Ivy Lee invented the PR staple more than 100 years ago
The press release was born on Oct. 28, 1906.
That’s the day Ivy Lee released a statement to the press on behalf of Pennsylvania Railroad about a train wreck that killed 50 people. The New York Times printed the article in full.
Given that the press release is more than 100 years old, what old-fashioned, fill-in-the-blanks PR 101 conventions can you release today?
Think Like a Reporter
Develop stories that media outlets want to run
Some 55% to 97% of all releases sent to media outlets are never used, according to Dennis L. Wilcox and Lawrence W. Nolte’s Public Relations Writing and Media Techniques.
So how can you create PR pieces that are among the 3% to 45% of those that actually get the word out?
Put your PR pieces among the 3% to 45% that actually get the word out.
At NOT Your Father's News Release — your team members will learn how to think like a reporter to develop story angles that readers want to read (and that journalists and bloggers want to run). Specifically, you’ll learn how to:
- Fill in the blanks to a great benefits lead: Get formulas for leads that sell the story and stand out from the crowd.
- Move from event to impact: Learn simple steps for transforming your event, speech or meeting coverage into news readers can use to live their lives better.
- Create two types of stories media outlets want more of (and avoid one they wish they’d never see again!)
- Go beyond “new and improved” to information readers really want to know about your product.
- Steal secrets from Silver Anvil winners: What do nationally award-winning PR writers do that you don’t do?
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