How To Become A Top-Class Freelance Press Release Writer: A Step-By-Step Guide
The press release is a crucial part of any public relations campaign. Multi-national corporations down to small businesses use them to announce newsworthy stories. If you become a freelance press release writer you will have an in-demand skill that can make you rich. Here's how you get started:
- Step 1: Background Experience: At minimum you should have a Bachelor's degree. Most press release writers major in Journalism, English, or Communications. While a degree is not mandatory, having one shows future clients you have proven writing, persuasive, and investigative skills.
Without relevant education, you should focus on building a strong resume and portfolio that proves to clients that they should hire you.
- Step 2: Build Your Portfolio: No one wants hire an unproven talent. When you approach clients with your bid you'll need to show them a substantial portfolio. Since you're starting out you can use other pieces of writing such as:
- Local or college newspaper articles.
- Direct Mail.
- Any print or online sales copywriting.
The aim of the press release is to broadcast important information. If you can write sales copy then you are able to write for a target audience and get them interested in the product or service. Whenever possible, do a few spec (free) press releases too.
Your portfolio itself should consist of your color samples in a black binder. Copy shop give discounts for bulk jobs.
Important: Consider building a website and uploading your portfolio. This is easier than carrying hard copies of your samples to each meeting. Clients will be impressed if your layout is sleek and professional.
- Step 3: Continually Practice: You're a freelancer, you won't have a boss sending you to paid training. Read books and take courses to refresh your skills. Here are some of the biggest sticking points for beginners:
- Headlines: They should grab reads attention. But don't sensationalize or lie!
- Accuracy: Use statistics to prove that this announcement is really important. Don't embellish, be concise.
- Proofread: Microsoft Word's spellchecker isn't enough. Leave your press release alone for a day then reread it. Then read it aloud. Use a service like Grammarly to revise it.
- Step 4: Write Press Releases: Send them via mail or e-mail to journalists. Create a system to note what you sent to whom and when to follow-up. Good luck in your new career!