Writing Tips for Google News and Social Media Releases

Tips to Writing a Successful Press Release for Google NEWS & Social Media Sites

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1. Do not use all-caps in your headline.  Google News does not like that!


2. DO not use THE SAME TITLE  IF YOU PUBLISH YOUR RELEASE on different newswire. Change your opening paragraph- if you keep the same title and opening paragraph, Google NEWS will list your release as a duplicate.


3. For RushPRnews, REMOVE: "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE on top (if you don't, Google News may use it as the snippet ). Move contact information at the bottom.


4. Remove Dates from your title: Google will drop you much faster once that date is passed


5. Strong title - Make it short and punchy -if you don't keep it short, it will be cut off on Google News.


6. Subtitle/header should be a compelling. The headline makes your release stand out. The subtitle may be slightly longer and more descriptive.  Keep it short, active, and descriptive. If you don't know how, read a number of compelling headlines to get inspired. You can do a search on the Internet to find compelling headlines. Or ask us.


7. Opening paragraph -CITY, STATE (RPRN) DATE - START TEXT -Hook the reader with the first paragraph. A first paragraph must summarize the five W's: who, what, where, when and why. In fact, most readers will give up if you haven't hooked them in the first few lines.


8. Keywords- place your most important keywords in the opening paragraph but don't over do it.   In other words, if you want to publicize your local bagel shop in Los Angeles, in your title use something like "Los Angeles Bagel Shop To Open Franchises", then again in the opening paragraph, use your keywords.


9. Hyperlink your keywords to relevant pages/urls.


10. Put the most important information at the beginning. This is a tried and true rule of journalism. Editors receive dozens of releases everyday and they don't have the time to go hunting for the important information.


11. Don't say it, show it. Avoid saying something is "unique" or "the best". Instead, show how people will benefit - i.e. save time, save money, make their life easier, etc.


12. Get a quote from someone who has reviewed your product or used your services.


13. Spell-check and spell-check! Do remember to proofread your press release for typographical errors before you send them out.


14. Bottom line: For more information, contact: followed by your contact information. Provide all possible contact information including mail address, telephone, fax, e-mail and web site (especially for online business).


15. Length: Your press release must be at least 250 words to be listed on Google News.


16. Finally, you may add a boilerplate, be it a short bio or company's profile at the end of the release. The boilerplate remains the same in all release and is typed in a smaller font. At the very least, add a "About Us" paragraph.  For corporate clients, I recommend a boilerplate, for individuals,  include a one-sentence bio.


17. Give credit to the photographer or illustrator, if using images


18. Submit your release to social Media and bookmarking Sites, such as Digg, Twitter and Mixx

Thank you,

Anne Howard

Editor-in-Chief, CEO RushPRNews

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for PR 2.0 services, visit www.annehowardpublicist.com

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