Are you thinking of issuing a press release to promote your business? If so, you’ll want to read this guide first. It contains everything you need to know about writing a press release that will help get your business noticed.
Plus, we’ve included tips on ensuring that your press release gets the most exposure possible.
So read on for all the information you need to create a winning press release!
Timing is everything – make sure to release your press release at the right time.
First, let’s start with some basics. When you’re writing a press release, timing is everything. You must ensure you release your press release at the right time so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
Now let’s talk about the best time and day to send your news story.
What is the best time to release a press release?
The best day of the week to send a press release is Thursday when the average open rate jumps to over 26%!
The best time to send a press release is early mornings, usually between 10 am and 2 pm (your time zone) —this is when editors open about one-third of all the emails they’ve received. (Source: Prowly.com)
The best day to send a press release is on Thursday when the average open rate jumps to over 26%! https://t.co/STa4TbzAje
— BlakSheep Creative (@BlaksheepCreate) June 26, 2022
Additionally, you should try to time your news story around a significant event or announcement.
This will help ensure that it gets more attention. For example, if you’re launching a new product, you might want to time your press release around the product launch date.
Make sure your press release is newsworthy.
Your press release needs to be newsworthy if you want it to grab the attention of reporters. So what makes a press release newsworthy? There are a few things you can keep in mind.
First, your press release should be timely.
This means it should be about something that is happening or will happen soon. For example, if you’re launching a new product, that would be considered timely.
Make sure your press release is of interest to your target audience.
You should also ensure that your press release is of interest to your target audience.
For example, if you’re releasing a new fashion line, your press release should be of interest to fashion reporters.
Finally, your press release should be unique.
This means that it should be something that hasn’t been done before or isn’t being talked about by other businesses.
For example, if you’re launching a new product that is the first of its kind, that would be considered unique.
Do your research and target the right media outlets
Another important tip for writing a successful press release is to do your research and target the right media outlets.
Start by finding out which reporters cover your industry. Then, make a list of the media outlets that they work for. Once you have a list of target media outlets, you should research the best way to submit your press release to them.
Some media outlets have an online submission form, while others prefer you email them directly. You can also find out if the media outlet has specific guidelines for submitting press releases.
For example, some media outlets may have a word limit or require that you include specific information in your press release.
Once you’ve got a general idea of how to submit your press release, you should take the time to personalize each submission.
In other words, don’t just copy and paste the same press release into each submission form. Instead, take the time to write a customized message for each media outlet. This will show that you’ve taken the time to research the outlet and increases the chances that your press release will be read.
Now that you’ve done your research let’s write the press release!
Writing your Press Release
Writing your press release is pretty straightforward – just remember to keep it newsworthy, typo-free, and easy to read.
The headline is vital – make sure it’s catchy and interesting
Your headline is the first thing reporters will see, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s catchy and interesting.
A good headline will be clear and to the point. It should also be newsworthy and of interest to your target audience.
Avoid using clichés or jargon in your headline. Suppose your company has developed a new piece of technology. In that case, you might be tempted to use a headline like “XYZ Company Revolutionizes the Way We Do Business.” However, this headline will likely turn off reporters, as it’s both overused and challenging to understand.
Instead, try something more specific and exciting, such as “XYZ Company Develops New Technology to Help Businesses Save Time and Money.” This headline is both specific and exciting, and it’s likely to grab the attention of reporters.
The Body – keep it short, sweet, and to the point.
Once you’ve got a catchy headline, it’s time to move on to the body of your press release. The body should be short, sweet, and to the point. You should start by introducing your company and giving some background information. However, don’t get too bogged down in the details – reporters will want to know what’s new and exciting about your company, not its entire history.
After introducing your company, you should get to the meat of your press release – what’s new and exciting about your product or service? Make sure to include all the essential details, such as pricing and availability. However, don’t make your press release too long – reporters will lose interest if it’s more than a few paragraphs.
If you have a lot of information to include, consider breaking it up into smaller bullet points. This will make it easier for reporters to scan and understand your press release.
The Ending – provide your contact information and call to action
Include links to additional resources for readers who want to learn more
Once you’ve finished writing the body of your press release, you’ll want to give its readers a way to get in touch with you.
So, include your contact details at the end of your press release. You should include a call to action, such as “For more information, please visit our website or contact us at xxx-xxx-xxxx.”
Don’t forget your email address! This will make it easy for reporters to get in touch with you if they’re interested in your story.
You might also want to include links to additional resources for readers who wish to learn more about your company or product. For example, you could include a link to your website or blog. This is a great way to increase traffic to your website and get your name out there.
Submit your press release to appropriate media outlets – don’t just rely on social media.
Your press release will do you no good if no one sees it.
So, once you’ve written it, submit it to appropriate media outlets. Here are some suggestions for getting your press release in front of the right people:
Press Release Services (AKA “the Wire”)
Submit to online press release services, such as Businesswire, PRWeb, or PR Newswire. These aggregate and distribute your press release to various outlets, including Google news, other online news sites, blogs, and RSS feeds.
This can be a great way to get your press release in front of a large audience quickly.
Relevant Websites and Blogs
Submit your press release to relevant websites and blogs. For example, if you’ve written a press release about a new product, you might submit it to a website or blog that reviews products.
This is a great way to get your press release in front of people interested in what you have to say.
Local Media Outlets
If you’re a local business, submit your press release to local media outlets. This includes newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations.
By submitting your press release to appropriate media outlets, you can ensure that it gets seen by people in your area who might be interested in your story.
Email the press release to a list of reporters
If you have a list of reporter contacts, email your press release to them directly.
This is a great way to get your press release in front of relevant reporters who might be interested in covering your story.
Now that you’ve written the perfect press release, proofread it, and submit it to the right people in the right places; it doesn’t stop there. You can take the content from your press release and turn it into a blog post.
Repurpose your press release content for blog posts
Repurposing content is nothing new – in fact, it’s a great way to get more mileage out of the content you’ve already written.
And, since you’ve already taken the time to write a press release, why not turn it into a blog post?
Post it on your social media accounts as well. News releases are an excellent tool for social media marketing campaigns.
This is a great way to increase traffic to your website and get your name out there.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can write the perfect press release – one that is sure to be successful.
Remember to make it newsworthy, typo-free, and easy to read. You should also format it in a visually appealing way and include your contact information so reporters can quickly get in touch with you.
Additionally, you should submit your press release to appropriate media outlets and wire services. Finally, you can repurpose your press release content for blog posts. By following these tips, you can ensure that your press release will be successful.
If you’re looking for professional help writing and distributing your press release, contact BlakSheep Creative.
Our expert copywriters and content marketers can help you create a press release that is sure to get noticed.
We’ll also work with you to submit your press release to the right media outlets and wire services, so you can be confident that the right people will see your story.
Contact us today to learn more about our press release writing and distribution services.
