Menu

In an earlier edition of Buckeye Farm News, we shared some valuable insight into avoiding common mistakes that just about assure your news releases won’t get used. The previous list of slip-ups included providing insufficient or wrong information, writing too long, sending it too late, sending a release with no news value and blatant commercialism.

There are three more errors that commonly cause your release to end up in the trash, according to Joan Stewart, author of "The Publicity Hound."

• Omitting a contact name and phone number. At the top of the first page in the left corner, let editors know who they can call if they have questions.
• Calling after you send a release. Questions like "Did you get my news release?" or "Do you know when it will be printed?" will brand you as a pest. Don't follow up with a phone call to see if the media got your release, unless you are absolutely sure that someone in the newsroom will check for you. Most reporters and editors don't have time.
• Using outdated media reference books. Double-check to see if the person to whom you are sending the news release still works there, and that the address is the same. A news release sent to an editor who left the paper 10 years ago eventually will be routed to the right person, but they'll think you don't care about the paper or who works there.

If you’d like more help with news releases, contact "The Publicity Hound," 3930 Highway O, Saukville, WI 53080.