The editor for a weekly newspaper who covers the topic related to your press release. The editor or managing editor for a magazine that focuses on developments in your industry. The news director or PSA director for a radio station that sends public service announcements. The news director of a TV station that presents coverage on what you want to share.
For example, if you want to sell herbal remedies in Oakland, California, reach out to a staff writer who covers holistic health for the Oakland Tribune, a weekly newspaper.
Browse the bio pages of important bloggers in your field and jot down their email addresses so you can contact them in the future. Look up the names of key people in your industry. For example, if you’re a member of a trade association, like one for cosmetics, then find the person in charge of media relations in your association.
Just keep in mind that free press release distribution services usually offer limited exposure. If you want “wide exposure”, most PR distribution agencies will be able to get your press release to news outlets for a small fee. To make sure your press release is easy to find online, know the search terms that your customers use when they search for you on Google. Incorporate those search terms into your press release, particularly into the first 250 words.
Make sure that you include complete contact information on the bottom of your press release including your name, phone number, e-mail address, physical address and website URL.
Follow the standard press release format carefully. News organizations are more likely to publicize press releases that are properly organized. [8] X Research source Type or paste your content directly into the body of an e-mailed press release. Many journalists delete e-mails with attachments because they take too much time to download and may contain viruses. Send your press release to 1 publication at a time or blind carbon copy (BCC) the recipients to make the news release submission seem more personal. [9] X Research source Some outlets may prefer that you upload the press release directly to their website over a secure submission platform.
Choose an atypical time, such as 9:08 a. m. instead of 9:00 a. m. Doing this will keep your release from getting lost at the top of the hour. If you are planning a special event or product launch, give journalists and staff writers enough time to write about it. For example, if you plan to release a line of cookware, send out a press release 1-2 months in advance.
Just avoid attaching large files to your email, as these will clog an inbox and may end up in the junk mail folder. If you do want to send a lot of materials all at once, try a service like Box or Dropbox. Alternatively, say that photos and videos are available upon request.
