Still No Media Coverage? This Press Release Guide is Helping Businesses Get Seen
Your marketing strategy might involve a mix of emails, social media, advertising, events, and other tactics, but one mention in the press can multiply all those efforts tenfold, sending a surge of new customers your way, and even take your small business to the next level. Want proof? A single story in The New York …
Your marketing strategy might involve a mix of emails, social media, advertising, events, and other tactics, but one mention in the press can multiply all those efforts tenfold, sending a surge of new customers your way, and even take your small business to the next level.
Want proof? A single story in
The New York Times
[1]
transformed
Beardbrand
[2]
from a blog for beardsmen into a major player in the men’s grooming-product industry.
But how do you make that happen for your business? How do you attract the attention of your local news, let alone news sites like
The New York Times
? You can simply focus on your business and hope you catch a reporter’s eye, or you can speed the process along by writing a press release.
What is a press release?
A press release is a document that announces a newsworthy story about your brand that the media might want to cover and provides all of the pertinent information a reporter or editor would need.
Some outlets will share your news based solely on the press release. Other times, they’ll contact you to arrange an interview or use you as an expert source for another story, especially if you regularly send out press releases sharing newsworthy topics.
Simply saying “Look at my business!” isn’t newsworthy. Announcements that are, however, include:
Launching a new business, product, or service
Holding a large contest or competition
Partnering with a charity, community organization, or
celebrity
[3]
Hosting an event
Winning an award
Sharing a customer success story
Announcing a merger or acquisition
[4]
your business
Promoting or hiring a new executive
A good way to gauge the newsworthiness of your story is to pay attention to coverage that other businesses receive.
Reporters look for stories that are timely, affect a large number of people, have an emotional element, or relate to other news stories. You could also tap into what people are talking about, either in person or on social media. If your business has a connection to a bigger story, you may improve your chances of getting covered.
The benefits of writing a press release
In addition to catching the attention of the media, writing a press release provides several added benefits. First, it’s a cost-effective tool you can add to your marketing strategy, especially if you’re a startup with a limited budget. Since releases are posted online, you might draw prospective customers and backlinks to your site as well.
A well-written press release also helps you control your story. You can share what’s important to you and call attention to the value you offer. In the event of a crisis, a press release offers you a chance to respond to a story with your own. And distributing your story through a press release service can boost your content marketing efforts by increasing web traffic and improving search engine optimization.
Another benefit is the ability to share your press releases on the news or
press page of your website
[5]
. This can help establish you as an expert in your field. When a reporter visits your site and finds press releases available, you come across more professionally and save the reporter time by making pertinent information easily and quickly accessible.
Free: Press Release Template
To help you get started, we put together this template to help you structure your story using a common press release format. You can replace each component with your own information and adapt it according to your needs.
Get the press release template delivered right to your inbox.
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Types of press releases
Press releases are normally seen as just a way to generate publicity. However, there are many different types of press releases, each with their own formats and rules.
Breaking news
This is the most common type of press release. News outlets always want to be the first to cover a breaking story. From COVID updates to cryptocurrency, there’s breadth in what news outlets will cover, but it’s the hook in your story that will get your press release noticed. These press releases can be one- or two-page documents that share the latest news with the public.
Product launches
Getting news of your product launch published gets the word out and drives sales for new offerings. A news release like this highlights your product’s pricing, availability, specs, and other useful information for customers.
Mergers and acquisitions
If your company is undergoing an organizational change remarkable enough to write a press release, you can use it to inform stakeholders about the company’s potential growth. When announcing a merger or acquisition, include details about the organizations involved, quotes from leadership, and information about the merger or acquisition.
Product updates
Got a big product update in the works? Let the world know by writing a press release. This is similar to a product launch release. The main difference is that with product updates, you’ll want to focus on the changes made, why you made them, and how they affect the end user.
Events
Event press releases can give reporters something timely and relevant to publish. They are also a great way to promote your event and get more attendees. When writing a press release for events, make sure to clearly explain the details. Use bullet points or a list to highlight the who, what, when, and where for readers to easily comprehend.
New partnerships
If you team up with another company or non-profit, it could be newsworthy. A press release announcing partnerships can be a smart marketing tool for both companies.
If you want to successfully execute this type of press release, make sure to:
Write an overview of each company
Explain why the partnership was created
Include who is benefiting from the partnership
Add any extra details for current and future partners
Rebranding
Rebranding is often a challenge for businesses both big and small. Customers may end up confused if their brands change identity overnight. A press release announcing your rebrand can help ease the transition into this new phase of your business.
When writing a press release for your rebrand, include:
What the changes are
Why the changes are taking place
How it affects your customers
When the changes go into effect
Quotes from leadership
Executive promotions
At bigger companies, executive promotions are considered big news. Organizations are constantly hiring and replacing leadership roles. Announcing changes in key positions can help stakeholders understand what’s going on and kick off a candidate’s new role in the company.
Awards
Did your company win a big award? It’s OK to brag about it. Announcements about industry awards can help solidify your company’s reputation as an expert in the space. A press release for award nominations should include:
Why your company was chosen
Details about the award
Information about the ceremony (if there is one)
How to write a press release
Press releases follow a consistent format that makes it easy for reporters and editors to find the information they need. It’s important to stick to the press release format to help reporters decide to cover your story.
Here are seven steps to writing an effective press release:
Find a newsworthy angle.
Even a well-written, personalized press release will fail if the story it’s telling isn’t interesting to a journalist’s target audience.
Craft an appealing headline.
Use the main benefit from your press release to write a headline that is both clear and compelling.
Summarize your story in your subtitle.
Summarize the entire content of the press release in a single sentence that supports the heading and gives a taste of the content to follow.
Introduce essential information.
Before the first paragraph, state your company’s city and state, followed by the date. Then your opening paragraph should answer the questions, “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “why” in a way that grabs the reporter’s interest.
Provide supporting information and context.
Add weight to the release with testimonials, statistics, research details, and case study excerpts. This is also the place to include a quote from the main subjects involved in the news.
Lead into the reader’s next steps.
Summarize the article and include a call to action or details of where more information on the subject matter can be found.
End with your boilerplate.
Provide a brief background and overview of the company. Include contact information. (At the bottom of the press release, it is common to include three ### symbols or “–30–” to signify the end.
)
As we stated before, a release should offer something newsworthy, but it also helps to make the writing interesting.
Start with a strong headline that conveys the value of your news to the press. The headline should be catchy but also easy to understand. Professional writers often spend as much time on a headline as they do writing an article. If you need inspiration, review your favorite blogs and online news sources and pay attention to the headlines that make you want to click to the story.
In the first paragraph, immediately tell reporters why they should share your announcement by explaining why their readers care. Share a startling statistic, counterintuitive fact, or innovative development. Then use supporting paragraphs to bring your release to life with details and colorful quotes. Simply stating facts or sounding self-congratulatory won’t do.
Complete your release with a strong but succinct boilerplate. Clearly explain what your company does and why its stakeholders are experts in the industry. And don’t forget to include contact information. A release won’t go anywhere if a reporter can’t easily contact the stakeholder or his or her representative.
Also, make sure to double check your press release for spelling and grammar errors. You can use a
free online grammar checker
[6]
to make your writing more clear and powerful before sending it off!
Sample press release format
There are seven parts to a standard press release:
Title and italicized subheading to summarize the news
Location where the news is based, i.e., your headquarters
Two to three paragraphs of details
Bulleted facts
Company description at the bottom
Contact information
A “###” at the end
When sending a press release, include when you want reporters to publish the news in the upper left hand corner. Two common options are:
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,” if you want the story to go live right away.
“HOLD FOR RELEASE UNTIL…” if you don’t want the story made public yet. Be sure to include the date when sending.
One common formatting mistake businesses make when writing a press release is making it too long.
Michelle Garrett
[7]
, a PR consultant at Garrett Public Relations, explains, “Don’t try to cram everything under the sun into your press release. The purpose of a press release is to give an overview and a few pertinent details about what it is you’re announcing.” She adds, “Include one or two executive and/or customer quotes. Then be sure to include links to visit for more information.” Aim to keep your press release short, sweet, and to the point.
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A press release template you can use
To help you get started on your
press release kit
[8]
, we put together this template to help you structure your story using a common press release format. Simply copy and paste it into Microsoft Word or Google Docs and start writing. You can replace each component with your own information and adapt it according to your needs.
[Headline that announces the story and captures attention]
[Subtitle that quickly summarizes your story]
[CITY, Month, Day, Year]—[Company Name, Company Description] announced today [the who, what, when, where, and, why of your story].
[Share past milestones, events, stats, research, and additional context a journalist might want. Use multiple paragraphs and bullet points if you need to.]
[Incorporate some quotes from the main subjects/experts involved in your story.]
[Emphasize once more what makes this story newsworthy.]
[End with more information about your company, how to learn more, and get in touch for more information.]
###
A press release example from Bulletproof
Below is a press release example from
Bulletproof
[9]
announcing a new product line.
As you read it, note its use of attention-grabbing statistics, action words, and clear benefits. The use of bulleted information makes the release easy to scan and read. The boilerplate also includes more resources for reporters as well as social media information. It ends with the name, phone number, and email of the company’s media contact.
Bulletproof Releases Cold Brew Line of Ready-To-Drink Bulletproof Coffee
After selling more than 100 million cups of its signature brew, convenient, pre-made version now available at Whole Foods stores nationwide
SEATTLE, Sept. 6, 2017 — Bulletproof 360, Inc., creators of Bulletproof ® coffee and other high-performance food and nutrition products, announced today the largest product launch in company history with the release of Bulletproof Coffee Cold Brew. The new grab-and-go version of the signature coffee is available in four flavors and made with Bulletproof coffee beans, Brain Octane® oil and grass-fed butter, delivering a convenient and delicious coffee drink with the same benefits Bulletproof fans have come to love, including sustained energy and mental focus, all without sugar or chemicals.
To date, more than 100 million cups of the brand’s original recipe for Bulletproof Coffee have been consumed by people all over the country. The new on-the-go version provides sustainable energy from high-quality fats rather than sugar, allowing people to boost their performance anywhere—from the gym, to carpool duty or in the boardroom. Bulletproof Coffee Cold Brew is the newest innovation from the company that will allow people to conveniently take steps toward achieving their goals and unleashing their full potential.
After years of research, development, and testing, Bulletproof Coffee Cold Brew is currently rolling out at Whole Foods locations nationwide this month and can also be ordered online at bulletproof.com.
Bulletproof Coffee Cold Brew Details:
Key ingredients include cold brew coffee made with Bulletproof beans, Brain Octane oil (a powerful energy source extracted from the most potent part of the coconut), and grass-fed butter
Made with Bulletproof clean coffee beans that are certified to be free of 27 toxins
Available in four flavors – Original, Vanilla, Mocha, Original + Collagen Protein (13g of protein)
Sugar-free and no refrigeration required
Nutrition facts:
Original: 140 calories, 0 g sugar
Vanilla: 190 calories, 0 g sugar
Mocha: 220 calories, 0 g sugar
Original + Collagen Protein: 230 calories, 0 g sugar, 13 g protein
“It is with great happiness and genuine excitement that we announce the release of Bulletproof Coffee Cold Brew,” said Dave Asprey, CEO and founder of Bulletproof. “When you don’t have time to spare but want to take a step towards a sharper, stronger self, this new ready-to-drink cold brew version offers the same results as Bulletproof coffee in a pre-made, ready to enjoy beverage.”
This announcement comes on the heels of $19 million in Series B funding led by CAVU Venture Partners and Trinity Ventures that closed in May 2017.
About Bulletproof 360, Inc.
Founded by biohacker, bestselling author, and Bulletproof coffee creator Dave Asprey, Bulletproof 360 is dedicated to providing the world with groundbreaking, science-based information, techniques, tools and products to help people perform better, increase focus, enhance energy, and live longer. Resources include #1 ranked podcast Bulletproof Radio, the New York Times bestselling books THE BULLETPROOF DIET and HEAD STRONG, documentary feature film MOLDY, The Bulletproof Executive blog, and more. Twitter: @bpnutrition Instagram:@bulletproofcoffee
[10]
###
Tips for press release distribution
Once you’ve written a press release, it’s time to send it out. You have a few options for distribution.
First, you can make a list of the media outlets whose readers and viewers would be most interested in your news and send your release directly to them via email. You can find their email addresses with a quick internet search: [reporter name] + [news outlet] + email address.
If that doesn’t produce results, use a tool like
Hunter
[11]
that will provide an email formula for an outlet. Or simply connect with them on Twitter or LinkedIn.
You can also distribute your news release using an distribution service, such as:
These companies send your release to journalists based on their specific interests and also publish it on their website. Each service offers a variety of options, and costs can vary greatly, ranging from $69 to a few thousand dollars.
Another option is to
hire a public relations professional
[12]
who can write and distribute a press release for you. These professionals often have existing relationships with the press and may be able to get you media coverage more easily.
If your news is time sensitive, such as an event or announcement, send it to reporters a few days beforehand so they have time to craft their story. If you want news outlets to hold off on publishing, release it under embargo, which is a request that reporters not publish information until a specific date. If you really need something kept secret, make sure to only offer embargoed news to outlets you trust.
Generate buzz with a press release
While a press release doesn’t guarantee
free press release coverage
[13]
, it can be an effective marketing tool. By sending out releases with a regular cadence, you start to build up brand recognition with members of the media, influencers, and bloggers.
You never know when an outlet might be looking for a source in your industry, remember your company, and reach out for an interview. By sharing newsworthy information, you become a thought leader in your field.
Successful publicity depends on sustained effort
[14]
. If you do get coverage, keep the buzz going by sharing those stories on social media. Mention previous coverage in the boilerplate of your next press release. Press often follows press, and once you get your first mention, you might find it easier to get a second, third, and so on.
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Press release FAQ
How do you write a press release?
Find a newsworthy angle
Write an attention-grabbing headline
Write your opening sentence (aka, lede)
Craft two to five strong body paragraphs with supporting details
Add quotes
Include contact information
Write boilerplate copy
What’s in a press release?
A press release is a short, captivating news story written by a company and sent to targeted members of the media. Press releases are written in third person, citing quotes and sources, and containing standard press release information.
What are the 7 parts of a press release?
Headline
Summary
Date and location
Body paragraph
Company description
Boilerplate
End or close
What makes a good press release?
Compelling storylines
Information over promotion
A professional, polished finish
Exposure using paid or free press release distribution and
outreach tools
[15]
References
(www.nytimes.com)
(www.beardbrand.com)
(www.shopify.ca)
(www.shopify.ca)
(www.shopify.ca)
(writer.com)
(michellegarrett.com)
(www.shopify.ca)
(www.bulletproof.com)
(www.bulletproof.com)
(hunter.io)
hire a public relations professional
(www.shopify.ca)
(www.shopify.ca)
Successful publicity depends on sustained effort
(www.shopify.ca)
(www.shopify.ca)
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