Key Purposes of Writing a Press Release

by John Smith Media/News Company

Can you think of promoting your business without press releases? It is not likely to happen because without this tool, brand awareness may be tough to accomplish. Every business needs a tool to showcase its products and services, and press releases are one such tool. At the same time, while many are aware of the value of press releases, few know how best to use these.

What is a press release?

A press release can be defined as a kind of written communication reporting some specific, precise, and relevant information concerning a product, event or any other happening that is related to the business. This tool is primarily for announcing something which is newsworthy, and the tone has to be as impartial as possible. The idea is to get coverage for the news and reach out to the target audience.

How valuable is a press release today?

Some people are of the view that press releases are passé; that they are uninteresting and end up wooing the wrong audience, or sound over promotional. But the truth is that for communicating with your customers, this tool is by far the handiest. Press releases can be written and released, but it does not imply that the media is going to run it. Media channels want to be sure the press release will excite its readers, and will be beneficial for the community. This is why it becomes imperative to target tweeters, bloggers, and social influencers who can publish the stories across various social media platforms.

What are the key purposes for writing a press release?

The main reason for writing a press release is to promote information about a business that is relevant and specific in a clear and concise manner to the reader. The idea is to notify the media regarding an event so that the media can then spread the word. A press release seeks to share some information about your business in a way that will attract reporters and journalists who can find it newsworthy and write a story on it. In this way, a press release helps to promote a business’s visibility online through websites, blogs, and social media networks.

While a press release is expected to highlight the news hook or the piece of information which is eye-catchy to the audience, it must not tell the entire story. It is only meant to attract the attention of the reporters so that they are keen to dig up more information. In short, a press release is meant to be the starting point encouraging reporters to come up with an actual news story that can be published online.

A press release is not supposed to have too many details; the details can be incorporated when a reporter takes up the story. You will use it as a bait to entice the audience and media so that they contact you thereafter to get more details. This is also why your press release needs to have your contact information allowing reporters to follow up with your company promptly.

Unlike traditional advertising campaigns where you end up spending a fortune to boost sales, press releases offer a cost-effective means to reach out to your customers. Moreover with the new tools available, managing and distributing press releases has also become far easier. Start-ups and smaller businesses will greatly benefit from press releases.

The truth is anyone can write a cheap press release and submit it free of cost to multiple media channels. But you must remember that this is not a guaranteed marketing medium, and you cannot expect the mainstream media to pounce on your news right away.