Image by newspapergrl via Flickr

When it comes to online distribution, here’s a mistake a lot of PR pros make. They write the words FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE at the top of their press releases. In most cases they write the words FOR IMMEDIATE DELETE.

I cringe when I see this on press release templates. You won’t find it on mine.

But if you have a killer press release that you want to get great coverage on – here’s what you should avoid doing.

2 Things to Avoid if you Want Clicks on your Press Release

1. Omit the words FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – online you don’t need this – in fact you rarely need it unless there’s an embargo and time sensitive nature of your press release. This is a relic of the past to most.

2. Putting your PR contact info at the top of the press release. Instead put it at the bottom. If the story is good they’ll read and they’ll find you.

Yahoo News is one of the biggest online news aggregators. I found this perfect example of what I’m talking about. Click the photo to get more detail. Since many people scan online, the first paragraph should be about getting the click. That’s where you put a call to action. It’s a totally different approach than traditional press releases.

What other mistakes do people make on their press releases?

Press Releases are Referral Engines! Learn How to get business leads and traffic with the Killer Online Press Releases book & DVD combo

Leave a Reply