If you’re a business owner or a public relations professional, you know how important it is to get your press releases picked up by the media. Not only can media coverage help to increase brand awareness and credibility, but it can also drive traffic to your website and help you generate leads and sales.
But with so many press releases being sent to reporters and editors on a daily basis, how do you make sure that yours stands out and gets noticed? Here are some tips to help you get your press releases picked up and gain media coverage.
Make sure your press release is newsworthy. This means that it should be interesting, timely, and relevant to your audience. Avoid sending out press releases that are self-serving or promotional in nature, as these are less likely to be picked up by the media. Instead, focus on providing valuable information that will be of interest to your audience.
To determine if your press release is newsworthy, ask yourself these questions:
- Is your press release timely? Is it relevant to current events or trends?
- Is your press release unique? Does it offer new information or a new perspective on a topic?
- Is your press release relevant to the media outlet’s audience? Will it be of interest to their readers, viewers, or listeners?
Write a compelling headline that will grab the attention of the media. The headline is the first thing that journalists will see when they receive your press release, so make sure it’s attention-grabbing and informative. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be confusing to the reader, and instead focus on creating a headline that is clear, concise, and engaging.
It’s important to write a strong lead paragraph that summarizes the key points of your press release. This should include all the essential information that journalists need to know, such as the who, what, when, where, and why of your story. Keep it brief and to the point, and avoid using overly complex language or jargon.
Use short, concise sentences and avoid using technical terms or jargon that may be difficult for the average reader to understand. Additionally, break up your press release into manageable sections with subheadings, and use bullet points or numbered lists to make the information easier to scan and digest.
Once you’ve written your press release, it’s important to distribute it to the right people. Start by creating a list of media outlets that are relevant to your story. This could include local newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and online publications. Then, research the journalists and reporters at each outlet to find out who covers stories that are similar to yours.
Research the publications and journalists you want to reach out to. Look for newspapers and journalists who cover stories that are similar to yours, and make a list of potential outlets and contacts. This will help you tailor your pitch to their specific interests and needs.
When you’re ready to distribute your press release, make sure to personalize your pitch to each journalist. Instead of sending the same generic message to everyone on your list, take the time to tailor your pitch to each individual. This will show that you’ve done your research and are familiar with their work, which can increase the chances of them wanting to cover your story.
Use personal connections to your advantage. If you know someone who works at a newspaper or has connections to journalists, consider asking them for help in getting your story noticed. This can be a great way to gain a personal introduction and increase the chances that your pitch will be taken seriously.
Follow up. If you don’t hear back from the journalist after your initial pitch, don’t be afraid to follow up with a polite email or phone call. This can show your persistence and determination, and may be enough to get their attention and get your story noticed.
Use a newswire service. A newswire service (such as News By Wire!) can be a good alternative to sending press releases directly to journalists because it allows you to reach a wider audience in a more timely and efficient manner. With a newswire service, your press release can be distributed to a large number of journalists and media outlets all at once, increasing the chances that it will be seen and potentially covered by the media. This can save you time and resources that you would otherwise have to spend on reaching out to individual journalists and media outlets on your own.
