In 2025, brands will have more publishing power than ever. Yet with so many platforms available—from company blogs and social media to formal press distribution—it’s easy to blur the line between telling your story and announcing your news. Understanding when to use a press release and when to write a blog post can dramatically impact visibility, credibility, and results.

At first glance, both press releases and blogs deliver information. The difference lies in who they are for and why they exist. A press release is an announcement intended for the media, investors, and the public—a formal statement that something newsworthy has happened. It is crafted with a journalistic tone and distributed through a press release service (24-7 Press Release Newswire) to reach editors, reporters, online news outlets, and syndication partners.

A blog post, on the other hand, is designed for direct audience engagement—your customers, followers, or prospects. Blogs explain, educate, or entertain. They can show expertise, provide behind-the-scenes insights, and nurture relationships, but they are not typically used to announce hard news. In short, press releases tell the world what happened, while blogs tell why it matters. Both are essential, but they serve very different functions in your communication strategy.

A press release should be used whenever your organization wants to publicly announce verifiable news that carries significance beyond your immediate customer base. Think of it as your formal record—an announcement designed to withstand scrutiny and provide journalists with facts they can cite. Common reasons to issue a press release include new product or service launches, company milestones, mergers or rebranding, industry awards or certifications, executive appointments, strategic partnerships, significant events or sponsorships, market expansions, or research findings. These examples involve newsworthiness, a core criterion that journalists and readers recognize.

A good press release should be written concisely, informally, and objectively, include at least one quote from leadership, provide contact information for media follow-up, and be distributed through a trusted press release distribution service with a broad reach nationally and locally. When submitted through a platform like 24-7 Press Release, your story reaches journalists and gets published across our network of news websites, industry publications, and search engines. It becomes part of your public record—something search engines can index and audiences can verify.

A blog post thrives when you need to expand upon an idea, share expert commentary, or educate your audience about a broader topic. It’s less about announcements and more about explanations. Blogs are ideal for explaining why a change or announcement matters to your customers, sharing practical advice or tutorials, offering brand insights behind a company decision, highlighting customer stories, or strengthening search engine visibility through consistent content. Unlike press releases, blog posts can be longer, conversational, and opinionated. They can include first-person voice, storytelling, embedded media, and calls to action. Their goal is to deepen the relationship between your brand and your readers, not necessarily to generate media coverage. A good rule of thumb is that if the message requires context more than confirmation, it belongs on your blog.

The most successful communications strategies use both press releases and blog posts. In fact, each amplifies the other. When you launch a new product, the press release formally announces the launch—what it is, why it matters, and where it’s available—while the blog post expands on the story with the design inspiration, customer use cases, and behind-the-scenes development. These create a two-tiered impact: credibility from earned media and engagement through owned content. The strategy “announce and explain” cycle works in two stages.

First, announce through a press release distributed via a reputable press release service to news outlets, industry blogs, and Google News to build awareness and credibility. Then, explain through a blog post on your website or LinkedIn to deepen understanding, encourage dialogue, and boost organic search ranking. This cycle can be repeated for virtually any milestone—from rebranding to new partnerships—allowing your message to resonate through formal and informal channels.

Even experienced marketers sometimes confuse which format to use. One common mistake is turning blog posts into press releases. A post about “5 Tips for Better Customer Service” isn’t news; it’s advice. Without an actual announcement, it doesn’t qualify as a press release.

Another mistake is using a blog post to announce big news. If you just secured Series A funding, publishing that only on your company blog means journalists, investors, and news algorithms may never see it. Always issue a press release for major milestones. Another misstep is forgetting the SEO interplay.

Blogs drive steady, long-tail search traffic, while press releases can create short-term spikes and potentially high-authority backlinks. When used together, they reinforce each other’s ranking power.

Finally, tone matters. Press releases are formal, third-person, and verified. Blogs can be personal, exploratory, and narrative. Mixing tones can weaken both.

Even in the age of social media, the press release remains a trusted source for reporters. Journalists use press releases to verify facts, extract quotes, and find story leads. According to Cision’s 2024 State of the Media Report, over 68% of journalists say press releases are their preferred form of initial communication with companies. While they may ignore overtly promotional content, they appreciate clear, concise releases that provide essential details and credible sources.

Press releases also play a role in including Google News and search engine visibility. When distributed through reputable services like 24-7 Press Release, they can appear alongside syndicated stories across hundreds of partner sites—exposure that standard blogs cannot achieve alone.

Where a press release delivers immediate visibility, a blog post builds lasting relationships. A steady stream of informative blog content can drive ongoing website traffic through organic search, build topical authority on your brand’s subject matter, nurture customer loyalty by providing consistent value, and support future announcements by keeping audiences engaged. In essence, press releases build credibility, and blogs build community. The best brands alternate between the two, using each medium strategically.

Consider a real-world example: a tech startup launching an AI-powered scheduling app. The press release announces the launch, key features, and quotes from executives (VIEW THIS TIP HERE). The release is syndicated across news outlets and industry platforms, reaching reporters who cover productivity technology. The accompanying blog post, published on the company’s website, tells the story behind the innovation—how the idea started, user challenges it solves, and what’s next on the roadmap. It includes screenshots, videos, and a call to action to join the beta program. The two pieces serve different audiences but reinforce the same narrative: one builds authority, the other builds connection.

Ask three quick questions when deciding whether to issue a press release or write a blog post. Is it newsworthy? Issue a press release if the information involves a verifiable event, milestone, or official update. Is it explanatory or reflective? If it’s an opinion, lesson, or thought piece, publish it as a blog post. Does it need media coverage or audience context? Media coverage calls for a press release; audience context calls for a blog post. When both apply, use both formats—announce first, then explain.

Press releases and blogs shouldn’t live in silos. For the best results, include a link to your blog post within your press release as a “read more” reference, post your press release summary on your blog with a link to the full story on 24-7PressRelease.com, share both on social media (24-7 Press Release also shares press releases through our social media) with consistent messaging, and review analytics to measure press release impressions and referral traffic alongside blog views and engagement. This holistic approach ensures your story is seen, understood, and remembered.

Press releases and blogs are not competitors; they are complementary storytelling tools. A press release builds trust and earns attention, while a blog builds depth and maintains that attention. By mastering the difference, you can turn every announcement into a narrative arc—first the what, then the why. Together, they help your brand stay visible, credible, and human.

Further Readings and Resources: 24-7 Press Release Newswire Knowledge Base