Press-to! Unleashing the Power of PR

by Sandy Dixon, Interior Arrangements, Inc. ©2002-2007

Free advertising, name recognition, credibility... These are just a few reasons why press releases can be a powerful marketing tool for the redesign and home-staging aspects of your real estate business.

A press release can be used any time you have newsworthy information to report relating to your business, services or yourself. Keep it simple and make certain that the title is interesting and punchy.

Press releases can be used to inform the public on such topics as:

  • Opening your new business

  • Announcing a new service

  • Participation in trade shows, exhibitions, etc.

  • Speaking engagements and presentations

  • Conducting seminars and workshops

  • Articles by or about you

  • Appearances on radio or television

  • Comments on trends

  • Involvement in charitable or community causes

Writing a Press Release that Will Get Noticed

When writing a press release, it is important to state the purpose of your announcement in the first sentence. Media contacts are flooded with daily press releases and they can’t read every one--so make sure it captures their attention at the beginning.

  • Type on your letterhead, never handwrite

  • Double space, use wide margins

  • Avoid big letterheads

  • Keep it to one page

  • Name the contact and contact number

  • Provide release instructions: either FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE or FOR RELEASE ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH

  • The headline should catch their attention…without giving away the whole picture. Type the headline in 14- or 16-point font

  • The first two words are the city and state where the story originates

  • The body of the press release should be in standard 12-point font. Put the most interesting angle or the key information up front. Write concisely. Answer the four W’s: Who, What, Where and Why.

Who to Send Press Releases To

  • Homes editor

  • Lifestyle editor

  • Real estate editor

  • Small business editor

  • Calendar editor

Some additional places to post your press release for free:

www.ebookbroadcast.com

www.prweb.com

www.webharbor.com

For a handy worksheet to help you keep track of your media contacts, click here.

About the Author: Sandy Dixon is a former Realtor® and sales, marketing and training executive. She teaches people how to start, market and grow their own real estate staging and interior redesign businesses, also offering redesign/staging workshops for both existing business owners and those looking to start a new career. Visit her website at www.interiorarrangements.com for information on her PR and marketing products and her training and mentoring programs.

And another important resource:

 

One of the best way to increase your business is to educate your clients… here are some ideas!

Presentations

Are you looking to gain exposure by offering a free Presentation in your community? Check out our selection of ready-to-present, customizable Seminars. Also, don’t forget to send a Presentation Announcement Postcard to your target audience publicizing your upcoming seminar!

Presentation Topics Include:

First Time Homebuyers
They Keys to Homeownership
Real Estate Investing
Click here to view entire selection

Check out the matching Educational Brochures too! They are great to hand out during or after your seminar. Not only do they provide educational take-a-way tips, they also place your contact information in the hands of your attendees for future use.

 

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