When a Press Release is Better than a Press Pitch
In this episode of PR Talk Amy and Mike talk about when using a press release will provide additional value to “just” sending a pitch. They review some specific instances or topics when a press release can get you coverage or enhance a simple mention to a bigger story.
If you write about what’s new in your organization (your homework from the Forget Your Story episode), those are the topics that you may want to write a press release about. The press release provides structure and helps layout your thoughts, insert a quote and provide additional pertinent information.
“A press release can change two sentences of coverage into two paragraphs.” – Amy Rosenberg
Here’s a cheat sheet of the types of things a business section or local community paper/section might cover:
Do something within the community or industry where you want coverage to create Press Release ideas:
- Join a board/committee
- Donate to a cause
- Open a new location
- Create a new service
- Hire a notable new person
- New product or service
- Construction of a new development/building
- Launch of a new scientific study/results of a new scientific study
- Community involvement/volunteering*
- Events, photo opps & press conferences*
- Recap what you did (events & fundraising)
*Typically more of a press advisory.
See our Media Advisory Template and Press Release Template.
This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon
Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.
