Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

By: Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com

It’s no secret that I strongly believe copy (the written part of any marketing material) is the secret to sales success. There are specific formulas that apply to all marketing efforts and they can roll over into publicity, too. At the same time there is a fine line between promotional copywriting and writing for press releases or news releases.

The main objective of press releases is to share your news. By definition, news is previously unknown information. So, your job is to share information about your business accomplishments that educate and alert the media or your core market about something NEW, timely, relevant and of value.

It’s also important to know that press releases aren’t just for the media anymore. You can post them to your blog, distribute to free press release sites and use them as sales tools. However, you don’t want your press release itself to be “salesy”. Your press release should be written in Associated Press style and should not have hyped up words. The point of your press release is to provide valuable information that will promote thought, action and possibly generate media coverage depending on your press release strategy. It’s important to understand that there is a fine line between your promotional materials and your press releases. While you can use a press release as a sales tool, you should not use traditional ‘sales’ language in your release because it will be viewed as hype and quickly end up in the trash (virtually and literally depending on distribution channels).

If you are interested in media attention you need to follow proper formatting and protocol. When crafted properly, press releases (distributed both online and offline) can help you gain credibility, drive traffic to your website and increase your chances of getting media publicity. Press releases should be a regular part of your promotional plan. As such, it’s important to know that releases need to be written in a different style than traditional web copy, sales letters or any other copy for that matter.

Here are five tips to help you make the most of your press releases:

1. Know your strategy before you write your release. (Do you want to generate online traffic or gain traditional media exposure?)
2. Follow the correct press release format to keep your business reputation in tact
3. Be clear on the difference between copywriting and writing a press release
4. Make sure you are delivering news and not a sales pitch
5. Be sure to distribute your press release to the appropriate channels (i.e. if you’re contacting main stream media have the appropriate contact information for the person that covers that beat)

By following these simple tips you’ll be better prepared to share your news with the world.

Take a moment to review your press release efforts today.
What have you done that is newsworthy?
Are press releases a regular part of your plan to share your gifts with the world?

PRESS RELEASE

Six Business Models To Help Entrepreneurs Grow Their Business Examined at Conference

Self made millionaire Ali Brown held the conference on November 5th, 6th and 7th, 2009. There were 500 entrepreneurs, mostly women, in attendance. Brown shared six business models, including pros, cons and keys to success. The models include: One-on-One Service, Coaching/Consulting, Info-Marketing, Train-the-Trainer, Membership/Continuity, and Licensing or Franchising. Brown asked Lisa Manyon, owner of Write On ~ Creative Writing Services, LLC in Lewiston Idaho to speak about her success with the One-on-One Business Model, packages and methods used to grow business. Key note speakers included billionaire Anne McKevitt on branding, Julie Aigner-Clark founder of Baby Einstein, Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank, academy award winning actress Marlee Matlin, Ali Brown and James Roche.

Manyon says “I was honored to speak at Shine. My business model is mostly One-on-One copywriting clients; I’ve also incorporated the Info-Marketing model as well as coaching and consulting. My next move is Membership and Continuity.”

Participants examined revenue streams and business models, identified their top five values, business model direction, income goals, new marketing methods, and areas where additional support is needed to achieve 2010 goals.

“Investing in high-level mentorship and conferences allows me to provide advanced support to my clients.” explains Manyon. “There is nothing better than spending time with like-minded, motivated people who know how to get what they want personally & professionally.”

Lisa Manyon is the President of Write On ~ Creative Writing Services, LLC. A Professional Copywriter, Marketing Strategist and Published Author, she’s a master of authentically matching your message to market. Manyon publishes an electronic newsletter, Manyon’s Musings and subscriptions are free at www.WriteOnCreative.com

Contact:

This is one of the topics I’m most passionate about and I’ve finally compiled all of my experience into a handy, downloadable system that I’m really proud of.

So, if you want to add online press releases to your marketing mix, I highly recommend you snap up a copy of your own. Especially because I’m including a press release review (from me) valued at $550 when you invest in the Proven Publicity & Online Press Release System.

You can get the quick scoop here.

Or get the full scoop here. (even if you’re not a long copy fan, it’s worth the read if you want to know more about my story).

Either way, it’s a great investment in your business and press releases have always brought me great success…here’s a success story to illustrate what can happen when you incorporate press releases into your mix regularly.

Thanks again for all of your support and for being a part of the Write On Community. You are appreciated.

[tags]Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, copy, press release, copywriter[/tags]

Honesty – Ethics & Integrity Matter!!!
From time to time, I’ll send a little inspiration your way because I think it’s important for us to reflect on our lives a bit.