<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

What is Press Release?

Your company has genuinely newsworthy developments but struggles to get media attention or public awareness because press releases feel formulaic and fail to capture what makes your story compelling to journalists and audiences.

Most press releases get ignored because they focus on company achievements rather than audience value, using corporate jargon that doesn't translate to meaningful stories that people want to read or share.

A press release is a strategic communication document that announces newsworthy company developments, product launches, or industry insights in a format designed to capture media attention and generate coverage that reaches target audiences through journalistic storytelling.

Well-crafted press releases can generate 5-10x more media coverage than generic announcements, significantly increase brand visibility, and establish thought leadership that drives business outcomes through earned media rather than paid advertising.

Think about how companies like Tesla generate massive media coverage from press releases that focus on industry impact and innovation rather than just product specifications, creating stories that journalists want to cover and audiences want to read.

Why Press Releases Matter for Brand Visibility

Your company's important announcements get lost in media noise because press releases sound like every other corporate communication, failing to provide the compelling angles that journalists need to create engaging stories.

The cost of ineffective press releases is missed opportunities. You get limited media coverage, poor brand visibility, reduced thought leadership positioning, and competitive disadvantage against companies that generate more earned media attention through superior storytelling.

What strategic press releases deliver:

Enhanced media coverage because newsworthy angles and compelling storytelling make journalists more likely to pick up and expand on your announcements rather than ignoring them.

Journalists receive hundreds of press releases daily. The ones that get coverage solve a journalist's problem by providing a story their audience actually wants to read.

Improved brand credibility through third-party validation from media coverage that provides more trustworthy endorsement than paid advertising or self-promotional content.

Better SEO performance as press release distribution and media pickup create quality backlinks and online mentions that improve search rankings and digital visibility.

Thought leadership positioning when press releases demonstrate industry expertise and unique perspectives that establish your company as an authoritative voice in your market.

Cost-effective marketing reach through earned media that provides broader audience exposure than equivalent paid advertising budgets could achieve.

Advanced Press Release Strategies

Once you've mastered basic press release writing, implement sophisticated media relations and storytelling approaches.

Trend-Jacking Opportunities: Connect company announcements to broader industry trends, seasonal patterns, or news cycles that increase media relevance and pickup probability.

Data-Driven Storytelling: Include original research, survey results, or industry analysis that provides unique insights journalists can't get elsewhere, increasing press release value and coverage potential.

Multi-Format Content Integration: Create press release packages that include video content, infographics, and social media assets that make coverage easier and more engaging for different media outlets.

Industry-Specific Customization: Tailor press releases for different industry publications and journalist specializations rather than using one-size-fits-all approaches that may miss relevant angles.

Recommended resources

Improve your UX & Product skills with interactive courses that actually work

FAQs

What's press release?

An official statement issued to the media and the public that provides information about significant news, updates, product launches, or other noteworthy events related to a company or organization. It is crafted to be clear and engaging, with the goal of attracting media coverage and informing the public. Press releases are a key tool for managing a company’s public image and ensuring that important news reaches a wide audience.


Why are press releases important?

Press releases are important because they help companies and organizations communicate significant news directly to the media and the public. They serve as a formal way to announce product launches, company updates, or other noteworthy events, ensuring that the information is accurately reported and widely disseminated. Press releases also help build brand credibility, attract media coverage, and maintain control over how key information is presented to the public.


What should be included in a product press release?

A product press release should include the following elements:

  • Headline: A concise and compelling title that captures the essence of the product launch.
  • Subheadline: An optional secondary headline that provides additional context.
  • Introduction: A brief paragraph that summarizes the most important details of the product launch, answering the who, what, when, where, why, and how.
  • Product details: A section that delves into the features, benefits, and unique selling points of the product.
  • Quotes: Insights or comments from company executives or product managers that add a personal touch and credibility.
  • Call to action: Information on where and how consumers or media can find more details, purchase the product, or attend a launch event.
  • Boilerplate: A short, standard description of the company, providing background information.