Occasions That Require Press Kits

Occasions That Require Press KitsOccasions That Require Press KitsPress kits can give you thousands of dollars in free media coverage, but many business owners or even individuals often overlook the power of a solid press kit. They think a press release is good enough to do the job. But with so many press releases out there, you often need something more than a few sheets of paper to grab the publics attention. In particular, press kits trump press releases on several occasions.Here are five times when creating press kits is a must, with advice on what to include with each. 1. A Product Launch Reporters and editors see press releases for product launches all the time. They are easily overlooked. Give them even more information to make your product the one they cover. A sample product launch press kit might include A press releaseCompany infoA quote sheet from those involved with the product launch and developmentHigh-resolution images of the productYour PR rolles business cardBro chure on the productProduct sample, if available. 2. A New Company Launch Many new companies miss out on free media coverage simply because they choose to send out a press release to announce the companys launch. This is your chance to establish media contacts youll use throughout your companys long history and generate buzz about your new business. A sample company launch press kit might include A press releaseExecutive profiles with bios and picturesHigh-resolution imagesDVD with commercials or other corporate videosMedia contact infoBrochure(s) 3. Company Mergers and Acquisitions If your company is merging with or has acquired another business, a mergers and acquisitions press kit will not only help you get free coverage, it will also redirect all of your media inquiries to the updated media contact. This will ensure the media knows who to contact for future news stories as well. A sample mergers and acquisitions press kit might include A press releaseCompany infoUpdated executive bios with picturesMedia contact infoPicture of your media contact person and bio, especially if that contact has changed since the merger or acquisitionQuote sheet from executives about the merger acquisition 4. A News Conference You may be holding a news conference about a major client you landed that will help the citys economy or you might hold a news conference about a charity event youre sponsoring. A sample news conference press kit might include A press release about the news conference (not when it will be held since reporters and editors wont actually be reading this press release until after the news conference is over)Quote sheets from executives. If this is for a charity, you can also include quotes from people involved with the charity.Artists rendition (if youre opening a new building or helping to build a house for charity, for example)High-resolution images, if relevantA fact sheet about the eventIf a joint venture, you can include company info and also info about the charity, if applicable 5. Trade Shows Showing up at a trade show without a press kit at your companys booth is a major mistake. Not only do reporters scour trade shows for press kits, so do vendors who could do business with you. You may have a lot of different things going on with your company - expansion, new executives, new products, etc. A trade show is an exciting opportunity for you to detail some of those highlights that make your company newsworthy. A sample trade show press kit might include Press releases (you dont have to be limited to one)Brochures for new productsProduct samples (in your press kit if theyre small enough or available at your booth if possible). These are great additions to your materials because they give reporters and editors hands-on experience with your product(s).Quote sheet from executivesComplete media contact infoFact sheets that detail features, benefits and other info about your company or a specific productCompany history A s you can see, theres no cookie cutter recipe for creating press kits. What you include depends on what your purpose is but not creating one at all costs you priceless free media coverage.