do send a URL link for organisation information, white papers and other information.
Do spend time developing an engaging heading and subject line, and the first 10 words of the lead paragraph. This could be the difference between an editor reading on or clicking delete.
Do ensure that you have highlighted the top benefits or value of your event, product, service or what it is you are promoting.
Do include the contact details of the best person for further information. This will be the face of your organisation.
Do include further contact information such as how to obtain a media kit via post.
Insert the word ‘more’ at the bottom of the first page if it is necessary to continue onto a second page.
Study the media to learn what is news.
When using a dictionary always use the first word supplied.
Give phonetic pronunciation [in parenthesis] for difficult names or places.

Don’ts

Don’t send any attachments, including photographs.
Don’t use HTML tags, bold type, underline or colour text.
Don’t send a lengthy news release (more than 650 words). You will alienate the editor.
Don’t exaggerate or make inflated claims. Stick to the facts.
Don’t use jargon or clichÃ©s. Go for originality and freshness. Editors love clever writing and an interesting angle that points to a solution to an issue or a trend.
Don’t use complicated language if there is an easier way of saying it.
Don’t use fluffy language with too many adjectives.
Don’t wait until the window of opportunity has closed on sending out your news release. If the public has lost interest, you have missed your moment.
Don’t leave out pertinent facts, even if they are negative towards you.

TERMS OF USE

By sending a press release and/or signing up for a subscription of our service Get The Word Out, you agree to the following terms of use, limitations, quality policy and fair use policy. Get The Word Out reserves the right to suspend or delete your account if any of the terms below are believed not to have been adhered to. Get The Word Out reserves the right to delete any content that does meet the following terms and policies.

1. Accuracy

By using Get The Word Out, you agree to only publish information that you know to be true and accurate. You are solely responsible for the facts and accuracy of all information submitted by you for distribution by Get The Word Out. Get The Word Out will make reasonable efforts to correct any error of fact brought to its attention.

2. Acceptable content

You agree to only submit content that might be classified as a “news announcement”. That is: it is a new event or statement related to the company or organisation that the release is being submitted under. You agree not to use Get The Word Out to distribute how-to articles, generally-information articles, whitepapers, or opinions. You must not submit content that infringes on copyright or the proprietary rights of a third party, or is unlawful or offensive. Releases must adhere to professional standards and may be deleted if they do not. You acknowledge that we reserve the right to edit your release's headline, subject and body text to ensure it is appropriate, relevant and suitable for the purpose.

3. Attribution

You agree to submit content only on behalf of the organisation that the release is being submitted under. Content that may be considered misleading in terms of who the material is being submitted by, or in terms of who the content is related to should not be posted and may be deleted or edited. When submitting a release you must be the owner of the email that is being used to send emails via Get The Word Out.

4. Categorisation

You agree to categorise content only under those categories that are relevant to the content. In general, we advise attempts to categorise content under more than five categories will lead to that content being reviewed and possibly removed. You acknowledge that we reserve the right to edit release's tags to ensure your release is sent only to relevant people.

5. Linking and fair-use

You agree not to add more than one link to a website in any press release. Over-linking solely for Search Engine Optimisation purposes is not allowed and is advised against due to penalties that may be associated with over-linking. And our gremlins will hunt down over-linking and delete such transgressions.

Inquiries concerning any Get The Word Out content including text, photos, video, audio and other content, or that may be related to the use of the Get The Word Out service should be addressed to The Director, Digitaliyf Pty Ltd of PO Box 3045, Newstead, 4006 Australia.