Mattley23 started this topic @ 15:32 on 03/04/2004
Hey peeps,
I have been trying to write a press release for my new company.
Basically the point behind it is to bring the name of my clothing label to the attention of retialers and consumers in my industry sector.
My business launched a few weeks ago and I am now starting to gear up a marketing campaign to include mail shots and email shots. I would love to combine soem press coverage and magazine coverage too but am finding it a little hard to know how to structure such an article so it will appeal to editors.
Can anyone offer any helpfull advice please. Thanks in advance guys and gals.
Matt
----------------------------
www.habaneroclothing.co.uk
----------------------------
STREET - SKATE - SNOW
Retailers needed
------------------------
Matt Giles
Shropshire Garage Conversions
UK DIY Forum
W: Shropshire">href="http://www.shropshiregarageconversions.co.uk">Shropshire Garage Conversions
'Garage conversion specialists'
W: UK DIY Forum
Home Improvement & DIY Forum
RE: Help with press releases please
emplaw | 03/04/2004 06:51 PM
Also try Emma at Zest4.biz, she is back from holiday on Tuesday next and is full of good ideas and contacts.
------------------------
Lee Schwartz Lime One Ltd www.limeone.com 01244 852550
RE: Help with press releases please
richardglynn | 04/04/2004 10:49 PM
Hi Matt,
And thanks for the plug James (who incidentally is a very gifted accountant)
First stop is the Marketing and PR section here on startups.co.uk which can be accessed from the home page. There's loads of advice available on the Internet about news releases and this is as good as any.
I'll pick up on a couple of things:
1. Features. Very hard work indeed. Read your target magazines first before considering a pick your brains chat with the journalists who write for them. Some of them might be freelances who have an 'in' with the magazine and will write your feature for a cost. Ask a features editor for an advanced features list. Many magazines plan 12 months in advance with different themes in each issue. If they're writing about skate clothing companies then you're in woth a chance.
If you're going DIY don't write the feature - write a synopsis outlining why the features editor should consider your story. Make sure you have loads of quality visuals available. Expect loads of knock backs and always have a plan 2,3,4 available. Only speak to one competing magazine at once. Loaded will be brassed off if the same feature appears in FHM at the same time.
And yes, with features, lunches with editors can occasionally help - but make sure you have someting worthwhile to say before you arrange one.
2. Press releases. (Assuming you've read the startup.co.uk advice) Pack it with relevant facts and information and use quotes to enliven the release with opinions. Anything outside quotes should be fact only. E.g. You won't get away with saying Britain Premier clothing website outside a quote (because it reads an advert) however if you include a quote saying (example) "We're aiming to be the best in the UK and have employed three of the finest ecommerce experts to make sure we do." then you might get away with it.
Personalise them. Don't just blast off a 'We have Launched' Release. Pick out your key retailer magazines and send them a 'New Clothing Site Targets Retailers' release. Make sure the word 'Retailers' is in the headline of a news release you send to a magazine read by retailers. The same goes for your key consumer groups too. Make sure there's something about a customer from Kent if you're sending news information to a Kent fashion media title.(If there is one?!)
Think about what editors want to read about (New, Biggest, best, first) and what readers want to read about - not necessarily the same as what you want to say.
And if you're now more confused than ever speak to an expert.
Cheers,
Richard
------------------------
www.thebuzzfactory.co.uk">href="http://www.thebuzzfactory.co.uk">www.thebuzzfactory.co.uk
Unleash the buzz about your business
at the home of pay-as-you-go public relations
