Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Finding places to submit a press release
• Method 2 of 2: The submission process
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

A press release conveys information that your organization wants to share with the public through the media. After writing the press release, follow these instructions to submit a press release to the appropriate media outlets.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Finding places to submit a press release

1. Send your message to your local media outlets.
   • Newspaper in your area: Contact the city editor or the editor in charge of the section related to the content of your article.
   • Weekly: Editor
   • Journal: Editor or editor-in-chief
   • Radio stations: News editor or (in Flanders) the BAN editor, if you want to broadcast a Public Benefit Message.
   • Television channels: News editor
2. Focus on newspapers, online newspapers or other media outlets operating in the geographic area where you want to expand your business.
3. Offer your press release to key figures in your field, including well-known bloggers and industry leaders.
   • Find the email addresses of important bloggers in your area and email them copies of your press release.
   • Look up names of key figures in your field. For example, if you are a member of a trade association, find the person in charge of media relations in your association. Send your press release to that person by fax, email or post.
4. Use a distribution service. If you don't have time to do market research for your press releases, work with someone who can help you.
   • Note that services that distribute free press releases generally provide limited publicity. For a small fee, most PR distribution services will be able to send your press release to both news services and media agencies. Your goal is to reach as many people as possible. At the end of this article you will find a list of PR distribution sites in good standing.

Method 2 of 2: The submission process

1. Read your press release and check it for errors. Make sure your title and the first paragraph communicate that your content is newsworthy.
2. Research and follow each market's submission guidelines.
   • In general, your contacts will prefer to receive news messages via fax, post or e-mail. Send your message the way the publisher wants to receive it.
   • Don't worry too much about finding exactly the right person to send the press release to if you don't have much time. Get the person's position right, and that should be enough.
3. Set the right time for your press release.
   • Your post may need to coincide with an event or product launch. If not, offer the message early in the week and early in the day.
   • Choose an atypical time, such as 9.08 am. instead of 9 a.m. Doing this will keep it from disappearing on the hour.
4. Offer your press release according to the required guidelines.
   • Type or paste your content directly into the body of the email. Many journalists delete emails with attachments because they take too long to download and may contain viruses.
   • Send your press release to 1 medium at a time, or put the recipients in BCC to ensure that the presentation of the press release is more personal.
   • Some markets may prefer that you upload the press release directly to their website through a secure offering platform.
5. Include media such as photos and videos in your press release to improve your readability.
   • Avoid sending media files via email. Large files will clog an inbox and can end up in the junk mail folder.
   • Send your contact a link to your media through a service such as Box or Dropbox. Alternatively, you can indicate that photos and videos are available upon request.
6. Follow it up with a phone call. Ask if the recipient has received the press release and offer help or further information if needed.

Tips

• Add a news page to your website. Archive your press releases on your website. It will make you appear more legitimate and can also attract new customers.
• Be sure to include full contact information at the bottom of your press release, including your name, phone number, email address, physical address and website URL.
• Make your press release easy to find online. Know the search terms your customers use when they search for you on Google. Include those search terms in your press release, especially in the first 250 words.
• Follow the standard format of a press release carefully. News organizations are more likely to publish press releases if they are properly drafted.

Warnings

• Before signing up with a press release distribution service, do research to make sure they are in good standing.

Necessities

• Correctly drafted press release
• Offer regulations