Wondering why your press release isnât catching journalistsâ attention? Here are the most common reasons your story might be skippedâand how to fix them for better results.
1. Sending the Release as an Attachment
Journalists are under tight deadlines and often wonât open attachments. Always paste your press release into the body of your email so itâs immediately accessibleâthis saves time and increases your chances of consideration.
2. Spammy Subject Lines
A subject line that screams âURGENT ATTENTIONâ or âREAD THISâ in all caps is a red flag for spam. Keep your subject short, direct, and punchy. Use the actual headline from your press release and keep it under ten words.
3. No Image or the Wrong Image
A relevant, high-quality image makes your release instantly more usable and attractive. When journalists have to track down their own visuals, your story might lose its news value. Always provide the correct image, making sure itâs freely available and properly formatted.
4. The Release Isnât Ready to Use
Your press release must require as little editing as possibleâjournalists donât have time to rework a messy draft. It should be clear, coherent, and contain all necessary information, including images, external links, and full names for everyone mentioned.
5. Impersonal Email Outreach
Mass email blasts are easily spotted. Personalize every press release with a greeting and the journalistâs first name. Building genuine relationships through one-to-one pitching is time-consuming but much more effective.
6. Wrong Target Contacts
Blasting your release to a broad, irrelevant list rarely works. Research your target journalists and outlets carefullyâensure your story fits their audience. A personalized approach tailored to relevant writers always yields better coverage.
7. Ignoring the Current News Agenda
If your story doesnât align with whatâs happening in the wider news cycle, itâs less likely to get picked up. Always check if your announcement is newsworthy, timely, or can tie into broader trends, seasonal events, or current affairs.
If you want to cut through the noise, build genuine media relationships, and finally land real coverage, sign up at PressMingle.com and connect directly with journalists who are looking for standout stories like yours. Get your press release noticed for all the right reasons!