5 Ways to Boost Your Press Releases’ Chances to Get Picked Up

A press release is the smartest way to get publicity in the most cost-effective manner possible.

If crafted elegantly, your story can set off a chain reaction by getting published on multiple platforms – a windfall for your company and your brand.

Mind you, the key phrase here is ‘if crafted elegantly’. You must work hard to accomplish this; otherwise, your stuff is sure to land up in the editor’s trash bin. 

With the ratio of PR professionals to journalists not exactly cheerful, your story needs to be exceptional to be picked up by journalists.

Here are 5 approaches that can enhance the possibility of your story to get media attention.

1. Establish realistic objectives

It is important that you must focus on what you want to achieve. 

Forget smugness and self-gratification, and keep your eyes on the broader picture.  Target the best publications and put in your best efforts to enhance the visibility of your products, services, and company. 

Once you do this it becomes a straightforward matter to evaluate if you are achieving your goal.

If not, you can tweak your strategies to get on track. 

You must optimize your efforts because your resources may be limited. Choose journalists and online press release distribution services that will pitch your story and deliver the results you want.

2. Start with a newsworthy story

In your own perception, all the important happenings in your company are newsworthy. Truthfully they are, yet, you must view them from the journalists’ perspective.

Does it excite them the same way it does you?

A good story is all about how it interests the audience. Ideally, it must be both interesting and important. Any happening is news but not all happenings are newsworthy.

Journalists are flooded with requests from various quarters to make their news viral. Obviously, journalists cannot concede to all requests, so they verify and filter, and choose only a few. 

If you want to get into their kitty, make sure your story is verifiable and persuades the audience that it is relevant and significant.

3. Understand the nitty-gritty of a press release

In short, know how to write a press release. 

You must make sure your content adheres to commonly followed protocols. 

 This means you need to follow a standard format that includes:

• Headline
• Summary
• Main body
• Boilerplate 

Keep in mind the AP style as well. AP or the Associated Press has set guidelines for news publications to follow. 

Journalists do not compromise on these. 

If for any reason you feel overwhelmed, consider using a professional service.

4. Use high-quality press release distribution services

This aspect can never be overstated. You must understand how to make PR services really work for you.

It may cost you money but at least you will get decent traction. Also, choose a service that will allow you to add videos, graphics, images, and hyperlinks. 

5. Fillip your press release with SEO

Most press release services offer SEO enhancement features. Do not ignore this aspect as SEO must be a key feature of your distribution strategy.    

A well-structured press release can actually drive prospective consumers to contact you.