At 24-7 Press Release, we love talking to people about how we can help them with their press release distribution needs.

With that comes many questions that our customers have (and rightfully so, especially if you are new to PR). Our team spent the last couple of weeks discussing the top questions our customers had in 2025, and we wanted to share them with you.

For more helpful information and tips on your press release, check out our Knowledge Base here: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/knowledge_base

1. What is a press release, and why does it still matter today?

A press release is a formal announcement written to inform media outlets, journalists, and the public about newsworthy events such as product launches, company milestones, executive appointments, or industry initiatives.

Despite the rise of social media and content marketing, the press release remains one of the most trusted and structured forms of business communication. A well-written press release creates a permanent, citable record of your announcement that journalists can reference, search engines can index, and customers can discover long after the initial release date. When distributed through a professional press release service, a press release can simultaneously support brand credibility, search engine visibility, and media outreach.

2. What makes a press release "newsworthy"?

One of the most common misconceptions about press release distribution is that any announcement qualifies as news. In reality, newsworthiness is about relevance and value to an external audience. A press release should answer the question, "Why does this matter now?" Newsworthy press releases typically include new products or services, significant partnerships, funding announcements, expansions, awards, research findings, or leadership changes. Timing, clarity, and audience impact all play a role. A strong press release service can help position your announcement to emphasize relevance, making it more attractive to both readers and downstream media partners.

3. How long should a press release be?

Press releases are most effective when they are concise yet complete. At 24-7 Press Release, we consistently tell our clients that the ideal length is between 400 and 600 words. We don't restrict people from submitting longer releases, but we strongly advise keeping within this word limit. The key is not word count, but structure. A clear (and short) headline, a compelling opening paragraph, supporting details, quotes, and a short boilerplate at the end are far more important than padding the release with unnecessary language. Search engines and journalists both favor press releases that communicate value quickly, which is why professional formatting is critical.

4. Can a press release help with SEO and online visibility?

Yes, a press release can play an important role in a broader SEO strategy when used correctly.

Modern press release distribution focuses less on link manipulation and more on content discoverability and brand authority. Including relevant keywords naturally within the content to help search engines understand the topic and context of your announcement.

Many press release services (including 24-7 Press Release) also offer permanent hosting, which keeps your release generating impressions, referral traffic, and brand searches over time. At 24-7 Press Release, we still have press releases showing up from 2004.

When written properly, a press release becomes an owned media asset that supports long-term visibility.

5. Should I write the press release myself, use AI, or use a professional?

Some businesses choose to write their own press releases, while others rely on professional writing assistance. The decision often depends on experience and objectives. Writing a press release requires more than good grammar; it involves understanding journalistic tone, news structure, and how distribution partners evaluate content. A poorly written press release can be rejected or ignored, regardless of how important the news may be. Many press release services offer optional writing or editing support to ensure submissions meet industry standards and increase acceptance rates across distribution networks.

We have heard some of our clients using AI to get started, which can sometimes help, but should not be relied on fully. For press release writing services, we recommend Pat at Prompt Proofing, here: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/writing_services

6. What happens after I submit a press release?

At 24-7 Press Release, after you submit your press release, it typically goes through a review process to ensure it complies with editorial guidelines and distribution standards. This review may include checks for formatting, prohibited content, excessive promotional language, or unsupported claims. Once approved, the press release is distributed through our distribution network and published on partner sites, news portals, websites, and databases. We also send you a confirmation email that includes publication links and performance analytics showing how your release is performing over time.

7. How fast does a press release get published?

Publication speed varies depending on the press release distribution service and the package selected.

Some services (like 24-7 Press Release) offer immediate, same-day, or next-day distribution, while others operate on a scheduled-release model. Review time is an important factor, as editorial checks help maintain the network's credibility and increase acceptance among downstream publishers. Planning is always recommended, especially if your press release is tied to a specific event, launch date, or embargo. Reliable press release services are transparent about timelines so you can coordinate announcements confidently.

8. Will journalists actually see my press release?

A common concern is whether press releases are truly seen by journalists or posted online. In practice, press releases serve multiple audiences simultaneously. Journalists use press release databases to research stories, verify announcements, and find sources. Search engines index press releases, making them discoverable to reporters searching for relevant topics. Additionally, industry professionals, investors, and customers often find press releases through organic search or direct links. While no press release distribution service can guarantee media coverage, consistent, high-quality releases significantly increase visibility and credibility over time.

9. How often should a business send press releases?

There is no universal rule for frequency, but consistency matters more than volume. Businesses should issue press releases when they have meaningful updates to share, not simply to fill a schedule.

Overusing a press release for minor or repetitive announcements can reduce impact, while too few releases may limit brand visibility. Many successful companies use press releases as part of an ongoing communications strategy to announce milestones, growth, and industry participation throughout the year. A professional press release service can help maintain balance by advising on timing and relevance.

10. What should I look for in a press release distribution service?

Choosing the right press release distribution service is critical to achieving results. Key factors to consider include syndication reach, transparency about where releases are published, editorial review standards, pricing clarity, permanent hosting, length of time in operation, analytics, and customer support. A strong press release service should make the submission process straightforward while providing enough guidance to ensure your release meets professional standards. Look for a platform that treats press releases as long-term assets rather than one-time postings, and that supports both visibility and credibility.

Summary

These questions reflect the conversations we have every day with businesses researching press release distribution options for their needs. While the tools and platforms in marketing and PR continue to evolve, the fundamentals of effective press releases remain the same: clarity, relevance, credibility, and consistency.

Understanding what makes an announcement newsworthy, how distribution works, and how press releases support long-term visibility can help businesses make more confident PR decisions. Whether you are submitting your first press release or refining an ongoing communications strategy, asking the right questions is the first step toward better results. For more practical guidance, best practices, and in-depth explanations, we encourage you to explore our Knowledge Base, where our team regularly shares insights to help you get the most value from every press release you distribute.