A press release is a tool that can be used to effectively promote your business, product, or service. However, if not done correctly, a press release can do more harm than good. In this blog post, we will explore 7 of the most common mistakes made when distributing press releases. From sending them to the wrong people to using bad distribution services, we will cover everything you need to know in order to avoid making these critical errors.
Sending Your Release to the Irrelevant Media
The first step in getting your press release noticed is making sure you’re sending it to the right media channel. The media landscape is constantly changing, and what worked a few years ago may not work now. Make sure you’re familiar with the outlets that cover your industry and send your release to them.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is sending your release to irrelevant media outlets. We often see this with some press release providers focusing on “quantity” in stead of “quality” – they send all the press release to all the media sites using automation, without filtering the suitable ones. If you’re in the tech industry, there’s no point in sending your release to a fashion magazine. Not only will the readers not be interested, but it makes the company look awkward.
Do your research and use the right press release service provider. It’ll save you time and increase your relevant coverage.
Not Writing for Your Target Audience
A press release that is not written for the target audience, might as well be ignored. Your target audience is the people who are most likely to be interested in what you have to say, and if you’re not talking to them directly, then it’s a wasting of time.
Think about who you’re trying to reach with your press release. What kind of language will they understand? What information do they need from you? Write your press release with these things in mind, and you’ll be much more likely to get the attention of your target audience.
Failing to Optimize Your Release for Search Engines
If you’re not optimizing your release for search engines, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a process of making your website more visible in search engine results pages (SERPs).
There are a number of factors that go into SEO, but one of the most important is keyword research. You need to identify the keywords that people are searching for when they’re looking for information about your business or product.
Once you’ve identified the right keywords, you need to use them throughout your release, including in the headline, title, and body copy. Using relevant keywords will help search engines match your release to searchers’ queries, and that can lead to more traffic and exposure for your business.
Using jargons in Your Release
One mistake that can make your job even harder is using jargon in your release. Jargon is industry-specific language that can be confusing or off-putting to readers who are not familiar with your company or sector.
Not only does using jargon make your release more difficult to understand, it can also make you appear out of touch or unprofessional. If you want your release to be read and remembered, keep the language simple and straightforward.
Not Including a Call to Action
If you’re not including a call to action in your press releases, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. A call to action tells the reader what you want them to do next, and it can be a powerful way to drive conversions.
Without a call to action, your press release is likely to be forgotten or ignored. Make sure you include a strong call to action at the end of your press release, and make it easy for readers to take the next step.
Making Your Release Too Long
If you want readers to ignore your press release, make it long. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing the attention of the media outlet or journalist you’re trying to reach.
A press release should be around one to two pages at most, and include all of the essential information about your newsworthy story. If you start going on for pages and pages, chances are good that your press release will end up in the trash.
So keep it concise and make sure every word counts!
Not Having a Distribution Plan
If you don’t have a plan for distributing your press release, you’re missing out on a crucial opportunity to promote your business. A well-crafted press release can be a powerful marketing tool, but only if it’s distributed properly. Without a distribution plan, your press release is likely to get lost in the shuffle, never to be seen by your target audience.
There are a number of ways to distribute your press release, and the best way will vary depending on your goals and objectives. If you’re not sure where to start, consider working with a professional PR firm that specializes in press release distribution. They can help you create and execute a customized distribution plan that will maximize the reach and impact of your press release.
