Communication Strategy Group Clears Up Press Release Confusion; Details Top Three Types of Press Releases and When to Use Them

    EAST NORTHPORT, NY, April 19, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- People often think there's no real strategy to writing a press release. But according to Arthur Germain, Principal and Chief Brandteller for Communication Strategy Group, a brand marketing agency in East Northport, NY, nothing could be farther from the truth. "Good press releases are all about strategy," confirms Germain, whose company helps technology, manufacturing and B2B professional services firms tell stronger brand stories to increase awareness. "There are several different kinds of press releases you can use; the key is in knowing which one to use for maximum impact."

More information about Communication Strategy Group and its approach to public relations can be found at: http://bit.ly/csg-pr

Top Three Kinds of Press Releases

1. Storytelling. In a storytelling release, the key is to write the release as if you are writing an article for the types of publications you are targeting. Stay away from marketing hype, and lean on "thought leadership" or "Brand POV" content that showcases your depth of knowledge and experience on the topic. "I call these news releases instead of press releases," says Germain. "These are actually targeted directly to the audience you want to reach, rather than the media."

2. Media Alert. A media alert is best used when you have a quick-hit news item - something you'd expect to see in a "news briefs" column of a newspaper. In a media alert steer clear of wordy copy; instead, briefly answer the four or five key questions journalists want to know - who, what, where, when, why and (if relevant) how.

3. Social Media. The social media release is a fairly new format that employs very little copy, but uses lots of links to quick-hit online content. Start by conveying the main message in a handful of upfront, very succinct bullet points. Then, give reporters links to your own related content, such as photos, bios, podcasts, videos, graphs and blogs that reside on your website. Be sure to include relevant social media information like Twitter addresses, Skype numbers, instant messaging info and so on - you get the idea. Nothing in this type of release should be more than a single line of content or copy and there should be no attachments. Think of it as a "one-stop-shopping" menu for busy reporters who don't have time to track things down.

- Need some help drafting your next release? Communication Strategy Group is offering a free 15-minute consultation. To schedule a call, go to http://bit.ly/csg-15-minutes to sign up!

- Want to know more? Download Communication Strategy Group's free eBook, "How to pitch your brand story to the media," to help you get prepared once you do connect with the media.

- Communication Strategy Group also offers tips and tricks to a solid media strategy and brand-telling program in its regular blog posts. Read "What Makes Your Story Memorable" and other hot topics at Brandtelling.com

"Choosing the right kind of press release and then writing it to fit your intended audience is a skill that develops through experience," says Germain. "You only have a few seconds to grab a reporter's attention, so you have to know the best way to invest your time for that critical first impression. When you know what you're trying to do and the best way to accomplish it, you're more than halfway there."

About Communication Strategy Group
Communication Strategy Group helps your brand story become remembered, repeated and rewarded through our strategic Brandtelling approach. We focus on building and supporting a strategic plan for client communications in order to create strong, consistent messages and presentations that have the greatest impact. The Communication Strategy Group team is comprised of senior-level communications professionals - writers, journalists, technology marketers, public relations executives, media trainers - who work directly on client accounts to achieve results. Our clients include both Fortune 1000 and growing companies in technology, media and professional services industries. For more information, please call 1-866-997-2424 or visit us at http://www.GoCSG.com.

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