Four Reasons Why You Still Need to Send Press Releases
We are living in a digital age. Everything is online. Even our refrigerators will send a message to our phones. In a world with so much online, it is easy to believe that sending a press release to media might not be important. However, that is the wrong attitude for several reasons. If you are not sending press releases, you might be missing a marketing opportunity.
Because everything is digital now, business owners often forget to market to print. They believe that it is a waste of their time to put something in the paper. They might not send press releases. In some cases, business owners might not even know what a press release is. This marketing strategy is a mistake. Even in this digital world, press releases still matter. Read this article to understand why they matter.
Here are the reasons to send press releases:
- Online Publications –Although many newspapers have closed their doors to print, they remain online. They still operate as regular newspapers but in a digital format. They still have reporters and editors who are looking for news to fill. In addition to newspapers that are now online. Some trade publications and other news sites were founded online. If you want to get media attention, you don’t want to ignore these groups. The easiest way to attract their attention is with a standard press release. The editors and reporters are looking for them, so send them.
- Older Population – While Millennials and post-millennials are more likely to find out information via their phones or social media, older people prefer to read their news. Some still open a newspaper every day or at least once a week. If you are after the older population for your product or service, you are missing an important market by avoiding print marketing. You need to advertise and send press releases. If a newspaper or trade publication wants to do a story on your company, it will start with a press release. Therefore, if you haven’t sent any releases, your competition might be getting the attention over you.
- First Choice – When editors have their planning meetings, they look through piles of press releases for story ideas to assign reporters. This practice is as old as newspapers and continues despite the digital world. Press releases are their first choice to finding news nuggets. You should send them press releases to be considered for story ideas. You can follow up your release with videos, social media or other attention grabbers, but don’t forget to send a press release first.
- Business Briefs – Newspapers, trade publications and online publications all have a section for business briefs. These are the short, usually one-paragraph, articles that fill news holes. These briefs are interesting to readers because they are short and can be digested quickly. They also allow readers to know something about their industry without having to read a long story. These briefs are written directly from press releases. They are great for business awards, change in employees and new product releases. These types of stories do not need long write-ups, so reporters get the information from press releases.
As you can see, press releases still matter even though almost everything is digital. Take the time and effort to write up your news and send to newspapers, radio, television, trade publications, magazines, newsletters and online publications. You’d be surprised how effective it will be.
The Next Step:
Every business owner should incorporate press releases into his or her marketing efforts. Submitting a press release will get you more attention than if you just used digital methods. Faselis will help you distribute your press releases to the right audience. You should check Faselis PR features on Faselis websites.
by Louise Harris
