I was shaking my head while reading a news article about an organization that was going to have its kickoff press conference. This organization is made up of people from various backgrounds united for a single cause, and all of them were listed as speakers. Like press releases, press conferences should limit the number of people who are given a voice.
Continue reading “How Many Speakers at a Press Conference?”
We have received many startup funding announcements through our publication, MadisonStartups.com, and they have been all over the map in terms of the format. Remember, your goal is to present the most important facts in descending order. Follow this template on how to write a press release for your startup’s funding.
Continue reading “Startup Funding Press Release Template”
A local company (name withheld) distributed a press release today indicating that it was a sponsor of an annual event that took place one month ago. Here are the first two paragraphs:
What is the news value of this press release? I can’t imagine any editor, reporter or blogger would read beyond the headline, let alone decide to do a story on this. Plus, as a sponsor, this company already received recognition.
I caution clients to avoid distributing press releases unless there is obvious and significant news value. Otherwise, all you’re doing is conditioning the media outlet to ignore you, and that will hurt you when you do have something important to say.
If you have to pat yourself on the back, like this company did, then do so in a blog post for your company website and add some personal thoughts. That’s where this “story” belongs.
Finally, don’t get me started on how bad the lede is.