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how to write a press release 2011: news examples and ideas

by Isa

Go ahead! Make the news. It's called publicity, and it's been a business strategy for as long as humans have had means to communicate among each other. The most useful publicity is positive (unless you're a movie star) and to that end, there are a myriad of ways to make news and garner media attention.

 

The following examples are especially geared for small businesses invested in sustainable development. It follows that environmental efforts complement the nature of these businesses, therefore the focus below. Naturally, you would apply your own expertise to your newsworthy efforts.

 

Examples addressed in 4 categories

1. Charity and Volunteer Work
2. Environmental Efforts
3. Free Provision of Information
4. Important New Hires

 

1. Charity and Volunteer Work is always hot!

example: local downtown cleanup or walking trail cleanup
example: fundraising golf tournament (fun for all)
example: notice that your employees are given a paid day a year to volunteer at their charity of choice
example: donation of a large game item, e.g., ping pong table, to the Boys and Girls Club
example: highlight of a specific employee who gave her vacation time up to do service work in a developing country

 

2. Environmental Efforts of All Sorts Are Currently Big News!

example: we now recycle all building materials
example: we are offering a free presentation on recycling building construction materials at the Library
example: we have replaced all petroleum based cleaning products with plant based cleaners
example: we donate 1% of our gross earnings to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society

 

3. The Provision of Free Information; i.e., an educational presentation, especially when it’s geared to be relative to a vulnerable or needy audience in a community venue is attractive copy!

example: presentation on healthy interior design practices for moms, including choices of paint, fabric, floor covering and adhesives at the YWCA"
example: presentation on Renewable Energy Installation Basics at Community Action in Haverhill for unemployed laborers

 

4. The Hiring of a Key Executive who offers something special, both to the business and the region might garner some coverage!

 

example: Our ABC Renewable Energy company has hired John Smith to develop our new hydro power department. His first project is to harness the energy of the Merrimack River and thereby provide a less expensive power alternative to Salisbury, MA by Year 2011

 

example: Mark Smith, previously of National Grid International in England has joined us as our new Vice President in charge of developing our green energy offerings in Newburyport. When asked why Mr Smith has chosen to develop a significantly smaller business region, and give up his private airplane and sailboat, he indicates that he had finally found his home with “The Seacoast Green Building” group.

 

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