Press releases might sound old-school to some, but in today’s digital-first, content-hungry world, they’re more valuable than ever. At Clearpoint Agency, we see firsthand how this trusted communications tool still packs a punch across media, marketing, and business development efforts.
Here’s why press releases remain one of the most effective – and underrated – tools in your PR toolkit:
You Control the Message (and Reporters Trust It)
Press releases are one of the few pieces of content where you own the narrative.
Carefully crafted and internally vetted (often by legal and compliance teams), these documents are viewed as credible sources by reporters, analysts, and industry insiders. That’s why top-tier journalists routinely pull quotes, stats, and details straight from press releases. And when your press release is distributed through reputable, top-tier wire services like PR Newswire or Business Wire? Instant credibility boost.
Pro Tip: Make your press releases easily accessible on your website newsroom along with images and downloadable logos. Frictionless access = higher likelihood of coverage.
One Message, Many Audiences
Press releases don’t just hit newsrooms. Thanks to news wires, they’re instantly syndicated across hundreds of digital portals. That means your customers, partners, prospects, and even potential investors see your message, often within minutes of issuing the news.
But don’t stop there.
Strategic media outreach – customized pitches for coverage, embargoed previews, and follow-up calls – helps get your story in front of the right journalists. Combine both tactics for maximum impact.
You Get Earned Media and Third-Party Validation
The best part? A press release can lead to editorial coverage, which is the ultimate stamp of third-party credibility.
Journalists use releases to fact-check, source quotes, and gather key details. If your release is well-written and newsworthy, they might even run it nearly verbatim. That’s earned media gold – and your organization benefits from being portrayed as a trusted, authoritative voice.
It Builds Your Brand Story Over Time
Think of each press release as a page in your brand’s story. From funding milestones to product launches and awards, releases show growth, momentum, and success.
When analysts, investors, or reporters want to dig into your history, they’ll look at your press archive. And if that archive tells a consistent, impressive story? You’ve made your case that you have momentum.
Pro Tip: Include quantifiable data, clear proof points, and strategic messaging. That’s what turns a routine announcement into a compelling news piece.
It Boosts SEO and Increases Visibility
Press releases do more than drive media hits – they drive traffic. Thanks to digital distribution, they’re indexed by search engines and often appear in Google News and high-authority domains such as Yahoo! Finance, AP News and others. Smart linking back to your website – product pages, executive bios, or campaign landing pages – provides an SEO boost while nudging potential customers further down the funnel.
Pro Tip: Avoid linking to external sources unless necessary. Keep traffic focused on your website for better engagement and conversion.
A Real-World Win
We recently worked with a client to launch a new service offering. We wrote a focused press release, distributed it through a news wire, and executed a targeted media outreach campaign – sending key journalists and editors a customized pitch encouraging editorial coverage and interviews with leadership. The result? Pickups in multiple trade publications, an uptick in qualified leads, and fresh content for our client’s website and social media.
One press release. Big impact. That’s value.
Press Releases Work – When You Use Them Right
The bottom line: A press release saves time, amplifies your message, builds credibility, improves SEO, supports your sales funnel, and strengthens your digital presence. And when paired with strategic media outreach? It’s a credibility powerhouse.
At Clearpoint, we recommend press releases as an effective, smart, versatile tool to meet core communications and business goals.
Want to talk about how press releases can work for your organization? Reach out to us at info@clearpointagency.com. We’re happy to help you craft a story that gets seen, heard, and remembered.