Press Releases
Press Release Services
As part of our dedication to empower creators and small business owners, Sixth Moon Publishing is preparing to offer press release services.
We have been building partnerships with press release distribution companies and curating our own resources and contacts to provide authors and small business owners with an opportunity to utilize press releases for SEO and PR purposes.
We’re also here to help entrepreneurs and authors alike understand the benefits of press releases and how they can provide additional value to your current marketing strategy.
We will soon announce our press release options.
What is a Press Release?
Before venturing into the world of the press release, it’s important to understand what a press release is and what it isn’t. A press release is an announcement that provides newsworthy information to the media. Journalists can browse through press releases to find stories they are interested in sharing to engage their audience and grow their following. But they’re also more than that.
While the primary purpose of a press release is to get attention on the announcement, another benefit comes in the way of SEO. In simple terms, SEO or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving website traffic from your target customers (or readers). Press releases generally provide good quality backlinks to your website, which tend to have a positive effect when it comes to SEO.
What a Press Release Is Not
A press release is not a guarantee of media coverage. While it serves as a tool to distribute newsworthy information to journalists and media outlets, sending out a press release does not guarantee that the story will be picked up and covered by the press. Authors, businesses, and other organizations should not expect every press release to result in media coverage.
Additionally, a press release is not a substitute for advertising. While press releases can generate media coverage and increase brand visibility, they are fundamentally different from paid advertising. Press releases are meant to provide newsworthy information to the media and the public in an unbiased and factual manner. Alternatively, a paid promotional message is controlled by the advertiser. While both serve important functions, don’t expect press releases to deliver the same outcome as advertising.
Press Release Benefits
There are several benefits of press releases for businesses, organizations, and authors looking to share news and information:
- Media Coverage: One of the primary benefits of a press release is the potential to generate media coverage. When journalists find the information newsworthy and relevant for their audience, they may write articles about it, providing additional exposure.
- Credibility and Authority: Press releases distributed through reputable channels can enhance credibility and authority for the author or business.
- Brand Visibility: Press releases can increase brand visibility by reaching a broader audience. They can also increase visibility in search results to help with ongoing visibility.
- SEO Benefits: Online press releases distributed through digital channels can improve search engine optimization (SEO) by generating backlinks to the author’s website.
- Reputation Management: Press releases can be part of a proactive reputation management strategy.
- Customer Engagement: Press releases can engage existing customers and attract new ones by highlighting new books, products, services, or initiatives.
- Networking Opportunities: Press releases can open doors to networking opportunities and partnerships that may lead to invitations to events, speaking opportunities, and collaboration requests.
Types of Press Releases
Press releases vary in format and content depending on the type of announcement. Some common types of press releases include:
- Standard Press Release: This is the most common type of press release and is used to announce general news, such as launches, updates, awards, partnerships, or events. It follows a standard format and provides essential details about the announcement.
- Event Press Release: This type of press release is tailored to announce upcoming events, such as conferences, shows, launches, or fundraisers. Event press releases include details like date, time, location, agenda, speakers, and registration information.
- Launch Press Release: These types of press releases focus on introducing new products or services. They highlight features, benefits, availability, pricing, and the target audience.
- Partnership Press Release: This style of press release highlights collaborations, joint ventures, or partnerships between authors or organizations. Partnership press releases outline goals, benefits, and the scope of the partnership and may include quotes from representatives of both parties.
- Award Press Release: This press release announces and celebrates the receipt of an award. It provides details about the award, its significance, the achievement or contribution that led to it, and any relevant context about the organization or individual being honored.
How to Write a Press Release
1. Write a compelling headline.
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- The headline should grab attention and convey the main point of the press release.
2. Add more context with a subheadline.
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- The subheadline provides additional information or context that supports the main headline.
3. Convey the value.
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- In the opening paragraph, clearly communicate why the announcement is newsworthy and relevant to the target audience.
4. Offer a quote.
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- Include a quote from a relevant spokesperson or key figure that adds depth or perspective to the announcement.
5. Provide background information.
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- Offer background information about the company, organization, product, or event being featured in the press release.
6. Summarize the “who” in the boilerplate.
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- Provide a boilerplate summarizing essential information about the company, organization, or individual featured in the press release. Include details such as the entity’s history, mission, and achievements.
7. Include a media contact.
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- Ensure that the press release includes the name, title, phone number, email address, and website URL of a media contact who can provide additional information or arrange interviews.
8. Proofread before publishing.
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- Proofread the release for errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting that could detract from its professionalism and effectiveness. Make sure all information is accurate and up-to-date before publishing.
Press Release FAQ
What is the purpose of a press release?
The purpose of a press release is to announce newsworthy events or developments related to your brand, product, or business to mass media outlets and online communities.
By using press release distribution services, authors and small businesses can increase their chances of attracting media attention and reaching their target audience.
Press releases contribute to brand awareness and may generate sales opportunities through increased visibility in search engines and digital media platforms.
Do press releases really help authors and small businesses?
Press releases can be valuable marketing tools for authors and small businesses. And, while they can increase brand awareness, establish credibility, and attract media attention, there’s no guarantee of specific outcomes such as media coverage or increased sales.
The effectiveness of press releases depends on various factors, including the newsworthiness of the announcement, the quality of the press release, and the media’s interest in covering the story.
However, even when the press release doesn’t result in additional media coverage, it can still provide value through backlinks and other SEO factors.
When should I use a press release?
Authors and small businesses should use a press release when they a significant announcement or development to share, such as book launches, product releases, major milestones, partnerships, or events.
Press releases are effective tools for communicating with the target audience and attracting media attention, but they may not be suitable for every situation or marketing goal.
How do I know if my news is press release-worthy?
Press release-worthy news for authors and small businesses includes events or developments that may attract attention and interest from their target audience.
However, there’s no definitive criteria for determining the newsworthiness of an announcement, and not all news may be suitable for a press release.
Authors and small businesses should consider factors such as the relevance of the announcement to their market, community, or audience, and its potential impact on their brand or business goals.
How long should a press release be?
Press releases for authors and small businesses should be concise and focused, typically ranging from 400 to 800 words.
While there’s no strict rule on length, shorter press releases are often more effective in capturing the media’s attention and conveying the key message.
However, the length of the press release should not compromise the inclusion of essential information such as the headline, news value, background information, and contact details.
What should I include in a press release?
A press release for authors and small businesses should include essential information such as the headline, news value, relevant quote, background information about the brand or product, and contact details.
While multimedia elements such as logos or images can enhance the press release’s appeal, their inclusion does not guarantee increased media coverage or engagement.
How do I distribute my press release?
Authors and small businesses can distribute their press release through press release distribution services, online PR distribution platforms, or by directly contacting media outlets and journalists.
Additionally, digital distribution channels such as social media, podcasts, and online magazines can enhance the reach and visibility of the press release.
How can I measure the success of my press release?
Authors and small businesses can measure the success of their press release by tracking key metrics such as media coverage, website traffic, social media engagement, and sales conversions.
However, while these metrics provide insights into the press release’s performance, they may not directly correlate with specific outcomes such as increased sales or brand awareness.
What mistakes should I avoid when writing a press release?
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a press release include using overly promotional language, neglecting to proofread for errors, omitting relevant information, and failing to tailor the press release to the target audience.
Should I hire a professional to write my press release?
Hiring a professional to craft your press release can be beneficial for authors and small businesses alike, but it may not guarantee specific outcomes such as media coverage or increased sales.
Professional writers can help ensure that your press release effectively communicates your message and enhances brand visibility, but the success of the press release ultimately depends on various factors beyond the writing quality, such as the newsworthiness of the announcement and media interest.
