Sending out a press release is a crucial step in getting your message heard by the media and your target audience. It’s an effective way to gain publicity for your organisation, product or service. However, knowing when to send out your press release can be just as important as the content.
According to industry experts, the best days to send out a press release are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These days are considered the start, middle and end of the work week. The reasoning is that journalists are more likely to be receptive to new information on these days.
On Tuesdays, journalists are getting back to work after the weekend, catching up on emails and planning stories for the week. They are often looking for newsworthy content to feature, making it an opportune day to send a press release.
Wednesdays are a good day to send a press release because journalists are still working on stories for the next day’s newspapers and websites. They may be more willing to consider your story for inclusion.
Thursday is another great day to send a press release. Journalists are looking for stories to fill up their weekend editions, so they may be more open to hearing your news.
While these three days are the best to send a press release, it’s important to remember timing isn’t everything. The quality of your press release and how well you target your audience are also crucial factors. Here are some tips to help you create a successful press release:
Make Your Press Release Newsworthy and Relevant
Before you hit send on your press release, make sure it’s newsworthy and relevant to your target audience. Ask yourself, “Is this something that people will want to know about?” Your press release should offer something of value to the reader, whether it’s news about a new product launch or a newsworthy event.
Keep Your Press Release Concise and to the Point
Journalists receive hundreds of press releases each day, so it’s important to keep yours concise and to the point. Stick to the key facts and make sure your release is easy to skim-read. Use bullet points and short paragraphs to break up the text and make it more visually appealing.
Use Strong Headlines and Subheadings to Grab Attention
Your headline and subheadings should be attention-grabbing and informative. They should give the reader a clear idea of what your press release is about. Use keywords that are relevant to your topic and make sure your headline is no more than 70 characters.
Include Images and Videos to Illustrate Your Story
Images and videos can make your press release more engaging and shareable. Include high-quality visuals that illustrate your story and make it more appealing to readers. Images can also help your release stand out in a crowded inbox.
Proofread Your Press Release Carefully
Before you send out your press release, make sure to proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your release is free of typos. This will help you appear more professional and increase your chances of getting picked up by journalists.
Follow up with Journalists
After you send out your press release, follow up with journalists to see if they have any questions or need more information. This can help you build relationships with journalists and increase your chances of getting featured in their work.
In conclusion, the best days to send out a press release are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These days are seen as the start, middle, and end of the work week, respectively, and journalists are more likely to be receptive to new information on these days. However, it’s important to remember that timing isn’t everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday considered the best days to send out a press release?
These days are seen as the start, middle, and end of the work week for journalists. They are more likely to be receptive to pitches and new information on these days as they plan content for upcoming editions.
Should I avoid sending press releases on Mondays and Fridays?
It’s generally not recommended to send press releases on Mondays or Fridays. Mondays tend to be busy catch-up days for journalists while Fridays are when they are wrapping up content for the week.
What time of day is best to send a press release?
The best time to send a press release is typically between 10am and 12pm. This allows journalists to review pitches during a normal workday before deadlines. Avoid very early morning or late afternoon.
How can I increase the chances of my press release getting opened?
Use a compelling, benefit-focused subject line. Address the journalist directly. Keep the release concise. Follow up after sending. Use quality photos and videos. Personalize pitches when possible.
Should I follow up if I haven’t heard back after sending my press release?
Yes, it’s recommended to follow up within 2-3 days if you haven’t received a response. Briefly reiterate your key announcements and offer to provide more information. Following up shows persistence.
