Have you ever used a news release as a marketing strategy for your business? The answer is probably no. Why?
Breaking news!
Breaking news headlines are news releases. Your business most likely used a press release instead. Now, are you feeling confused?
If so, that’s because you don’t know the difference between a news release vs. a press release. But, worry not; this article is for you.
Keep reading this short guide to learn the difference between them.
What Is a Press Release?
A press release is a written statement announcing an upcoming event that you pitch to journalists for publication in media outlets. Examples of events include:
- Grand opening
- Product launch
- Significant business gathering
It’s a marketing tool businesses use to notify the press about newsworthy updates in their company. The purpose of a press release is to get attention and generate publicity.
Press releases can be incredibly effective when you do them right. Here are some steps to follow when crafting a press release:
- Personalize the subject line
- Hook the readers with a fantastic headline
- Write in the third-person
- Stick to one topic, and don’t veer off course
- Get to the point
- Check your punctuation
If you want any journalist to open your press release, you need to make it stand out. They get hundreds of requests every day. So, unfortunately, most of those requests go unopened or end up in the trash folder.
If they open your release, you want to hook them right away to keep their attention.
Writing in the third person keeps the release fact-oriented and professional. You’re writing an announcement, not a novel.
Edit, edit, edit!
Rambling off-topic will lose the reader. Instead, stick to the facts and get right to your point. Use short sentences and an active voice.
Finally, check your grammar. Poor grammar damages your reputation.
For more assistance, you can view some excellent press release samples for a product launch to get more ideas.
What Is a News Release?
A news release is a written statement discussing current events. They include:
- Researched background facts
- Interviews
- Eyewitness statements
- Experts on the subject
- Evolving facts
While journalists publish press releases that companies send to them, news releases are the backbone of their profession.
News releases can be about any topic a community might find relevant or newsworthy. Common examples include:
- Politics
- Crime
- Good samaritan or heartwarming stories
News releases inform readers about events around them in an objective way.
Any news release guide will tell you to answer these questions to write a stellar release:
- Who?
- What?
- Where?
- When?
- Why?
If it looks familiar, that’s because you probably learned the 5W’s in grade school. Answering these basic questions helps understand the facts and keep the tone objective.
News Release vs. Press Release Explained
Now that you know the difference between a news release vs. a press release, you can see why your business would use press releases and not new releases to promote and market itself.
Did you learn something from this article? Don’t stop there? Check out more posts in the Business and Finance section to learn more!
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