EPK: What It Means and How to Make One
What is an EPK?
EPK, short for electronic press kit, is a pre-packaged set of promotional materials of a person, company, or organization distributed to members of the media for promotional use. They are often distributed to announce a release or for a news
conference. EPKs help businesses both big and small, as well as individuals, get noticed by producing and providing electronic press kits to media outlets, trade magazines and news organizations. This cost-effective promotion tool can be put together in just a few hours and eliminates the cost and waste associated with printing traditional media kits.
What are press kits used for?
Press kits are commonly used for product launches, new company launch, mergers and acquisitions, news conferences and large events and industry trade shows. EPKs are also used in movies and television, particularly for small indie films that can't rely on big marketing budgets.
How can you put together a press kit?
An EPK can include anything that promotes your company, product, service, etc. Anything that is critical to meeting your goal is important to include, but make sure your EPK has (at least most of) the following elements:
Your pictures
Add professional pictures such as headshots or promo photos. If you've built a brand identity, put your logo in the EPK. Try to include two to three pictures in your EPK. If you have videos you can attach to your EPK, include those as well.
Short biography/description
Keep the biography of yourself or your company/product/service short and concise. Include where you are based and a brief sketch about your professional work. Please do not make this long and do not bore your reader with details of your struggle or other irrelevant details.
Press coverage
If your story has been picked up by the press, show it off. Any positive media or publicity you can share with others will legitimize your business and exemplify your brand equity.
Contact information
It should go without saying, but include contact information. This should clearly state where can you be reached, your phone numbers, emails, postal address and link to your website (if you have one). You can include social media links as well. The purpose of your EPK is to generate interest and move people to action, so make sure they know how.
Quotes from people about your work
Include a few quotes from other professionals in your field that have something positive to say about your work. Do not make the mistake of providing quotes from friends or family. If you are just starting out, try to get quotes from professors or mentors or colleagues with plenty of clout.
Gig info or portfolio (if applicable)
Provide links to your professional work, such as audio clips, photos of work, written snippets, etc. Include professional videos if possible. Make sure that all links are working and are of good quality. An EPK is your opportunity to put your best foot forward.
How do you get started?
There are tons of example EPKs online. Our press kit is available for reference, too. You can contact Elevate My Brand if you need help creating your own EPK; we would love to help!