Josie Miller, editor of Yorkshire Legal News, on the power of a well-crafted press release for law firms and legal service providers (and how to write one):
Maintaining a strong public image is crucial in the world of legal services. A good reputation can be the difference between a thriving practice with top-tier clients and a cabinet full of Yorkshire Legal Awards, or (as we say in Yorkshire) absolutely nowt.
A well-crafted press release can be your secret weapon in achieving that. But if you don’t have a marketing department, or a public relations (PR) team at hand, how do you go from drafting a press release to seeing tangible results?
Submitting a press release to Yorkshire Legal News is a valuable way to ensure your news reaches the right audience, particularly if you’re involved in the legal sector within Yorkshire. So, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully submit a press release to Yorkshire Legal News:
1.Understand the audience
Before drafting your press release, it’s important to decide whether this will suit the audience of Yorkshire Legal News. The publication primarily caters to legal professionals, including solicitors, barristers, law students, and associated legal businesses within Yorkshire. The content is typically focused on regional legal developments, law firm news, appointments, case studies, legal trends, and commentary on pertinent legal issues.
2. Craft a strong press release
A well-written press release is key to getting your news noticed. A great press release is timely, concise, and interesting. Here’s what you should include:
- Headline: create a clear and concise headline that grabs attention and summarises the essence of your news.
- Opening paragraph: the first paragraph should succinctly convey the most important information—who, what, when, where, why, and how.
- Body: provide more detailed information, including quotes from key individuals, data, and background context. Ensure that your press release is relevant to the legal sector and the yorkshire region.
- Boilerplate: end with a brief paragraph about your organisation, often referred to as a boilerplate, which provides context about who you are and what you do.
- Contact information: include your contact details so that journalists can reach out for further information or interviews.
3. Follow the submission guidelines
Yorkshire Legal News has a handul of specific guidelines for submitting press releases. It’s crucial to adhere to these to increase the chances of your news being published:
- Format: send your press release as a .PDF, a Word document, or in the body of an email.
- Length: keep your press release concise, typically between 300 and 600 words.
- Attachments: if you have images or documents to accompany your press release, ensure they are high quality and clearly labelled.
4. Submit your press release
Once your press release is ready, it’s time to submit it. Yorkshire Legal News accepts press releases via email. Send your press release to hello@yorkshirelegalnews.co.uk
If you are a regular contributor or have a media contact at the publication, you might choose to send it directly to them.
Ensure that your press release is submitted during business hours to maximise the chances of timely consideration. If your news is time-sensitive, such as an event announcement, mention this in your email and suggest an ideal publication date.
5. Keep an eye on Yorkshire Legal News
Next step – wait! Subscribe to the Yorkshire Legal News mailing list (in the footer of this post) or follow on social media to be notified if your story is published.
Haven’t seen anything? Your story may not be right, or might just have come at the wrong time. There is a way to guarantee being published on Yorkshire Legal News – contact Harry Thomas at harry.thomas@barkerbrooks.co.uk for sponsored content opportunities.
6. Leverage social media and other channels
After your press release is published, share the news across your social media channels, website, and other communication platforms. This will help to amplify the reach of your announcement.
Submitting a press release to Yorkshire Legal News is a straightforward process. By understanding the audience, crafting a compelling press release, following submission guidelines, and engaging in polite follow-up, you can effectively share your news with the legal community in Yorkshire.
With these steps, you’ll maximise the impact of your press release and ensure that your message reaches the right audience.
Still have a question about submitting a press release to Yorkshire Legal News? Contact hello@yorkshirelegalnews.co.uk today.