How to Write a Good Press Release to Promote your Online Reputation: 7 Tips

No matter big or small, dealerships need to constantly promote their business reputation. Periodic press releases can help dealers dominate both the local press and local search results.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Keep it short and to-the-point

As a rule of thumb your press release should be short and to the point. Busy journalists usually don’t have the time to go over long winded press releases. Aim to keep it all on one page, though a couple of pages are acceptable if the occasion demands it.

Keep the language simple, to-the-point and avoid clichés as much as possible.

2.  Write attention-grabbing headlines

A strong, engaging headline is the key to driving visitor attention. Try to invoke curiosity.

Remember, readers need a clear idea what they are getting into. Including keywords related to your topic right in the headline is a requirement if you are to show up in search results. Try not to be cryptic.

3. Add a press release summary

This is important in leading in the reader right into the press release. Summarize the news in a couple of lines of highlighted copy before the first paragraph. Treat this intro paragraph like the press release in a nutshell.

a. Focus on the 5Ws

Every press release should be able to answer all the 5 Ws-

1. What - What is happening?
2. Why - Why is it happening?
3. When - When is it happening?
4. Where – Where is it happening?
5. Who - Who is affected/involved?

If your press release involves all of this information, readers are likely to get the full picture.

Also try including the ‘H’, - "How is it happening?”

b. Insert quotes to provide insights

Adding a good quote can help give a human touch to the press release. Make sure that the quote is from a real person in a leadership role at the dealership. Try to summarize an interesting promise or a takeaway in the quote.

One last thing. Keep it brief. If it has four or more long sentences, cut it short.

c. Include your contact information

Most press releases are shared via email and many dealerships do forget to include their contact information.

Add the phone number and email id of your media contact in the press release. Insert the contact information right before the press release footer.

4. Check for errors

Typos and factual errors can be embarrassing and make you look unprofessional.

Proofread your press release a couple of times before hitting the send button. You can also use online tools to get the job done.

Besides typos, look for inconsistencies, passive voice, or grammatical errors.