When Is the Best Time to Send a Press Release?
The timing of a press release is one of the most frequently asked questions. It makes sense. You put a lot of hard work and effort into a press release, so you want it to be able to do the job it’s designed to do. And that job often depends on the right timing.
For example, if you’re issuing a press release for a product launch, you want to make sure the release generates the right amount of anticipation and expectation so the launch is successful. And that anticipation has a timeline. You’re also working with other people’s schedules, deadlines, and dependent a bit on the software and technology services you’re leveraging.
Unfortunately, answering the question, “When is the best time to send a press release,” isn’t easily answered. So, let’s take a look at a few key pieces of advice.
When Submitting a Press Release to a Targeted Media Representative
If you’re pitching a press release and story idea to a journalist then you want to give them ample time to cover the story before the actual event, launch, or release. That requires some research on your part. You’ll want to look at when the journalist publishes their stories and what their submission and editorial deadlines are. If you cannot find that information online, then give them a full week for newspapers and bloggers, and two weeks for magazines.
When Submitting to a Distribution Service
When you’re submitting your press release to a distribution service, you’ll want to time it so that the releases are published ahead of your launch or event. Again, it will require a bit of research on your part. Some distribution services approve your press release and distribute it within a matter of hours, others take days. If you want the release to be distributed the day before your launch, you’ll want to submit it to the distribution service at least a day in advance. Keep in mind that there is a risk that your release won’t be approved and that can slow down the process. Make sure you know and follow all the guidelines.
Submitting on Social Media
Social media is unpredictable. Content can go viral overnight or it can take a few days. If you’re also submitting your press release via a distribution service, align the timing. For example, if you submit to a directory today for the release to be distributed tomorrow, then submit on social media tomorrow. Keep in mind that some distribution services also support social media press releases, so you can take care of both at the same time.
Finally, you might also wonder about the best day of the week and the best time of the day to submit your release. Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter. Test and track your results to find out what works best for your audience. And keep in mind where your audience is and what they’re doing. You probably can’t go wrong distributing during the middle of the week and first thing in the morning.
Call us today to speak to one of our PR specialists: 1-800-713-7278
