A press release is an official statement given to the media to give information about an organisation’s official view or stand on a topic. Press releases have various uses, which range from correcting public information to getting people buzzed about a brand’s new direction and products etc. Press releases are important for any organisation serious about its public perception especially in the social media age where information spreads quickly and public opinion swings like a clock’s pendulum, an apt example would be GTB which recently released an official statement to clarify that they were not asked by the Supreme Court to pay an Automobile company any amount so as to correct an ongoing public rumour about the takeover of the bank.
In the past, brands have relied on print house and traditional media houses to pass across official information to the public, however, in the wake of social media the world has evolved to also using social media influencers and popular social media channels to also push press releases.
Here are tips for maximizing your press releases:
- Use a catchy topic and introduction.
Your topic and lead paragraph should be interesting enough for the audience to want to read your statement and should also provide a “hook” for the journalist and contain information about the “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, “why” and “how”.
- Don’t bore your audience.
Studies show that people prefer to get information as concisely and accurately as possible, so keep your information short, simple and straight to the point. You could refer to this tip as the triple S.
- Include a quote from the organization.
Make use of at least a quote from a top executive as this lends credibility and legitimacy to your release and this convinces the public of the legitimacy of the official document.
- Make use of Social Media Influencers.
Influencers have a loyal following and this would help you reach their audience without much convincing needed. It is however vital to make sure the influencer’s brand story aligns perfectly with yours.
- Honesty still sells.
There’s no substitute for truth. The audience has to trust that whatever comes from you can be depended on as accurate and factual, always.
Overall, keep evolving with the times and ensure that you stay relevant and in touch with innovative ways to reach your target audience.