A press release is a great way to create publicity for your cleaning business. Send out press releases to announce a newsworthy event about you, your employees, or your business to the media. Keep in mind that a press release is not an advertisement and you should never use it to sell something. But press releases are an effective way to get your company's name out in front of potential clients.

A press release should cover one topic, be as specific as possible, and be no longer than a few paragraphs. The types of events you may want to write a press release about include:

• announce your new business

• trainings or workshops you or your employees have attended

• awards your business or your employees have won

• new products or services your cleaning business is offering

• classes you are teaching

• free information you have available at your business or on your website

• publications you have been quoted in

• new business hours or new business location

There are basic elements that should be in every press release:

• Contact Information

• Headline

• Lead Paragraph

• Text (main body of information)

• Ending paragraph containing information about your cleaning business

How do you write the press release? Be professional by putting your press release on company letterhead. On the left side type "For Immediate Release" then on the opposite side put your contact information. Your contact information should include your name, phone number, web site URL, and e-mail address. Skip down a couple of lines after the contact information and type your headline. Go down a couple of lines after the headline and start your press release. Your first paragraph should be attention grabbing and contain the most relevant information about your message - the who, what, when, where and how.

The following paragraphs can expand on the message. Be aware that newspapers may edit your submission. It is important to get all relevant information as high up as possible in the press release. For a successful press release follow these tips:

• Keep your press release to a maximum of one page or 400 words.

• Always write your press release in third person.

• Check to be sure everything is accurate, double check anything with numbers as it is easy to transpose numbers and not catch the mistake the first time.

• Double-space your release.

• Use quotes and bullets for interesting points and to make the press release easier to read.

• Mark the end of your release with -30- or ###. These are printer's marks and make it look like you know what you are doing.

Once you've written your release and proofed it, you are ready to send it to the media. Check with your local newspaper(s) to see if there is a specific reporter in charge of the business section and send the press release directly to that person. If you are aware that a local radio station runs business related press releases, send it to them too. Find out the preferred method of delivery. Some prefer that you fax your press release and some prefer that you email it. If they prefer email delivery, find out if they allow attachments. Some companies do not allow attachments within email so in this case; type the press release directly into the body of the email.

Press releases should be an essential part of your marketing campaign. The local media are always looking for short stories to print about area businesses and events. Don't miss out on this free form of publicity! With a little time and effort you can be turning out press releases that can generate interest in your cleaning business. The more interest you have in your business, the more clients you can sign up, and the more dollars in your pocket.