Public Relations Tips

Tips on Submitting a Press Release

Tips on Submitting a press release can be very helpful. Just as much effort should be placed on submitting the written work, as preparing, the actual content of the release. Tips on submitting a press release can assist you in targeting the right media and potential customers. If the correct audience is not targeted it is likely that your release will not be read at all or even published.

It will be necessary to organize and manage your media list. Create a folder on your computer that contains an updated list of potential media contacts readily available. The list can consist of a wide range of media outlets which can include both on-line and off-line media sources. Separate your list into various channel types, for instance, local, regional, national and international sources. Each of these can then contain media contacts for television, radio, online publications, newswires, newspapers and magazines.

Ensure that your media list is relevant to your target industry. Build your list by watching, reading and listening and then tracking the media publications. Try to identify reporters or producers that are most likely to pay attention to the type of press release that you would like to submit.

A business owner/individual can make use of management software programs, such as ACT! or Maximizer. These programs can help to establish and maintain your list database and relationships with the media.

A good tip on submitting a press release would be to make use of newswire sites. They will distribute your news story, on your behalf, to media outlets and editors. The usually offer to publish it on their website as well. There is a cost involved to send the press release ranging between $275 and $600. The price is often based on how many words the content contains. Using a newswire service is good way of quickly reaching many media outlets.

Press releases can be directly submitted to editors or Journalists using ordinary mail, fax or e-mail. The specific editor or journalist will let you know which is the best option is for the submission process.

If you would like to build an extensive list of media contacts, then make use of the various media databases found online. They usually charge a monthly or annual fee, or a fee for each time their services are used.

It is essential to know tips on submitting a press release in regards to timing of submission. Find out from the media outlet what their deadlines are and be aware of busy news days. As Mondays and Tuesdays are usually busy, your release is more likely to be noticed on another day. Your release will also have no preference should there be ‘breaking news’ that the media is focusing on, such as a major strike or national disaster.

Another important tip on submitting a press release via email is not to send it with any attachments, rather write the content within the body of the message.

Stick to the editor’s deadline and do not bother them as to what is happening with your release and if they received it or not etc.

Make sure your website is in order and fully updated before submitting your press release, as the editors will visit the site if they are interested in your submission.

My final tip to you is to submit to as many different locations as possible. There are tons of different kinds of press release software that can distribute your release online to different news outlets online, which are then sent to different television, radio and print journalists. It’s a great way to get the word out.

By following these tips on submitting a press release, you are sure to have release published in no time and generate excellent publicity for your business.