1. 5 Tips for
Writing a Press Release
for Your Association

2. Why Write Press Releases for Your Association
• Great way to get media attention
• If you write a newsletter, you have a head start
• Awards, Board changes, Events
• With some formatting and editing, you can turn
existing content into press releases

3. 5 Tips for Putting Together a Press
Release
• Start off strong
• Be newsworthy
• Provide all your contact information
• Proofread
• Be brief

4. Start Off Strong
• Press releases are like resumes; you have a very
brief window to engage reader
• Begin with most important information

5. Be Newsworthy
What makes your association unique?
Not a sales pitch
Event information shouldn’t read like an
invitation
What makes the event special
Example: nationally recognized speaker

6. Provide All Your Contact Information
In case reporters want to follow up with you
First place they would start: your website
Also be sure to include phone number and email

7. Proofread. Proofread Again.
Then have someone else proofread.
A single typo or grammatical error can instantly
ruin your credibility.

8. Be Brief
Don’t use big, fancy words
Remove unnecessary adjectives
Stay on point
Reporters want facts, not fluff

9. Keep Going
Your first release will likely not get picked up
Repeated exposure will help
Don’t let your work go to waste – use it on
you website/blog/other
Create a regular schedule for writing and stick
with it

10. Inspiration for Writing
“Substitute 'damn' every time
you're inclined to write 'very';
your editor will delete it and the
writing will be just as it should be.”
Mark Twain

11. Presented by
StarChapter
Local Chapter Management Made Easy
Website: starchapter.com
Email: info@starchapter.com