How do you write a press release when there’s nothing “new” to report?
Of course, sending out a press release is important when you have news to share with the media. But what if there’s nothing new to report? Unless you’re a celebrity, you probably don’t have the media following you around. And most companies don’t open new branches or launch new products on a weekly basis.
So it’s your public relations consultant’s job to find reasons to pitch the media with a story, a comment or an interesting angle to keep your organization’s name and achievements in the news–but you have to do it the right way, so you’re not seen as “spamming” reporters with fluff that their readers (or viewers) won’t find valuable or interesting.
Here are 3 possible tactics to inspire you to reach out to the media, even when there’s “no news”:
1. Comment on scientific research studies with a press release.
If your company makes Greek yogurt, and Harvard University publishes a report that eating yogurt can help you lose weight, this is a perfect opportunity to write a press release. Have a registered dietitian speak about the study, and note how your brand can help people incorporate more delicious yogurt into their diets. Here’s an example release one of our press release writers created for a client, Voskos Greek Yogurt:
Eat Yogurt If You Want To Lose Weight, Says Harvard School of Public Health Study
When this search engine optimized press release was distributed via an online wire service, and was picked up by Google News, thousands of potential customers read the story online, Tweeted it, and shared it on Facebook. So even if your press release doesn’t catch the eye of the media, it can still reach your customers (and potential customers).
2. Comment on controversies.
When a controversial news story or scandal erupts in the media, it can generate thousands of news stories, and sometimes millions of Google searches. If you’re an expert in that field, write a press release with your comments about the story. Or write a news release describing your organization’s position, or how you would have handled the controversy differently, and pitch it to your local media. For example, if there’s a scandal about a celebrity divorce, and you’re a dating coach or relationship expert, this is the perfect opportunity for you to share your opinion.
3. Conduct a survey.
With the availability of free and cheap survey tools like SurveyMonkey, it’s easy to put together a survey in just a few minutes. Your goal should be to generate survey results around your industry, or the kinds of products you make, or your service offerings.
For example, if a public relations consultant wanted to write a news release to promote herself, she might create a survey that asks questions like,
How often does your organization send out press releases?
- A. Only when we have news
- B. Once a week
- C. Once a month
- D. Once a year
- E. We don’t write press releases
She might work with her local Chamber of Commerce to post such a survey on their website, or share the survey on her LinkedIn profile to reach a lot of business people. And she might use the survey results to write a press release with a title like this:
22% of Local Businesses Missing Opportunities to Promote Themselves
The public relations consultant might quote herself in the press release, and give advice to local businesses about the importance of using low-cost PR tactics like press releases and media kits to generate free publicity and increase brand recognition.
Don’t let a lack of “big news” stop you from reaching out to the media with relevant content (but be sure it’s relevant!) If you have a unique angle, an expert opinion, or interesting survey results, share them with the media via a well-written press release.
About Kathleen Hanover
Public Relations consultant Kathleen Hanover has been attracting media coverage with high-impact press releases and public relations campaigns for nearly 27 years. Her public relations work has earned coverage in local, regional, national and international newspapers, magazines, on television, radio, and online, including placements in top-tier publications including Popular Science, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Times, Associated Press, and many, many more.