Sending a press release to journalists and editors in print or online is worth trying. Plus, there are press release services like E-releases.com that submit your press release to thousands of media resources. An additional benefit of sending a press release is that you may get published on high traffic news sites. If so, Google will count it as a quality for ranking your site higher. Here is a checklist from a very informative ebook from E-Releases called the Beginner’s Guide To Writing Press Releases. You can request a free copy of the ebook here.

  • Is your headline brief, comprehensive, and attention-grabbing?
  • If you have a subhead after the headline, is it written concisely?
  • Is your dateline written properly?
  • Does your opening paragraph summarize the most important information in your press release?
  • Are your body paragraphs informative and written concisely?
  • Do you list the appropriate contact information?
  • Does your release include a call to action — what you would like the reader of the release to do next?
  • Is your release written in the third person (he/she/it/they), using the first person (I) only for quotes, and completely omitting the second person (you)?
  • Has your release been proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, and usage at least twice, preferably by readers who are unfamiliar with the material?
  • Are all URLs and hyperlinks within the text properly configured?
  • Is your entire press release between 350 and 500 words?
  • Are trademarks and company/product names represented consistently?
  • Is your press release written in clear, concise language?
  • Is your press release newsworthy? Does it convey useful information relevant to your target audience?
  • Does your press release read like an advertisement (bad) or a news story (good)?
  • Does it avoid sensationalism, gimmickry, and cuteness?
  • Do your quotes add a human element and relevant information to your press release, rather than just restating the facts?
  • Does your release refrain from making outrageous claims?
  • Can everything in your release be documented or substantiated?
  • Does your release steer clear of anything that would be offensive to your audience?
  • Is it clear who is issuing the press release?
  • Does your release stay focused, avoiding irrelevant details?
  • If your press release references legal issues, public companies, or celebrities, have you checked that it complies with the newswire’s standards?
  • Is your press release written for journalists and your target audience?