A press release (news release, media release or press statement) has traditionally been used to get your mug in the news. Actually getting on the box, in the paper or on the radio can be much harder than just distributing a great press release. It can depend on what other news is being announced, which news networks you distribute your press releases to and sometimes, the mood of the journalist on the day.
If you don’t get into the news, or you’ve had your moment in the limelight, here are some surprising ways to repurpose your press release for maximum gain.
Post your press release as a news item on your website
Regular news updates can show your customers, and potential customers, that you’re getting yourself out there. That you’re a professional business that is active and relevant to your industry.
Post your press release on your social media profiles
If you have loaded your press release onto an online distribution site then you should have a link you can share across your social media profiles. Make use of them and get your news out to different audiences.
Include your press release in your company newsletter
Email marketing is still a hugely effective form of direct marketing, which makes your newsletter the perfect forum to share your news with your subscribers.
Convert your press release into a blog post
Who hasn’t sat back and wondered what the heck they are going to write about in their next blog post. A recently submitted press release gives you one post for free! Remember to convert the language and tone to match your blog theme.
Convert your press release into an online article
A good content marketing strategy involves turning a single concept into many expressions. It makes sense then to convert your press release into an article for submission to an online article directory. Remember that your article has to add value to the reader so if you’re simply announcing your new MD, you need to find another angle for your online article.
[Extra Note from The Copy Detective: always try and find a newsworthy angle for your press release otherwise it stands no chance of being picked up by a journalist. Ask yourself, why would people care about this?]
Enjoy some SEO love from your press release
Press releases can be a really effective part of your SEO strategy as well. Take some time to look at relevant keywords and write those into your press release. Make the most of your bio paragraph and when you submit it online you’ll have a link back to your website. If you get into the press as well, it’s a win-win-win!
Submitting regular press releases can be a hard-working part of your PR and online marketing strategy and you might just end up in the news to boot! If you don’t get your mug in the paper, then you could just become a familiar name and the first port of call for a local journalist.
Have you submitted many press releases? I’d love to know if you could think of any other ways to repurpose a press release.
Belinda (AKA The Copy Detective)
