8 Press Release Tips to Get More Coverage (2026)

A good press release can still win news coverage, build trust and bring visitors, but most releases are ignored. These press release tips will help yours get read. Guest author Eric Gesinski wrote the first six tips in 2010, when press releases were also popular for SEO links. Google now treats optimised links in press releases as link spam, so the focus in 2026 is real news, journalists and readers.

Quick answer: Announce genuine news, write a clear headline and a first paragraph that answers who, what, when, where and why, keep it short (300 to 500 words), add a quote, facts and a contact, and send it to relevant journalists at a good time. Use a distribution service only if you need reach, and keep any links nofollow.

Why press releases still matter

• Coverage: journalists, bloggers and newsletters use releases as story sources.
• Credibility: being quoted in the news builds trust in your brand.
• A permanent record: your newsroom page gives facts, dates and quotes anyone can cite.
• Indirect SEO: the real value comes when publications write their own stories and choose to link to you.

8 press release tips for better results

1. Make it newsworthy. A launch, research findings, a milestone, a partnership or an event is news. “Our product is great” is not. Ask: would a reporter’s readers care?
2. Write a strong headline. Be specific and use numbers when you can. Many people decide in seconds whether to read on.
3. Put the key facts first. The first paragraph should answer who, what, when, where and why. Add details, background and quotes after that.
4. Keep it short. 300 to 500 words is plenty. Use short paragraphs and avoid jargon.
5. Add a real quote and data. A quote with an opinion, plus a statistic or two, gives journalists something to use.
6. Check every fact and word. Typos and wrong details hurt your credibility. Ask a colleague to read it first.
7. Time it well. Tuesday to Thursday mornings often work best. Avoid big news days in your industry, and respect embargo dates if you share early.
8. Include media assets and contacts. Add images, a logo, a short “About” boilerplate and a name, email and phone number for questions.

Press releases and SEO in 2026

In 2010 many sites published releases mainly for keyword-rich links. Google’s spam policies (external site) now list links with optimised anchor text in widely distributed press releases as link spam. Use rel="nofollow" or rel="sponsored" on links in paid releases, and put no more than one or two useful links in the text. Think of a release as a way to earn coverage, not links.

Where to send your press release

• Journalists directly: a short, personal email to the right reporter works better than a mass blast.
• Your own newsroom page and email list, plus your social channels.
• Paid distribution such as PR Newswire (external site), Business Wire (external site) or PRWeb (external site) if you need wide reach.
• Local media and trade publications for local or niche news, often free.

Pair releases with other content marketing ideas, like article marketing and press releases and offline blog promotion.

FAQ

How long should a press release be?

Usually 300 to 500 words, about one page.

Are free press release sites worth it?

Rarely. They get little attention from journalists and the links carry little value. Pitching relevant reporters directly works better.

Do press releases help SEO?

Not directly. Links in distributed releases should be nofollow. The benefit comes from news stories and links that journalists choose to give you.

What is a press release boilerplate?

A short standard paragraph at the end describing your company, used in every release.

Originally written by guest author Eric Gesinski, who worked in web design and internet marketing, including press releases. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.