Press Releases - Free Advertising!!

I've had my jewelry business for almost 6 years and my on-line etsy store is about to have its 1st anniversary in a few weeks. A very good repeat customer came to me not long ago and said "why haven't you ever done a press release or had a story done on your business in the local paper?" I replied, "I'm not sure why I haven't done a press release, guess I haven't taken the time!" To which she replied, "well if you don't do it soon, I will either do the press release for you or I'll contact the paper about your business!" I promised her that I would take care of a press release soon. ;-)

Now that the holiday rush is behind me, I guess I need to accomplish that task and let my local community know that I have my on-line store and that I've also got some of my work in a retail location now as well. (I did promise my best customer I would get this done---I can't disappoint her!)

When I worked for my sister and managed her business, we did press releases quite often when she would be published in resume writing books or when we added new services, etc. Why did we do this? It was FREE to put this info in our local paper, it was a great way to let people know about our business, and did I mention it was FREE??!!

Why didn't I think about doing it for my own business before now? I'm not sure to be honest with you. Since several of you emailed me and asked me about this subject (and since I'd promised my best customer I would do this for myself as well) I thought this would be the best time to write about this subject for you all and to write my own press release at the same time!

And, now that I think about it, I'm actually going to get to do two different press releases over the next few weeks. I will do one to announce that my on-line store is now available and then I will wait about 6-8 weeks and will do another one to announce that my jewelry is now available exclusively at a new retail location in town. That will be two free articles in two months!!

When putting together your press release remember to keep it simple. If you write too much it might not get read or it could be edited by the paper and important information you need to be in the article could be left out! Remeber who, what, when, where and why and that's it! Don't forget to include a picture with your press release. A nice headshot is usually best to submit with your press release.

I've posted one of my press releases below for you to read and to hopefully help you write yours!! Good luck and let me know how it goes and the response you get and I will do the same. Be sure to check back on the blog for updates! (I promise I will be emailing this to the newspaper tomorrow morning Linda H.!) :-)

January 9, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - New Local Jewelry Business Now Available On-Line!

Dawn Rhodes, owner and jewelry designer, is pleased to announce that she has opened SHADES, a custom beaded jewelry and gift store that is available online at www.shadesjewelry.etsy.com. Etsy is a website that hosts on-line stores that are for those who create handmade goods of all kinds from designers and crafters all around the world.

SHADES specializes in creating one of a kind pieces of beaded jewelry that uses semi-precious stones, metals and more. She creates jewelry in a variety of styles that can be worn for every day, weddings, to show your support for your favorite sports team and more. Since opening the on-line store, SHADES has sent orders all across the U.S., Canada and to several countries around the world.

Dawn is a member of Ohio Beaders, Self-Representing Jewelry Artists and is a graduate of the School of Jewelry Design at Ashworth University in Norcross, GA. She can be reached at www.shadesjewelry.etsy.com, shadesjewelry@aol.com or by phone at 740.590.8974.