Press Releases

Press Releases FAQs

• What are the style guidelines for a formal press release?

  A press release is like a news story, so always stick to the facts. Start with a headline that tells readers what to expect. Follow that by a first paragraph covering the main news point. Expand on this in subsequent paragraphs, ensuring that you cover the who, what, where, why, when and how (6Ws) of the story with in the early part of the news release. Most press releases also include quotes from a company insider and a third party.

• What are the key elements of a press release?

  Like a news story, one of the most important aspects of a good press release is the headline, which is what persuades people to read further. After that, the first paragraph introduces people to your story. Most press releases state whether they are “for immediate release” which means the news can be published right away, or “embargoed”, which means it can’t be published before a particular deadline. All press releases include contact information like a phone number and email address.

• What is the purpose of the press release?

  The purpose of a press release, which is also called a news release or media release, is to make an announcement to the press and the public, such as for a new product or service. Before social media, this was how companies got their news to the attention of journalists. While some press releases are published on free press release sites, many are issued on companies’ own websites, and then shared with the public via social media and email marketing.

• Why hire a professional press release writer?

  If you want a great press release that’s guaranteed to get shared and published, then hire a professional press release writer. A professional press release writer understands that the press release is part of a public relations campaign, and knows how to write the headline and first paragraph to attract your audience. A pro press release writer is also able to optimize your press release for search engines with SEO, making it easier for people to find your information online.

• When is the right time to start writing and pushing press releases for a new business?

  Send out a press release any time there’s something newsworthy to reveal about your new business. As a public relations tool, press releases can help you generate buzz for your business, so don’t be afraid to promote development milestones with new press releases. For best results, integrate press releases into your overall business promotion strategy, along with content marketing and email marketing. Consider hiring a professional press release writer to optimize your press release for more visibility, reach, and engagement.

• What are the best days of the week to launch a press release?

  According to multiple research studies, the best days of the week to launch a press release are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Since many recipients are busy at the start of the week, if you send a press release on Monday, they might ignore it. Timing is also important. The research shows that it’s most likely people will read your press release if you send it between 10am and 2pm. If your recipients are in different time zones, optimize your send times accordingly.