How to Write a Press Release That Gets Published

How to Write a Press Release That Gets Published

Getting your press release published is tough. It's not just about sending it out; it's about writing something amazing that journalists actually want to read. This guide will help you do just that!

See Things From a Journalist's Point of View

Before you even start writing, think like a journalist. They're swamped with stuff! Your press release needs to be exceptional. They want news that's:

• Newsworthy: Is it actually new and important?
• Timely: Is it relevant to right now?
• Impactful: Does it matter to a lot of people?
• Local: Is it relevant to their area?
• Important People: Does it involve famous people or big companies?
• Interesting: Does it tug at the heartstrings or tell a great story?
• Unusual: Is it weird or unexpected?

Get these right, and you're way more likely to get published.

Write a Killer Headline

Your headline is your first impression. It needs to be short, sweet, and grab attention. Forget clichés! Make it:

• Specific: No vague language. Say exactly what's happening.
• Strong Verbs: Use action words. Think "launched" instead of "has launched."
• Newsworthy: What's the biggest takeaway?
• Short: Under 10 words is ideal.

Write a Press Release That People Will Actually Read

Got a great headline? Now deliver on the promise! Here's the structure:

1. "For Immediate Release" (or embargo date): Tells them when it's okay to publish.
2. Headline: (The awesome one you just wrote!)
3. Subheadline (Optional): Adds extra context.
4. City, State – Date: Where and when it happened.
5. Lead Paragraph: This is key. Answer the who, what, when, where, and why right away. Think of it like a mini-summary.
6. Body Paragraphs: Give more details. Keep paragraphs short. Use facts and figures.
7. Quotes: Add quotes from important people. Keep them short and impactful.
8. About [Company/Organization]: Briefly describe your company.
9. Contact Information: Make it easy for them to get in touch.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Press Releases

Getting picked up by journalists is the goal. But SEO helps too. It gets your press release seen by even more people.

• Keyword Research: Find words related to your news. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner.
• Keyword Placement: Use your keywords naturally. Don't overdo it!
• Multimedia: Add photos or videos.
• Links: Link to your website and social media.
• Distribution: Use a good press release service.

Send it to the Right Places

Don't waste time sending your press release everywhere. Research publications that are perfect fits. Consider:

• Their Audience: Do they reach your target audience?
• Their Topics: Do they cover your type of news?
• Past Coverage: Have they written about similar stories before?

Personalize your emails! Don't just send a generic message. Show you understand their work.

Follow Up and Check Your Results

Don't expect instant results. Follow up a few days later. Then, track your success:

• Website Traffic: Did your press release drive traffic to your site?
• Social Media: How's it doing on social media?
• Media Mentions: Where did your press release get published?

Use this information to improve your next press release.

Learn From the Best

Read some great press releases! See what makes them work. Many PR sites have examples. This will help you learn.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Many press releases fail because of simple mistakes. Avoid:

• Bad Writing: Be clear and concise.
• Unnewsworthy News: Make sure it's timely and important.
• Poor Targeting: Send it to the right places.
• Ignoring SEO: Optimize it for search engines.
• No Follow-up: Check in with journalists.
• Bad Formatting: Make it easy to read.

Conclusion

Writing a great press release takes practice. But by following these tips, you'll significantly improve your chances of getting published. Good luck!