Press Release.

A press release is an official statement delivered to members of the news media for the purpose of providing information, creating an official statement, or making an announcement directed for public release. Press releases are also considered a primary source, meaning they are original informants for information.

A press release typically includes the following elements:

• Headline: A brief, attention-grabbing headline that summarizes the main point of the press release.
• Dateline: The city and date of the press release.
• Introduction: A brief paragraph that introduces the topic of the press release and provides some background information.
• Body: The main body of the press release, which should provide more detailed information about the topic.
• Quotes: Quotes from key people involved in the news event can be included to add credibility and interest to the press release.
• Call to action: A call to action, such as encouraging readers to visit a website or contact the company for more information.

Press releases are typically written in a clear and concise style, and they should be no more than a few pages long. They can be sent to news organizations via email, fax, or snail mail. Press releases can also be posted on websites or social media platforms.

Press releases are a valuable tool for public relations professionals. They can be used to:

• Announce new products or services.
• Highlight company milestones.
• Respond to negative publicity.
• Generate media coverage.
• Build brand awareness.

If you are interested in writing a press release, there are many resources available online to help you get started. You can also find templates and examples of press releases that you can use as a starting point.

Creating a comprehensive list of free press release resources and understanding how to use them can significantly benefit your publicity efforts. Here’s a guide on how to do this:

List of Free Press Release Resources

1. Online Press Release Distribution Services:
   • PRLog: Offers free distribution and the ability to attach images, videos, and other media.
   • 24-7 Press Release: Provides free and paid options for distributing press releases.
   • OpenPR: Allows free press release submission with a simple and user-friendly interface.
   • PR.com: Free distribution with additional paid options for enhanced visibility.
   • Newswire Today: Free submission with various upgrade options for added benefits.
   • PressReleasePoint: Free and paid options for distributing press releases.
2. Industry-Specific Press Release Sites:
   • Tech Releases: Focuses on technology-related press releases.
   • Health News: For health and medical industry news.
   • Travel News: Targets the travel and tourism industry.
3. Social Media Platforms:
   • LinkedIn: Share press releases on company pages and relevant groups.
   • Twitter: Use hashtags and tag relevant journalists or media outlets.
   • Facebook: Post press releases on business pages and relevant groups.
   • Instagram: Share visually appealing press release highlights.
4. Journalist Databases and Media Contact Lists:
   • Muck Rack: Offers a limited free version to find and pitch journalists.
   • Hunter.io: Find email addresses of journalists and media contacts.
   • Anewstip: Search for journalists and media contacts based on keywords.

How to Use These Resources

1. Craft a Compelling Press Release:
   • Headline: Catchy and concise.
   • Lead Paragraph: Summarize the most important information.
   • Body: Provide details, quotes, and relevant information.
   • Boilerplate: A brief company description at the end.
   • Contact Information: Include contact details for follow-up questions.
2. Choose the Right Distribution Service:
   • Match your press release with the right platform. For instance, use industry-specific sites if your news is niche.
3. Optimize for SEO:
   • Use relevant keywords in the title and body.
   • Include backlinks to your website.
4. Leverage Social Media:
   • Share your press release across different social media channels.
   • Engage with comments and shares to maximize reach.
5. Target the Right Journalists:
   • Use journalist databases to find the right contacts.
   • Personalize your pitch to each journalist.
6. Track and Analyze Performance:
   • Use analytics tools provided by the distribution service to track views, clicks, and shares.
   • Adjust future press releases based on performance data.

By using these resources and following these steps, you can effectively distribute your press releases and gain more visibility for your news.