Is the media release dead? Now I get asked this question a lot. And I think the reason I probably get asked this question and similar to our blogs dead that kind of question as well is because you can achieve incredible media coverage without a media release. Sure, you can pitch to the media and and sort of get their attention without the actual media release. But in today's episode, I thought I would just take you through a couple of the reasons why you should do a media release. It means first of all, it's not going to hurt right. But in this episode, I want to talk about some of the benefits that can happen as a result of you writing and distributing a press release.
Now, first of all, let's explain what a press release is. So it's basically I say, a one page document. I know other people will do two or three pages, but I as a general rule will never do more than one page for a media release. Even if your story content is incredibly massive. I still think you can get to the point in one page, but it's basically a tool for communicating with the public, the media and stakeholders that announces something newsworthy. Now this might be a product launch a new service and event or any other significant news or development. Now, the primary purpose of the media release now also known as a press release, by the way, and people often say what's the difference? So traditionally, a press release was known as a press release because it went to traditional press so newspaper radio and TV these days the modern way this is my interpretation anyway, the world according to Jamie. immediate release is more for Beyond the Press. So of course you've got media such as radio, TV and newspapers, but it also can include podcasts online blogs, you know, there's a lot of Instagram only news organizations these days. So I think media is sort of encompassing more than just the standard press. So the whole idea of a media release is to provide information that journalists can then use to create stories or feature articles about the subject that you are writing on. Now that it really should be written in a journalistic style and it needs to provide all the relevant details necessary to create a compelling news story. If you'd like to know how to write a press release, you can join my PR club and actually have this as the subject in my very first masterclass. So if you jump in to prclub.com.au, you can access that recording straightaway and not only the recording, but also press release media. Release templates, and media release pitches and media pitches that you can then use to pitch to the media. And you're also going to get a couple of 100 contacts of Australian media are journalists, news organizations as well. So definitely jump in if you're thinking about it, but to go back to the purpose of a press release, it's just give giving the journalist something that they can use to write a story.
Now there are a couple of benefits to a well crafted media release.
First of all, it can help you reach a wider audience. So immediate release distributed to a journalist, it can certainly attract their attention bloggers, influencers, who can spread the word about the organization or the message that you're putting out there.
Secondly, immediate release can enhance your credibility because they provide third party validation for your news or information. And when a reputable media outlet publishes your story, it validates your organization's credibility, and that can help build trust and confidence in your brand.
Now thirdly, media releases can increase your visibility. So I said, secondly, credibility. Thirdly, visibility. So by getting your news out in the media, you generate more buzz and interest around your organization. And that can lead to increased website traffic, more social media followers. And of course, even more sales.
Fourth, media releases can help you control the narrative. So by crafting a compelling media release, what you're doing is ensuring that your message is communicated accurately and effectively. And this can particularly be important in situations where maybe you're facing your business is facing a negative publicity crisis. So immediate release just gives you a little bit more control to put out there to the universe and to the media. Your say your side of the story.
Finally, media releases can help you build relationships with journalists by providing them with quality content that they can use to create new stories. And so by doing this, you can develop a positive relationship with them and that's beneficial for future coverage of your organization. So in conclusion, a media release is an important tool for communicating with the public with the media and your stakeholders. It's got a range of benefits, including increased visibility, credibility and control of the narrative. So hook at the end of the day, you're making the life of the journalist easy, and journalists are under so much pressure these days. You know, I was a journalist working in newsrooms 20 years ago, and I thought it was pressured then. But now well, that you know, newsrooms have been stripped back. They're expected, journalists are expected to do a lot more with a lot less resources. So if you like, I'm actually not ashamed to admit this. I have actually given journalists media releases on behalf of my clients, and they have printed them word for word because they've been really well written. They've had great quotes they've got straight to the point with a newsworthy angle. And if I'm giving it to them exclusively, they've got nothing to lose. They're under so much time pressure, they're going to print that word for word.
So I definitely encourage you to consider writing a media release and then pitching it to your journalist and always try and give it to your journalist pick your top one and give it to them exclusively, because you're going to give us give yourself as much chance as possible to get the best coverage and a lot of coverage if you can give a journalist something exclusively and so by taking the time to craft a well written media release, you can certainly generate buzz and interest around your business in your message.
So hopefully, this little episode today has given you enough information to convince you that doing a media release is the way to go. But if you'd like to learn more, go to my PR club prclub.com.au and you'll get instant access to that masterclass straight away plus live training from now on every month and all templates, checklists, work copies. We'd love to see you inside.
