Kern Valley Sun NewsLink

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* Write a headline

Search engines typically display a maximum of 85 characters, so 5-20 words is a good range to shoot for.

Use key words that describe your business in your headline. Include your news - what's new. If it fits, your business name is also a good idea.

Try not to repeat information in both the headline and summary.

Do not write your summary in all caps.

8-10 words is usually enough. This will display in larger type when published. Read tip

* Write a summary of your news item

This summary will display in online search results. Read tip

Typically, you should place the text of the full press release in this window. You can type it here or cut and paste from a Word document or other text file.

This field is for text only. Avoid pasting formatted text, HTML coding or text with imbedded images in this box.

Try to answer the questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Your body copy should be no longer than 1,000 words.

Be sure to use keywords in your press release - words that will help people find your press release in search engines. You can use free keyword search tools to determine the best keywords for your press release. Free keyword research tools include: wordstream.com/keywords, freekeywords.wordtracker.com and Adwords.google.com.

Quotations from business owners, customers and prominent individuals in your company add life to press releases. No more than three or four quotes per press release are recommended. Be sure to identify who made the statement with their full name and title.

The last paragraph of your release should give the reader some background about your company. A sample ending paragraph: "About the Company X - Company X is widely considered one of the Top Ten public relations firms in America. Company X has won eight major, national public relations awards from the American Public Relations Society, including two in 2009. Company X provides marketing, branding, public relations, search engine optimization (SEO) enhancement services, reputation management and targeted advertising programs."

Did we mention not to use all caps?

* Write the full text of your news item Read tip

Address

Mapping does not require a zip code so omit that if you don't know it.

Be sure to include indicators like 'North' or 'SW' in addresses, where necessary.

Don't include P.O. Boxes, suite or apartment numbers or floors.

If your submission is an event or gathering, or you want people to know your location, provide an address. Read tip

Venue name (optional)

Street address

City

State

Zip

* Keywords

Enter words that will help drive SEO for your news item.

Attach photos

Adding at least one photo significantly enhances your chance of getting the newsroom's attention for additional coverage.

We accept JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG formatted images.

You can submit up to 10 photos to the newsroom but the package you select determines how many are displayed online.

Photos need to be professional and technically of good quality - well lit, in focus, well composed.

Get close in your photos. Crop out large areas of sky or ground that don't add to your information. Detail shots of products, food or people are good.

Action photos that show people doing things are better than static photos of people staring at the camera. But portraits of key leaders or individuals quoted in your story are also good.

Photos should be at 300dpi resolution for best reproduction in print.

Photos will help people engage with your news item You may submit up to 10 photos. Read tip

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Attach a logo

We accept JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG formats for your logo.

It's great to include a logo with your news item. It helps get your brand more exposure and its an easy art element for the newsroom to use if they publish your news item.

Be sure to use an original file, not a low-rez copy or a photo of your logo.

If you have a logo, add it to help get your brand out there. Read tip

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Attach a PDF

It's a good idea to include a PDF of your news item on your letterhead which users will be able to download and print out.

Other options for a PDF file – a brochure, diagram, map or other document.

A PDF allows people to download more information about your news item Read tip

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Attach a document

We accept Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Numbers, Pages, Keynote and other text files.

Information that supports or advances claims in your news item, including charts and studies, really gives your information credibility. Be sure to note sources and provide specifics.

Attach a single Word or Excel document if you'd like to provide more information about your news item Read tip

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