Get your news in the news—it's easier than you think.

Public relations is one of the best tools around to market your business. A simple news release can garner literally hundreds of dollars or more in newspaper and magazine coverage. It's amazing that more people don't use this tool for their businesses, and it's easier than you think. My advice is to think like a reporter and keep the following in mind:

Reporters are always on a tight deadline. If you send a release about an event you have planned, don't send it two days before the event and expect to get covered.
Reporters get way too many news releases to print (or even read) them all. Make your release stand out, by keeping it to a succinct, one-page, error free and factual release.
Reporters write in the journalistic (Associated Press) style. Even if you don't know how to write this way, at least use facts and not fluffy and "cute" adjectives. They won't print them.
Reporters do not want to print inaccurate information. Check your facts and don't blame the reporter if you send the wrong date or misspell a name.
Reporters do not want to pick up the phone and call you for a missing detail. So always include the "5 W's": Who, What, Where, When and Why. Do include your contact info just in case they want more information.
Information you think is important may not be "newsworthy." Before you send a release, make sure it's information that will be relevant to people outside your business. If it's not, then chances are you won't get covered.

Thinking like a reporter will enable you to submit information to them that will actually help them do their jobs and improve your chances of getting your information in the news.