When to Publish an Optimized Press Release for Your Business
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008I’ve had hundreds of press releases come across my desk. Whether it’s been ones I’ve written, ones I’ve proofread, or ones I’ve reviewed for one of my blogs or other websites, trust me when I say I’ve seen enough to know the good from the bad.
A trend I’ve noticed over time is that many news releases I see simply aren’t newsworthy. And while there are no true rules about releases, there are some simple guidelines that can help you determine what is and isn’t newsworthy.
While the importance of news releases in traditional media is till there, and with the emergence of press releases as an SEO tool, press releases take on a whole new role - and therefore a whole new importance.
Here’s a basic list I’ve compiled with the help of a few sources. Some of these won’t apply to your business and some of them will. Either way, it’s a good guide to determining whether your idea for a press release is newsworthy.
-Announce a new product or service.
-A link with a national holiday, a birthday or anniversary.
-Report a new study of your own and your analysis or forecast.
-Tie in with a controversy by commenting on it.
-Take a relevant national survey or study and link it to your company in a way that benefits you.
-Announce your attendance and exhibit at an industry trade show or convention.
-Create and promote a special event.
-Use a current news event to frame your release.
-Host a seminar and announce the information discussed.
-Announce upcoming speaking engagement(s).
-Your company sponsors a community event.
-Your company hosts an open house where people can tour your office or warehouse.
-Write a white paper for your industry, and announce its availability on your web site (also a great way to collect email addresses).
-Schedule a speaking engagement at the local library… for free.
-Announce transcripts and video of speeches available at your website.
-Create a contest and offer a newsworthy prize.
-Celebrities that use your product or service.
-Financial projections and forecasts.
-Announce a public appearance.
-Your company creates an award to honor individuals in the community.
-Patents and trademarks you’ve been awarded.
-The appearance in front of a public entity, i.e. testimony before the US Senate.
-Host a public debate.
-Host a celebrity event and tie in your company.
-Litigation you’ve won.
-Announce the results of a new study.
-The number of hours your employees have donated volunteering in your community.
-Involvement in various community events and activities.
-Innovative use for your products.
-New clients you’ve obtained.
-New testimonials.
-Recognition of employees with 25 (or more) years of service.
-Internal promotion of any key members of your staff.
-New members of important committees.
-Charitable donations made by your company or organization.
-ISO 9001 or other certification of your company.
-Your company has won a new award.
-The announcement that your company has joined an association.
-Your company reports on a public project and offer its insight on the problem.
-Your company protests or disapproves of an activity or issue.
These days, you don’t need the media if you’re submitting press releases for SEO purposes. But your releases still need to be well-written and newsworthy as today’s consumers are more savvy than ever and will only get more savvy.
Got something newsworthy you want to get out to your audience? A 10-minute call to SEO Content Copywriter Jason Pedley could help you decide. Contact Jason today for a consultation.
