Press releases are a vital tool for nonprofits to share important news, events, and updates with their target audience. They can help create brand awareness, increase visibility, and drive traffic to your website. However, writing an effective press release can be a challenging task. In this blog, we will discuss the do's and don'ts of press release writing for nonprofits.

Do's:

1. Start with a strong headline: The headline is the first thing journalists and readers will see. It should be attention-grabbing, concise, and relevant. Use keywords related to your nonprofit and the press release topic to make it easier for search engines to find your press release.

2. Provide a clear and concise summary: The summary should briefly summarize your press release, highlighting the most important information. Ensure it answers the five Ws (who, what, where, when, and why) and includes keywords related to your nonprofit and the press release topic.

3. Focus on the angle: Your press release should have a unique angle or hook that makes it newsworthy. This could be a new product, service, event, or milestone. Make sure to highlight the benefits of your nonprofit's work and how it impacts the community.

4. Use quotes: Including quotes from your nonprofit's leadership or stakeholders can add credibility and a personal touch to your press release. Use quotes to provide additional insights or perspectives on the topic.

5. Include multimedia: Adding multimedia such as images, videos, or infographics can make your press release more engaging and shareable. Make sure to optimize the multimedia for search engines by including relevant keywords in the file names and alt tags.

Don'ts:

1. Use jargon: Avoid using technical or industry-specific jargon that may be difficult for journalists or readers to understand. Use plain language and explain any acronyms or technical terms.

2. Use overly promotional language: While it's important to promote your nonprofit, avoid using overly promotional language that sounds like an advertisement. Stick to the facts and let the newsworthiness of your press release speak for itself.

3. Ignore the target audience: Know your target audience and write your press release with them in mind. Use language and tone that resonates with your audience and provides value to them.

4. Forget to proofread: A poorly written or error-filled press release can harm your nonprofit's reputation. Make sure to proofread your press release multiple times before submitting it.

5. Neglect to follow up: After sending your press release, follow up with journalists and media outlets to ensure they received it and offer any additional information they may need.

Conclusion

Writing an effective press release for your nonprofit requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a focus on the target audience. Following the do's and don'ts outlined above, and providing newsworthy content can help your press release stand out and achieve its intended goals.