One of the best marketing tools any business can use is the press release.
But it is possibly one of the most under utilised forms of marketing.
The main reason for this, is that businesses often think they don’t have anything newsworthy to shout about. But there are a number of opportunities where you can issue a press release.
Sending out regular press releases is a great way to keep your business’s name ‘out there’ in the marketing place. No only that, but by publishing them online, you will be generating those all important one way back links to your website that are so important for search engine optimisation.
So when should you issue a press release? Well, whenever you do something new. To help you out, I have compiled this list of press release opportunities that shouldn’t be missed.
10 Reasons to send a press release
1. New product
This is probably the most obvious. When you launch a new product or service, make sure you send out a press release. It is the ideal opportunity to announce to the world what you are doing.
Always make sure you provide a link back to your website so your readers can easily get to your site for further information.
2. Case study/Survey
If you have recently carried out a survey or case study, make sure you issue a press release to announce the results.
This type of information will be very interesting to people in your industry or who have an interest in it.
3. Current events
If current news events are relevant to your business, press release about it. Topical issues are always of great interest so use what’s in the news to spread the word about your company.
4. Industry trends
You will be keeping an eye on what’s happening in your industry so make sure you use press releases to comment on the latest trends. Whether you want to highlight how trends are effecting business or how you have changed processes as a result of new trends, this type of industry comment will help bolster your position as an expert in your field.
5. Congratulations!
If your business has received an award or commendation, press release it. Blowing your own trumpet is an opportunity you can’t miss. It shows readers you are very good at what you do.
6. Growth
Have you taken on new staff? Moved to new premises? Bought a new fleet of vans? Any signs of growth are worth shouting about, especially in today’s climate.
7. Charity
Whether your company has donated to a charity, or if you are taking part in a charity event, this again is a prime opportunity for a press release. It will show your company as one that is involved with the community.
8. Freebies
Are you about to give away a free eBook, report or white paper? Don’t leave people to find out about it by chance, make sure you issue a press release about it.
9. The weird and wonderful
Press releases don’t just have to be about company milestones. If something bizarre has happened recently, write about it. Human interest stories are always popular. Share your experiences.
10. Employees
Have some of your employees done anything newsworthy? Whether it is being involved in a charity event or an inspirational tale of overcoming adversity, people love to read about other people.
At the end of the day, press releases will help you strengthen your place in the market and show your company as one that can be trusted. By issuing regular releases you will keep your company name in the forefront of your customer’s minds.
Don’t let the opportunity pass you by – press release it!
Sally Ormond – freelance copywriter
4 comments ↓
Hmm..I have always wondered what press releases are and how they actually help in a business.
I have never understood them.
Sally, could you please tell whether Press Releases can help in Internet Marketing?
If yes then can you please tell how? Where do we submit press releases?
Thanks,
Nabeel
Hi Nabeel,
You should use a press release when you have something of interest to share about your business. So, it could be a redesigned website, a new service etc. It helps as part of your internet strategy because of the back links you can generate and publicity drawing more targeted traffic to your website. With regards to their submission, just Google ‘press release sites’ and you’ll get a list of online outlets such as pressbox. Of course, you can also go for offline publication by sending your release to the editor of local newspapers and industry magazines.
Hope that helps.
Sally
Hi Sally,
Thank you very much for your detailed reply. Yes it helps a lot!
Kindest,
Nabeel
Hello Sally,
Excellent post. I haven’t been issuing press releases, but now realize I probably should have been… WHOOPS! Your article was very informative.
Thank you,
April
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