Learning to identify good press release content is important.

It can be difficult for business owners to evaluate whether a piece is good press release content or a blog, written in the form of a press release. A content writing company should fully understand the difference between a press release and a blog article, but many times, a blog content provider with no press release experience will try to pass off a blog post to unsuspecting customers. Here’s how to tell the difference.

A Newsworthy Topic

The topic itself doesn’t make a press release, but it can certainly help. For instance, you may want to let your customers know you have added a new product to your line or are moving to a new location. This information can be shared as a blog post from your blog content provider, but it can also be used to create an effective press release. The main focus of good press release content is choosing a topic that can be addressed in a journalistic fashion. Press releases should stick to the facts and provide information in a straightforward manner.

Tenses

One of the most overlooked factors in press release content writing is the tense in which your content writing company should write. A blog post can be written in any tense; however, many content writers for hire find second person to be the most effective. First person is also acceptable for blog content. When it comes to good press release content, however, first and second person are not allowed with the exception of direct quotes. These quotes should be properly attributed. The rest of the content should be strictly third person, especially if you intend to distribute it through one or more of the online distribution channels.

The Right Format

Blog posts are also created using any number of formats. Most blog content providers create posts using a standard format of a headline, introduction paragraph, several paragraphs separated by subheadings, a conclusion and a call-to-action. Others mix things up by creating list posts, as well as using other formats appealing to the eye and to keep things different for readers. A press release, on the other hand, has a set format that must always be followed. Every good press release content piece should include:

• A compelling, newsworthy headline
• The location of the company
• The date
• Body of the press release
• Call to action
• Boilerplate about the company
• Contact information

Before you attempt to submit any press release to distribution channels, make sure all of this information is present and accurate. Providing inaccurate information can harm your reputation and the ability of interested parties to contact you to learn more about the topic.

Distribution Methods

The method through which you distribute blog posts and press releases can also vary, though you may also post your press releases on your blog. In general, a blog post will only find its place on your blog; however, many businesses promote their latest posts on their social media sites. When content writers for hire create blog posts, they are designed for press release distribution sites in particular. Fortunately, you can use them in other places as well. In addition to posting them directly to your blog, you may also post them to your website and link to them on your social media posts.

Still Good for Search Engine Optimization

In all your content writing, search engine optimization should be at the top of your priority list. Blog posts are typically written to inform your readers and weave your keywords into your site content to appeal to the search engines. Your press release content writing can also include your prominent keywords. Though it isn’t necessary to implement the keywords as often as you typically do in blog posts, it can be useful in driving more traffic and generating more leads.

As you work toward good press release content writing, it’s important to understand the differences between your typical blog posts and press releases. Before you hire a content writing company, make sure they aren’t solely a blog content provider. Companies most familiar with blog posts won’t embrace the differences and could harm your marketing efforts.

If you are looking for an experienced content marketing firm for press releases,contact us. Our content writers for hire know how to create effective press releases for maximum exposure.