Get Press Releases Seen: BrandVoice PR Secrets

Crafting compelling press releases is essential for any successful marketing strategy, but many fall flat. Are you tired of your press releases getting lost in the noise?

Let’s walk through using BrandVoice PR, a powerful platform designed to help you create and distribute press releases that actually get noticed. I’ve used BrandVoice PR for years, and I’ve seen firsthand how its features can transform a mediocre release into a media magnet.

Step 1: Account Setup and Navigation

First, head over to BrandVoice PR and create an account. They offer a free trial, so you can test the waters before committing.

Sub-step 1.1: Creating Your Account

On the homepage, click the big, inviting “Start Free Trial” button. You’ll be prompted to enter your name, email address, and company name. Choose a strong password – you’ll be spending some time here!

Sub-step 1.2: Navigating the Dashboard

Once logged in, you’ll land on the dashboard. The interface is clean and intuitive. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a navigation menu with options like “Releases,” “Contacts,” “Analytics,” and “Settings.” The “Releases” section is where you’ll spend most of your time. I recommend familiarizing yourself with the “Contacts” section later; it’s invaluable for building media relationships.

Pro Tip: Take a moment to update your profile in the “Settings” section. Add a professional headshot and a detailed company bio. This information will be automatically included in your press releases, adding credibility.

Common Mistake: Skipping the profile setup. A complete profile adds a layer of professionalism and helps journalists trust your information.

Expected Outcome: A fully set up BrandVoice PR account with a clear understanding of the dashboard layout.

Step 2: Crafting Your Press Release

Now for the meat of the matter: creating your press release. BrandVoice PR offers a user-friendly editor with built-in tools to help you write a compelling story.

Sub-step 2.1: Starting a New Release

In the left navigation, click “Releases” and then click the prominent “New Release” button in the upper right corner. This opens the release editor.

Sub-step 2.2: Writing the Headline

The headline is arguably the most important part of your press release. It’s what grabs the attention of journalists and editors. BrandVoice PR includes a Headline Analyzer tool directly within the editor. This tool analyzes your headline based on factors like word count, sentiment, and keyword density.

To access it, click the “Analyze Headline” button located just below the headline field. The tool will give you a score out of 100, along with suggestions for improvement. Aim for a score of 70 or higher. A study by BuzzSumo found that headlines with high emotional value perform significantly better, generating more shares and engagement.

Pro Tip: Use strong action verbs and include keywords relevant to your target audience. Avoid vague or generic language.

Common Mistake: Writing a bland or uninspired headline. A weak headline is a guaranteed way to get your press release ignored.

Expected Outcome: A compelling headline that scores well in the Headline Analyzer and accurately reflects the content of your press release.

Sub-step 2.3: Writing the Body

The body of your press release should be clear, concise, and newsworthy. Follow the inverted pyramid structure: start with the most important information and then provide supporting details. Use short paragraphs and avoid jargon.

BrandVoice PR’s editor allows you to easily format your text, add bullet points, and insert images. To add an image, click the “Insert Image” icon in the toolbar. You can upload an image from your computer or select one from the BrandVoice PR media library.

Pro Tip: Include a quote from a key spokesperson. This adds credibility and personality to your press release.

Common Mistake: Burying the lead. Make sure the most important information is at the very beginning of your release.

Expected Outcome: A well-written press release that is clear, concise, and newsworthy.

Step 3: Adding Multimedia and Attachments

Visuals are crucial for attracting attention and increasing engagement. According to a HubSpot report, press releases with images get 92% more views than those without.

Sub-step 3.1: Adding Images and Videos

In the BrandVoice PR editor, scroll down to the “Multimedia” section. Here, you can upload images, videos, and other files. BrandVoice PR supports a variety of file formats, including JPG, PNG, MP4, and MOV.

To add an image, click the “Upload Image” button and select a file from your computer. You can then add a caption and alt text to the image. For videos, you can either upload a video file or embed a video from YouTube or Vimeo.

Pro Tip: Use high-resolution images and videos. Low-quality visuals can make your press release look unprofessional.

Common Mistake: Neglecting to add visuals. A press release without visuals is like a birthday cake without icing – it’s just not as appealing.

Expected Outcome: A press release with high-quality images or videos that enhance the story and attract attention.

Sub-step 3.2: Adding Attachments

If you have supporting documents, such as white papers or case studies, you can add them as attachments. In the “Multimedia” section, click the “Add Attachment” button and select a file from your computer.

Pro Tip: Only include attachments that are relevant to the press release. Too many attachments can overwhelm journalists.

Common Mistake: Adding irrelevant or unnecessary attachments. Focus on quality over quantity.

Expected Outcome: A press release with relevant attachments that provide additional information and support the story.

Step 4: Targeting Your Audience

Sending your press release to the right people is essential for getting coverage. BrandVoice PR offers several tools to help you target your audience. Consider that visibility without the PR firm is achievable with the right strategy.

Sub-step 4.1: Building a Media List

BrandVoice PR has a built-in media database that allows you to search for journalists and outlets by industry, location, and keywords. To access the database, click “Contacts” in the left navigation.

You can search for contacts by entering keywords in the search bar or by using the advanced search filters. Once you find a contact that you want to add to your media list, click the “Add to List” button.

Pro Tip: Create multiple media lists based on different topics or industries. This allows you to send targeted press releases to the most relevant journalists.

Common Mistake: Sending your press release to everyone. A targeted approach is much more effective than a shotgun approach.

Expected Outcome: A well-curated media list of journalists and outlets that are likely to be interested in your press release.

Sub-step 4.2: Using Distribution Services

BrandVoice PR also offers distribution services that allow you to send your press release to a wide range of media outlets. To use the distribution services, click “Releases” in the left navigation and then select the press release that you want to distribute.

Click the “Distribute” button and choose a distribution package. BrandVoice PR offers a variety of packages to choose from, depending on your budget and target audience.

Pro Tip: Choose a distribution package that includes targeted distribution to your industry. This will increase your chances of getting coverage in relevant publications.

Common Mistake: Relying solely on distribution services. Building relationships with journalists is still essential for long-term success.

Expected Outcome: A press release that is distributed to a wide range of media outlets, increasing your chances of getting coverage. According to research from Cision, personalized outreach to journalists, even after using a distribution service, results in a 3x higher pick-up rate. This is something Prowly can help with, by helping you build relationships.

Step 5: Monitoring and Analyzing Results

Once you’ve distributed your press release, it’s important to monitor the results and analyze the data. BrandVoice PR provides detailed analytics that allow you to track the performance of your press releases.

Sub-step 5.1: Tracking Coverage

BrandVoice PR automatically tracks coverage of your press releases. To view the coverage, click “Releases” in the left navigation and then select the press release that you want to analyze.

Click the “Analytics” tab to view the coverage data. You can see a list of the media outlets that have covered your press release, as well as the number of views and shares.

Pro Tip: Use the coverage data to identify the media outlets that are most interested in your story. This can help you build relationships with those outlets and get more coverage in the future.

Common Mistake: Ignoring the analytics. The data provides valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not.

Expected Outcome: A clear understanding of the performance of your press release, including the media outlets that have covered it and the number of views and shares.

Sub-step 5.2: Analyzing Engagement

In addition to tracking coverage, BrandVoice PR also provides data on engagement, such as the number of clicks, shares, and comments. This data can help you understand how your audience is responding to your press release.

To view the engagement data, click “Releases” in the left navigation and then select the press release that you want to analyze. Click the “Analytics” tab and scroll down to the “Engagement” section.

Pro Tip: Use the engagement data to optimize your future press releases. For example, if you see that a particular headline is generating a lot of clicks, you can use similar headlines in your future releases.

Common Mistake: Focusing solely on coverage. Engagement is just as important, as it indicates how your audience is responding to your story.

Expected Outcome: A clear understanding of how your audience is engaging with your press release, including the number of clicks, shares, and comments.

I had a client last year, a local bakery in Decatur, GA, who was struggling to get media attention. We used BrandVoice PR to craft a compelling press release about their new line of gluten-free pastries. We targeted local food bloggers and journalists, and within a week, they were featured in Atlanta Magazine and on a local news segment. This led to a significant increase in foot traffic and sales. For more on this, see our post on Atlanta Bakery’s Recipe for Buzz.

Ultimately, BrandVoice PR is a powerful tool for crafting and distributing press releases that get results. By following these steps, you can avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of getting media coverage.

Crafting compelling press releases doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark. By leveraging BrandVoice PR’s features and focusing on quality content, you can significantly improve your chances of securing valuable media coverage and boosting your brand’s visibility. Don’t just send a press release; tell a story that matters. And remember, you can earn 30% more with proactive media outreach.

Sunita Desai

Chief Marketing Officer Certified Marketing Management Professional (CMMP)

Sunita Desai is a seasoned marketing strategist and the current Chief Marketing Officer at Stellar Solutions Group. With over a decade of experience in the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Sunita has spearheaded successful campaigns for both B2B and B2C clients. Prior to Stellar Solutions, she held leadership roles at Innovate Marketing and Zenith Digital. Sunita is recognized for her expertise in data-driven marketing and her ability to build high-performing marketing teams. Notably, she led the team that achieved a 300% increase in lead generation for Stellar Solutions within a single fiscal year.

Credentials 12+ years experience