3 Common Social Media Release Mistakes to Avoid
In the world of press releases and public relations, social media is a channel to leverage. The media is present on social media. Your audience is on social media, and it’s one of the best ways to reach the masses. One way to capitalize on the power of social media is to make sure that your press releases are social media press releases.
What’s a Social Media Press Release?
Just in case you’re not familiar with the concept of a social media press release, let’s define it so we’re all on the same page. A social media press release is a press release that incorporates social media friendly features. For example, video is often shared on social media. In fact, it’s one of the most common types of content that is shared and viewed.
A social media press release might contain a short video that can be both viewed and shared via social media. That also means that a social media press release has social media buttons that enable readers to share, tweet, like, and comment on the content via social media.
While the idea of a social media release is fairly straightforward, and leveraging social media is something that most business marketing teams are familiar with, there are some common social media press release mistakes that are made again and again.
- Boring headline. Any traditional press release needs an attention-grabbing headline. Without it, it’s difficult to grab the attention of the media. Still, a lousy headline with good keywords can still gain some traction via traditional distribution methods. However, on social media you’re not just competing with other press releases, you’re competing with all of the other relevant content. Your headline has to grab the attention of your intended audience.
- Not monitoring the results. Okay, so you’ve distributed your press release on social media. Now what? Hopefully, you’re also tracking the results. Make sure that you implement and follow through on steps to measure and track clicks, likes, comments, shares, tweets and so on. If the goal of your release is to make sales, then make sure you know just how many of those sales originated from your social media release.
- Ignoring a call to action. What’s the goal for your press release? Ideally, you’ve identified a primary goal for your release. Make sure that you also include a call to action that supports your goal. (and a relevant and working link for readers to click on)
If you’re not getting the traction you thought you’d get from social media press releases, or you’re not using them, then it’s time to make a shift. Social media is a powerful tool to build your audience and grow your business. Make sure your press release strategy includes this channel.