Has anyone told you to write press releases to promote your business, but you're not sure where to start? This simple guide to writing a press release will get you up and running in the right direction in no time.

Press releases are not the same as articles. Business owners frequently buy and distribute articles online to drive traffic to their websites. Articles are written in specific areas of interest related to a business. Press releases are written about specific achievements of the business itself.

For example, imagine you have a dog grooming business for a moment. If you were to write or distribute articles to promote your web presence, it would be topics like how to groom a wire-haired dachshund or the proper supplies to use when grooming a puppy.

A press release, however, would not discuss specific grooming details, if at all. The best press release distribution service for your dog grooming business will discuss a specific achievement or milestone related to the business. For example, you could write a press release about the new grooming kit you just purchased or the fact that your company recently beautified your 5,000th dog.

When should a business owner write and distribute a press release? The answer is as frequent as possible. The distribution of press releases approximately once a month will keep your company name in the minds of your potential customers. It keeps them apprised of their new accomplishments and makes them feel involved in their success.

If you don't think your business is doing something that's particularly interesting, think again. Press releases are about the angle you choose. For example, if your company has achieved some kind of milestone, offers some kind of unique service, or does almost everything right, you can turn your company's event or feature into an effective topic for a press release.

Perhaps the subject is as close as the closest mirror. Are you the potential topic for your press release? Are you particularly young in your field? Have you earned skills or certifications that make you stand out from the crowd? Whatever makes you or your business attractive to your customers will be attractive in the context of a press release.

Be sure to include some key points in your press release. Start with the name of the city and state in which your business is located. Also, enter today's date. Then write a dynamic paragraph that grabs your audience's attention. Be sure to avoid words like "great" or "fantastic" because they sound too much like hype. Then describe your company's accomplishments on one page or less and include a name and phone number to call for more information at the end.

Anyone can write an effective press release for your business. You simply have to know the angle to follow and the proper information to include. If you are comfortable with your own writing skills, you can find an online freelance writer who will be happy to create a custom written press release for your business at an affordable price.