How to Submit a Press Release Via the Wire
Gone are the days when a business sent out hard copy press releases to its own list of media outlets. These days, most companies and individuals choose to send a press release over "the wire." It is fast and reasonably inexpensive, at least compared to mailing the release in volume. Wire services also enable you to reach thousands more media outlets than you would be able to do on your own. They also allow you to track the release's success.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Assess whether you need a paid wire service or a free one. Two popular paid services are PR Newswire and Business Wire. According to Business Wire, the cost can be as low as $285. Alternatively, opt for a free service such as PR Newswire. You will usually have to register for a new account with a free service by filling in a short contact form. A paid service should send your press release to thousands of targeted media outlets, relevant to your content.
-
2
Enlist the help of the wire service if you are unsure about formatting the press release and what to include. Many will allow you to upload photographs and to include hyperlinks within the text. Quiz the wire service on where it is distributing the release. Also ask the service about feedback. For instance, most will allow you to monitor who clicked on your headline and read the release.
-
-
3
Upload the release onto the wire service's website. There is generally a template to complete. Copy and paste from a Word document instead of typing directly into the template in case of Internet problems. Categories to complete usually include a headline, body text (this is where you type your press release content) and contact details. The template might also include a box where you insert a list of keywords, relevant to your release, to help search engine optimization. You can upload images, PDF files and spreadsheets from your computer at this stage. Choose the relevant categories for your release, such as "Health" or "Construction." Paid services will include press release statistics, such as how many people clicked on your release. Free services might present this as an optional extra. You can usually specify a time when you want the service to distribute the release.
-
4
Preview the press release to check for typos and grammatical errors. Also check that you have uploaded the files and photos you want to include. Click to submit when you have checked the release. The wire service will then check to see if the press release follows its guidelines and is legal. It will contact you if there is a problem.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Choose a combination of free and paid wire services if you can afford it and monitor the responses from both. You might be surprised and discover that the free service gets better results.
Do not ignore offline methods of press release distribution. Send hard copy press releases to news editors who would be interested in your news.
Be prepared for a lot of media attention if your press release takes off. Make sure that you or staff members are ready for interviews.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit press image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
