When to Write a Press Release

In this digital age it’s easy to ignore press releases but they can be a hugely effective part of your marketing strategy. It’s a strategy that usually won’t bring immediate results, but executed over a long period of time will build your reputation as a go-to real estate agent in your marketing area.

Your name in print adds to your credibility

Your name in print, when associated with good news, automatically adds to your credibility.

Not so by the way, this works both online and on paper. You get some of this credibility just by having a website that looks decent. If you get mentioned as a real estate agent in other blogs, like local news blogs, it works in your favor. Of course, getting into print like a local newspaper or magazine also works for you.

The idea is simple enough. People see your name and begin to associate you with good, interesting news about real estate, and when they want an agent or someone asks them for an agent referral, your name may very well come up.

And press releases can make this happen.

A press release is about news

Newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, and many bloggers want and actually need news. If your release fills that need it will probably be used.

News can be defined as newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events. Of course noteworthy and important and even recent are wide open to interpretation. Here are some newsworthy events in an agents life that may help:

1. Getting a real estate licence
2. Joining an office
3. Changing offices
4. Getting a designation
5. Making a sale – yes, you can write a news release anytime you make a sale
6. Getting a listing – worth a try and sometimes gets published
7. Lists a famous or truly expensive property
8. Sells a famous or truly expensive property
9. Joins a committee in the community
10. Chairs a community committee
11. Gets engaged
12. Gets married
13. Has a child
14. A child gets an award and/or graduates
15. Attends a conference
16. Is a speaker
17. Teaches a class
18. Writes a book
19. Launches a blog

Do you see how many things that happen in your life can be used to send a press release?

You’re dealing with local media

You’re dealing with local media. The easiest way to do it is to call each outlet and ask how they want to receive press releases. Some want them by email in the body of the email, or as an attachment. Others want them by snail mail or hand delivered. Ask about including pictures – chances are they will say yes.

Sending out a press release about you once a month is easy – twice a month may make sense.

The When, How and Where of Writing a Press Release will also give you some helpful ideas.

Have questions about press releases? Ask them here and we’ll get an answer for you.