Tag: What is Public Relations

Anatomy of a media release

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I was recently asked on Twitter how easy it was to write a media release.

It’s never 100% easy, no matter how many times you’ve written a media release.

Sure, it becomes EASIER, but it’s never “EASY”.

In today’s post I thought I’d give you a bit of an insight into some of the steps involved when writing a media release.

Now, assuming we’re working with a client for the first time, I like to do research beforehand on their topic area, and make sure my contacts in their “space” (i.e. education writers for an educational product) are up-to-date and aware of the work we’re doing!

So once initial research and contact has been made with media, it’s on to step one. The angle of the release, during a consult with the client I work on a strategy and what (collectively) we’d like to achieve from this release.

With this in mind, it’s back to the research desk, and it’s time to start writing with the help of any exisiting material from the client.

I then create a “skeleton release, send this to the client for their input.

Pending deadlines, this can sit with a client anywhere between 24-48 hours, but generally I don’t like to leave it any longer than this.

Once I have the first lot of feedback and inputs from the client, I then give the release some shape, make sure the language is easy to understand and remove any “industry talk” that has the potential to be lost in translation.

Then it’s back to the client for the final lot of inputs, again this may sit with them for another 24 hours this time, absolute maximum.

Once I give this version a final lick and polish and send it to the client for their sign off it’s onto media engagement time.

That, in summary, is the process of writing a media release.

If you’d like Pursuit Communications to assist with writing a media release for your business, contact me to arrange a time to meet over Zoom or FaceTime.

Consult with someone who knows

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When you’re running a business, you want to engage with the best people to get optimum results.

We’ve all heard the saying “You don’t ask a mechanic about your water pipes”, so why would you engage the services of someone who doesn’t understand the PR landscape to help you communicate your message?

Pursuit Communications knows the best media outlets to contact (and the people behind them)  across a wide variety of sectors, including niche “vertical” outlets within a multitude of industries.

It’s knowing “Who’s who in the zoo”, their deadlines, their communication preferences and so many other variables to get your message across to the media and to your desired audience.

It’s also an ability to think creatively, understanding what’s the BEST way to communicate your message to the media and your customers, that’s going to stand out from the rest!

With our first Small Business September offering – a 1:1 phone call, over 30, 60 or 90 minutes, we can cover all of this – and more.

So if you’d like to have a discussion, click here to get started and connect with someone who knows.

 

 

What makes a media release?

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Over the coming days on Instagram we’re sharing just some of the components of a media release that will get noticed!

In coming up with this content, it reinforced to me what a multilayered “beast” the media release is.

Beyond the content, which is arguably the most important element, there’s so much more to a media release. JPEG image-4172F6698DF5-1

There’s the fact that you need to tailor it to HOW you’re distributing the release, there’s font consideration and so much more (we have allocated 10 days to it on Instagram!).

Do you need a media release for your business to share the news of a new product line in store?

Perhaps you’ve been selected for a local business award, certainly, THAT’s worth sharing!

Or maybe you’ve just managed to secure a top influencer online or a celebrity to promote your product!

Whatever it is, we can assist with your next media release. CLICK here to view how we can help. 

I look forward to sharing some tips with you and reading your feedback.

 

What is Public Relations – a 2017 definition

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This week on our INSTAGRAM (link opens new tab!) account I’ve been highlighting the critical elements of Public Relations in 2017.

The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) defines Public Relations (PR) as: “the deliberate, planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain mutual understanding between an organisation (or individual) and its (or their) publics. It’s the key to effective communication in all sectors of business, government, academic and not-for-profit.” 

How does that translate into simple terms in 2017?

It’s the art of communicating.

Yes, I believe there is an art to communicating and getting your message across.

A “good” PR practitioner knows who (how to drill down to your audience) to target, where (which outlets) to target, when (when is the best time to reach these media outlets and when is the best time for placement) to target your message.

Given the ever-increasing dominance of social media, messages can and must be shared across these channels as part of a comprehensive and effective PR campaign.

There’s no argument that the media landscape is incredibly “noisy”, in that through channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat (to name a few) having your share of voice is becoming more difficult.

That being said, there IS a way to get your product or service seen by your ideal customers. Talk to the experts (that’s the Pursuit Communications team!) about how we can create a tailored service to meet and achieve your goals.

For as little as $75 you can have a consultation (link opens new tab!) with me, Brooke Simmons, to explore what options will best deliver results for your business.

BONUS:: BOOK a session now (we’ll talk over Skype or Facetime or over coffee if you’re between Newcastle & Sydney) and I’ll provide a FREE 10-minute social media makeover (or beginners tips if you’re just starting). Valid until 1/6/2017.