I get contacted a lot by people who tell me “I’d like a press release, but I’m not sure I have anything to announce.” And I say, “That’s never stopped the people who submit press releases to me at the paper where I work.”
It’s true. Through the years I’ve received countless press releases that say absolutely nothing other than, “Look at me, please, look at me.” A lot of times there really isn’t a story idea there, but even when there isn’t a valid newsworthy angle, if I’m pressed for a story I may look at an interesting business and try to find an angle.
And that my friends is why you need a press release regardless of whether you think you have nothing to announce. More often then not, however, if you really look at your business and what you are doing you can find a newsworthy element to base a press release on. A press release can be based on something as simple as a new product launch or a new employee. If there is something in the news that has your attention because it impacts your business or industry, then put your thoughts about it in “quote” form and create a press release around those thoughts. For example, say, proposed regulations could negatively impact your industry and therefore cause fewer jobs. Then create a press release titled:
“XYZ Co., speaks out against Regulation Z; The proposed changes will hurt the industry and decrease the amount of jobs”
Whether you think you have nothing to announce you still should invest in press release services to get a press release written and submitted. Get someone else’s opinion about your business. See if they can come up with an idea to market. Writing and submitting press releases is a big part of marketing and you should never stop marketing your business.