Press release
A press release is an official written statement issued by a company or organization to announce news, updates, or events to media outlets and the public. It is used in digital PR to secure media coverage, improve online visibility, and strengthen brand credibility.
A press release is a formal, structured announcement distributed to journalists, media outlets, and online publishing platforms to communicate newsworthy information. Businesses use press releases to share product launches, funding announcements, partnerships, leadership changes, events, and corporate milestones.
Purpose of a Press Release
The primary goal of a press release is to generate media coverage and public awareness. In modern Digital PR, press releases also serve SEO and brand-building purposes by helping companies earn authoritative mentions and backlinks from trusted news websites.
Key Elements of a Press Release
- Headline: Clear, compelling summary of the announcement
- Subheadline: Supporting context or detail
- Dateline: Location and publication date
- Body: Key information structured using the inverted pyramid format
- Quote: Executive or stakeholder commentary
- Boilerplate: Company background information
- Contact Information: Media contact details
Press Release vs. News Release
The terms press release and news release are often used interchangeably. However, “news release” is sometimes preferred in digital-first environments because modern distribution extends beyond traditional press to blogs, financial portals, and online news platforms.
Why Press Releases Matter in Digital PR
In 2026, search engines and AI-driven search systems prioritize brand authority and entity recognition. Publishing optimized press releases on reputable media platforms improves:
- Online visibility
- Brand trust and credibility
- Search engine rankings
- Investor and customer confidence
When distributed through a strategic PR network, a press release can amplify brand reach across financial media, industry publications, and syndicated news platforms.
Best Practices
- Focus on genuinely newsworthy updates
- Avoid promotional language and keyword stuffing
- Include credible data and executive quotes
- Optimize headline and structure for search visibility
- Distribute through reputable media channels
A well-crafted press release remains one of the most powerful tools in modern digital public relations strategy.
PR & Marketing Glossary