Does your company have a press kit? This handy kit contains everything a reporter needs to write a fantastic story about you and your company. This is a great handover at a trade show – gives your company a step-up for getting some free publicity. Will it cost a fortune to put together? Not if you do it yourself. A press kit is relatively easy to produce.

Press Kit Contents

• Choose a pocket folder readily available at any office supply store. If your company brochure already happens to have a pocket, you’re in luck. This can be a handy start to your press kit.

• Write short, one-page bios of each company officer or upper-level manager to include in your press kit. Print them on company letterhead. Include the officer’s title, history with the company, quotable statements, basic personal information, theories or ideas about your company and a picture, if possible.

• Compile all recent press releases, positive press coverage and sell sheets for your press kit. Print the press releases on company letterhead, and color copy or professionally photocopy recent articles for inclusion. Presentation is everything; standard copy paper doesn’t make the best first impression.

• Include your company newsletter. If you don’t have one, work on releasing your first issue, which can be done inexpensively on a laser printer. Just include some basic clip art and photos, articles of importance to your company or industry, and upcoming company events.

• Assemble all the information for your press kit in a logical order. Typically, start with the bios on top, followed by your company sell sheets, newsletter, and any press releases or recent clippings near the back of the packet.

• Top it all off with an informative letter that briefly explains what’s inside and offers to provide any additional information needed. If there are business card slits in your pocket folder, include your card there. If not, it’s appropriate to paper clip it to your letter.

• Find some way to identify your press kit. If you’re using your company brochure, your company name and logo will already appear on it. Otherwise, choose a pocket folder with a window in the front panel so that your company letterhead will be immediately visible

A great press kit is an invaluable handout – as someone who writes everyday – here I have something at my fingertips that I can turn into a story without a lot of thought. So go deep and receive some great publicity.