There are several factors to consider when deciding which press release services are best for you. A press release’s performance cannot be gauged by the number of coverages it receives, but it can be measured by the change in perception it causes among your target audience. Changing perceptions is not something that can be achieved overnight but can be done gradually over some time through a consistent and transparent PR plan.
Finding journalists
Press release services are an excellent way to pitch your company’s news and events to journalists in your target industry. Whether you’re targeting a trade publication or a local newspaper, there are ways to find journalists in your area. You can find their email addresses, website links, and more online. Alternatively, you can contact them directly via phone. However, email is a much faster and more effective way to reach out to journalists. Remember to keep your pitch brief and concise.
One of the essential steps to finding journalists when using press release services is determining who might be interested in your topic. You can look up their names on websites like Muckrack or Google News. In addition, you can use email finder tools to locate their email addresses. This will help you save time while increasing the chances of your press release being read.
Another way to find journalists is to search for a PR service with a media contacts database. PRWeb is an excellent example, as it includes a media discovery module that helps you track journalists’ responses. It also consists of an online newsroom that lets you build interactive stories and search for any type of content.
Creating engaging visuals
Using images in press releases is a crucial element in improving visibility. They add to the text and make your press release more aesthetically pleasing. However, they need to be placed in the right places to get the most benefit. For example, setting an image between the opening of your press release and your headline is best. You should also keep the image small, so it doesn’t push the text down the page.
Creating engaging visuals for press releases is a relatively inexpensive and easy process. While this strategy may seem a little time-consuming, it is a proven way to increase views of your press releases. For example, Wallsauce uses images for advertising its interior design brand.
A press release that uses images can attract three times as many viewers as one that only has text. However, ensure that the photos are highly quality and relevant to the content. Moreover, you must ensure you have the right to use images or videos. Finally, it’s also important to remember that press releases must be newsworthy, not just a marketing pieces.
Identifying media outlets
Identifying media outlets to target when using press release services is vital. Search engines, such as Google, will help you locate media outlets interested in your topic. In addition, you can use media databases to find out who these outlets are and what types of information they are looking for.
While many press release services claim to be able to reach a wide range of media outlets, this is not always the case. Some will charge extra for media uploads, videos, and other features that may not be included in the free service. Generally, the best option for a first-time user is to opt for a service that offers a no-frills, transparent pricing model.
Press releases that contain multimedia have a much higher engagement rate than text-only releases. Consumers are likelier to share releases with multimedia content, and journalists constantly search for stories about interesting topics. The State of the Press Release report from Cision shows that press releases are the number one content type journalists are looking for.
Choosing a distribution service
If you want to get the most attention for your press release, choose a press release distribution service that knows journalists and knows how to reach them. An established service will have relationships with several media outlets and be more effective than a company that has just started. Online services should avoid sending press releases to database websites, as they do not have the right connections and relationships. They may be cheaper, but the results may not be as good.
If you are looking for international coverage, choose a service that covers many regions, including Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. A reputable service will have your press release distributed to the largest newswires in these regions. It will also offer post-distribution reporting to help you track ROI. You can also view a list of media outlets to which your release has been distributed, which will help you understand how well it’s performing. Choosing digital marketing services and press release distribution service that offers analytics is essential. Analytical data can help you follow up and make calls to editors, and it can also help you revise your press release if needed.
