Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by admin
In today’s world, brands have to generate their own buzz with press releases. Consumers aren’t waiting for the daily newspaper anymore to get their news.In today’s world, brands have to generate their own buzz with press releases. Consumers aren’t waiting for the daily newspaper anymore to get their news. Instead, they’re scanning the latest headlines across multiple social media channels at once. Press releases help control the narrative surrounding your brand. Whether it’s sharing a new product release or changes in your organizational structure, a regular cadence of meaningful news can help a company stand out and build mindshare with journalists over time. In this post, we’ll discuss: What is a press release? Benefits of Press Releases Types of Press Releases Sample Press Release Format How to Write a Press Release Press Release Template Press Release Examples Tips for Publishing Press Releases What is a press release/news release? A press release is an official statement (written or recorded) that an organization issues to the news media and beyond. Whether we call it a “press release,” a “press statement,” a “news release,” or a “media release,” we’re always talking about the same basic thing. While the heading should contain action verbs, the first paragraph should answer the “who,” “what,” “why,” and “where.” The press release should also contain understandable language and a quote. Most press releases are succinct at just a page long – two pages tops. Ultimately, companies want to provide enough information so that news outlets have sufficient material for publishing their own stories about whatever the company is announcing in the release. One thing to remember is that press releases live in the public domain, which means your stakeholders and customers can see them. So, instead of thinking of a press release solely as a ticket to earning news coverage, consider it as a valuable piece of marketing content. Benefits of Press Releases Aside from helping your company generate media coverage, press releases offer several benefits. Brand exposure: Press releases can help create brand awareness by sharing your company’s news, updates, or achievements. This exposure can attract potential customers and increase brand recognition. SEO benefits: Press releases distributed online can improve your search engine rankings. Including relevant keywords and links in your press release can help boost your website’s visibility in search results. Investor and stakeholder communication: Press releases are an effective way to communicate with investors, shareholders, and other stakeholders, keeping them informed about significant company announcements, financial results, or strategic initiatives. Crisis management: When you’re stuck in a challenging situation, a well-crafted press release can help control the narrative, provide accurate information, and manage public perception. While there’s no cut-and-dried formula for what a press release should include, here are a few types of occasions to help you carve out a focus for your press release and determine what content would help you broadcast your news in the best way: Product Launches The product launch type of press release is valuable to get the word out about the new solutions your organization is offering to consumers. It should emphasize the product’s specs, pricing, availability, and any other details that may be valuable to consumers. Mergers and Acquisitions Organizational change is noteworthy enough to warrant a press release, especially for informing current and future stakeholders about the growth and trajectory of a company. To announce an acquisition or merger, include details about all organizations involved, information about the merger or acquisition, and quotes from the leadership teams. Product Updates Similar to a new product launch, product updates and expansions are also ripe for promotion. Explain what the change is, why it was made, and how it benefits the user. Events Press releases are an important component of event marketing to attract promotion from news outlets and other media sources. You’ll want to include: What the event is about Who should consider attending When and where it will be held Pricing Grand Openings Whether you opened up a new office, relocated, or are opening for the first time, announce the details with a grand opening press release. Announce the date and location the grand opening will be held, who is involved, how the grand opening is being celebrated, and the reason for the move (if applicable). New Partnerships Similar to mergers and acquisitions, a press release announcing new partnerships is a mutually beneficial marketing tactic. To effectively execute this type of release, be sure to write a summary about each company, why the partnership was created, who benefits, and any additional important details for current and future stakeholders. Rebranding Rebranding is a difficult thing for any business to do, and it can occasionally result in confusion and awkwardness. One way to make the transition smoother is by announcing the rebrand with a press release, including details on what is changing, the reason for making the change, dates the changes go into effect, and quotes from the leadership team. Executive Team Changes Executives often serve as faces of the company, and a press release functions to kick off this role. It may include biographical information to establish their credibility along with a photo and other pertinent details. Awards When it comes to business excellence, it’s OK to brag. Press releases about awards and accomplishments serve to cement your organization as an authority in your space. Such a press release includes information about the company and why they were given the award, information about the award itself, and details about the ceremony (if applicable). When formatting a press release, you want to write it in a newsy, straightforward way so a journalist who might write about it can imagine it as an article on their news site. To start, here are the basics every press release should include: Your contact information located on the top left corner The phrase “For immediate release” located on the top right A headline that quickly explains the announcement Your business location in the first sentence of the press release A quick bio about your