Media Release Writing Course: Write and Promote a Press Release
Marketing Communications. Connect better with your audience.
COVID-19 update: arrangement of our courses
We are now delivering courses online and in-person. Please check the delivery format of each class before enrolling.
Please note that course materials (excluding prescribed texts) are shared electronically within 48 hours of course commencement. Printing is not available.
Learn how to write a media release and promote it effectively.
A press release is among the most powerful marketing tools available to your business. So how come yours isn’t cutting through? At this media release course, learn to build conversations around your product with a soundly structured press release that has news value, compelling insights and well-placed search engine keywords. We’ll look at good and bad examples, and devote a good amount of time to writing a press release. Finally, we’ll discuss tips and tricks for promoting a media release in a contemporary digital landscape.
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- choose the right news angle from eight core possibilities
- replicate an effective press release structure
- cross-check that their press release information incorporates the six W’s
- choose one of four timeless styles for their attention-grabbing heading
- edit their press release so it avoids the four basic pitfalls of the amateur writer
- develop a cross-promotion plan that follows a basic three-part structure.
Content
This course covers the following topics:
1. Plan
- Know what makes 'news'
- Refine your goals
- Understand the audience
- Develop the news angle
2. Research
- Establish keywords
- Uncover engaging facts
- Use reliable sources
- Obtain quotes from relevant spokespeople
3. Write
- Use a classic press release structure
- Place search engine keywords correctly
- Write effective headlines
- Link ideas clearly
4. Review
- Check for media-friendly language
- Tighten and clarify expression
- Tighten phrasing
- Proofread for consistent style
5. Promote
- Maintain a current database
- Cultivate media relationships
- Build hype ahead of the release
- Tap into social media and social bookmarking sites
- Cross-promote with strategic partners
Intended audience
This training course is suitable for:
- early career professionals
- small business owners
- executives transitioned into marketing roles
- PR and marketing practitioners.
Delivery style
This interactive media release workshop uses a mix of discussion, group and individual exercises, textbook press releases and real-life examples.
Delivery options:
- presenter-taught training on University premises
- online training via the platform Zoom.
What to bring
A large segment is devoted to refining your media release. Feel free to bring a hard or soft copy of your draft press release, along with files containing any facts and figures you plan to draw on. If you don’t have a draft in progress, you can choose from one of the presenter’s topics. Note that there is no internet access on the day. Either stick to a pen and notepad, or download files to the desktop of your electronic device.
Before the course
Before this course, analyse your own press releases and list the specific problems you are facing. Read other industry press releases to start thinking about what does (and doesn’t) make for interesting reading.
Course assessment
During the media release workshop, you will write at least two press releases – one crafted as a mock example based on a series of textbook points, and another on a topic of your choice. Those releases will be discussed and critiqued verbally.
After the course
You will receive a list of useful reading resources and will develop a plan to improve your writing skills long after the workshop is over.
Features
- Expert trainers
- Central locations
- Course materials – yours to keep
- CCE Statement of Completion
What others say.
This course has a fantastic facilitator, one of the best courses that I’ve attended.
This course was well thought out and organised. The content was engaging, informative and enjoyable.
Great material and even better teaching. Would recommend this class and tutor to everyone.
An excellent facilitator for this course and I enjoyed the interactive nature of the day. I felt I left the course with a clear understanding of how to write a press release.
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...When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
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Fri 26 Feb 2021 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+11:00) | Online via Zoom - Online via Zoom |
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...When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Tue 27 Apr 2021 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+10:00) | Face-to-face (Venue TBA) - Face-to-face (Venue TBA) |
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...When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Mon 21 Jun 2021 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+10:00) | Online via Zoom - Online via Zoom |
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join the waiting list.
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What others say.
- I thought both the course and the facilitator's teaching style were excellent. The booklet was really helpful for notes and will be a resource I know I will use continuously. The day was structured really well and it was great to be able to work on and receive feedback on a press release which I will be sending out from my company soon. Thank you for a great day!
- This course was well thought out and organised. The content was engaging, informative and enjoyable.
- Very helpful to gain a structured understanding of how to approach and dissect a news story. I also enjoyed the free-flow of conversation and opportunity for open discussion.
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