How to Choose a Press Release Topic for Small Businesses

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Why The Right Press Release Topics are Important for Small Businesses

About 65% of journalists believe audience metrics have changed how they evaluate news stories. If you want journalists to pick up your press releases, they need to stand out. Choosing the right press release topic is crucial.

Otherwise, journalists might not feel interested in your press release. You’ll start struggling when distributing press releases as a result. 

Without press releases, you’ll need to find other ways to boost brand credibility and awareness. Consumers might turn toward your competitors instead.

Don’t let it come to that! Instead, use this guide to choose the best press release topic every time.

These tips can set your press release and content marketing strategies up for success. Journalists will pick up your stories more often. Then, you can boost brand exposure and reach new customers.

Discover how to start choosing press release topics with these tips today. 

Why It’s Especially Important for Small Businesses to Write and Distribute Press Releases

For small businesses, press releases can be particularly valuable for several reasons:

1. Cost-effective publicity: Press releases offer an affordable way to gain media attention compared to paid advertising.
2. Increased visibility: They help small businesses get noticed by potential customers, investors, and partners.
3. Credibility boost: Being featured in news outlets can enhance a small business’s reputation and trustworthiness.
4. SEO benefits: Online press releases can improve search engine rankings and drive traffic to the business’s website.
5. Control over messaging: Press releases allow businesses to shape their own narrative and highlight key achievements or offerings.
6. Competitive edge: They provide an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market, especially against larger competitors.
7. Attracting investors: Press releases can showcase growth and potential, which may appeal to investors or lenders.
8. Building relationships: Regular press releases can help foster connections with journalists and media outlets.
9. Crisis management: In challenging times, press releases offer a platform for addressing issues directly and transparently.
10. Local focus: Small businesses can use press releases to strengthen their presence in local communities.

Writing press releases is also a cost-effective marketing strategy. You can experience these many benefits while improving your ROI.

You could set your business up for long-term growth and success as a result. 

It’s essential to choose the right press release topic, though. Otherwise, media outlets might not decide to publish your press release. If the right publications don’t share your release, it won’t appear in front of your target audience.

Instead, you can develop a plan for brainstorming, writing, and distributing press releases.

How to Select a Press Release Topic

Journalists have about 300 emails waiting for them on average every morning. Choosing the right press release topic can help you stand out from the stack. Otherwise, you could end up in the trash bin. 

Meanwhile, 100% of journalists said press releases were their number one way of finding stories. Developing relevant ideas for press releases can help you gain media coverage. You can even develop lasting professional relationships with journalists in your industry.

Here are a few tips that can help you select the right press release topic to boost your media coverage. 

1. Consider the Last and Next Six Months

First, think about the last six months. You might want to look at old emails and documents. Consider the content you’ve already created in that time as well.

What has your company done lately? There’s a chance you forgot to announce an important piece of information.

Reviewing the last six months can help you find potential topics. Noting the stories you missed can help you avoid missing those stories in the future, too.

Then, take a look at the future. What’s going on in the next six months? Make a note of any upcoming events or developments.

For example, maybe you’re about to announce a conference, launch party, or another event.

Maybe you’re about to merge your company with another.

Look through your calendar. Even if the event isn’t official yet, write it down. 

2. Make a List

Make two separate lists: the events that happened in the past six months versus events occurring in the next six months. Then, take a look at the latter.

Can you organize these events in chronological order? Which piece of news is the most time-sensitive? Try to prioritize working on that press release.

Save the list of events you didn’t cover for later. The next time a similar event pops up, you’ll know to write a press release for it.

3. Talk to Your Team

If you’re still struggling to come up with topics, that’s okay. Talk to your team. Working with your team can help you gain an outside perspective.

It helps to speak with leaders in every department. For example, your sales team might tell you the company exceeded sales goals for the year. You can write a press release about your company’s growth. 

What about your research and development team? Have they made a recent discovery? Are they working on a new product?

Think about how you’re disrupting or innovating the industry, too. Innovation is newsworthy and time-sensitive. You’ll want to announce these developments before your competitors catch up.

Writing these press releases can help you demonstrate your competitive advantage and value. Consumers will see the waves you’re making in the industry. You’ll differentiate yourself from competitors and position yourself as a thought leader. 

4. Map Out Your Ideas

Once you have a list of potential topics to pursue, map them out.

Determine when you want to distribute each time release. You won’t want to wait until the last minute. However, sharing information too soon might cause anticipation to drop.

People might forget all about an event or the new product you teased.

Put every press release topic on a calendar. That way, you won’t forget to write it.

5. Adjust as Needed

It’s normal for new events to pop up throughout the year. You might need to bump one press release for another.

Make sure your press releases are always timely and newsworthy. You can change your schedule as needed to remain relevant with your audience. 

Example Small Business Press Release Topics

Still struggling with choosing press release topics? That’s okay. Here are 100 press release ideas for small business that may help!

1. New Product Launch: Discover our latest innovation, set to revolutionize your industry experience.
2. Anniversary Celebration: Join us in marking a decade of success with special events and exclusive offers for you.
3. Expansion to New Location: We’re growing closer to you with our new branch opening in [City Name].
4. Partnership Announcement: Experience enhanced value as we join forces with [Partner Company] for your benefit.
5. Charity Event Sponsorship: Support [Charity Name] alongside us in their upcoming fundraiser.
6. Industry Award Win: Your support helped us win the [Award Name] for excellence in our field.
7. Milestone Achievement: Be part of our celebration as we reach our 1000th customer with special promotions for you.
8. New Service Offering: Take advantage of our latest service, designed to meet your growing needs.
9. Rebranding Announcement: Get ready for a fresh look that reflects our ongoing commitment to you.
10. Employee Promotion: Meet your new [Position], [Employee Name], stepping up to serve you better.
11. Innovative Technology Adoption: Experience improved service as we embrace cutting-edge tech to enhance your experience.
12. Community Outreach Program: Join us in giving back to your local community through our new initiative.
13. Customer Success Story: See how our product helped a customer just like you achieve remarkable results.
14. Environmental Initiative: Support our commitment to reducing your carbon footprint with our new green policies.
15. Free Workshop or Seminar: Enhance your knowledge at our free educational session on [Topic], led by experts.
16. Participation in Trade Show: Visit us at [Trade Show Name] to explore our latest offerings firsthand.
17. Company Restructuring: Learn how our organizational changes will improve your experience with us.
18. New Website Launch: Explore our revamped website, designed to enhance your online experience with us.
19. Seasonal Sale or Promotion: Don’t miss out on our biggest [Season] sale event with unbeatable discounts for you.
20. Expert Hire in Key Position: Benefit from the expertise of [Expert Name], a renowned industry leader, now part of our team to serve you better.
21. Customer Appreciation Day: A special day dedicated to thanking loyal customers with exclusive offers and events.
22. Product Demo Event: An interactive showcase of the company’s latest products or services.
23. Employee of the Month Award: Recognition of outstanding staff performance to boost morale and productivity.
24. New Mobile App Release: Launch of a user-friendly mobile application to enhance customer experience.
25. Customer Feedback Implementation: Announcement of changes made based on valuable customer input.
26. Exclusive VIP Program Launch: Introduction of a premium membership program with special perks for top customers.
27. Sustainability Milestone Achievement: Celebration of reaching a significant environmental or social responsibility goal.
Special Community Event Hours Announcement: Notification of special operating
28. hours during a special community event.
29. Customer Referral Program Introduction: Launch of an incentive program for customers who bring in new business.
30. Industry Conference Participation: Company’s involvement in a major industry event or trade show.
31. New Payment Options Addition: Expansion of payment methods to offer customers more flexibility.
32. Company Blog Launch: Introduction of a new content platform to share industry insights and company news.
33. Customer Survey Results Release: Sharing key findings from recent customer satisfaction surveys.
34. Free Trial Offer: Promotion allowing potential customers to test products or services without cost.
35. Local Artist Collaboration: Partnership with a local artist for unique product designs or store decorations.
36. Extended Warranty Program Introduction: New offering to provide customers with longer-term product protection.
37. Behind-the-Scenes Tour Offering: Invitation for customers to get an exclusive look at company operations.
38. Seasonal Product Line Release: Launch of new products tailored for an upcoming season or holiday.
39. Customer Spotlight Series Launch: Regular feature showcasing success stories of satisfied customers.
40. Health and Safety Update: Information on new measures implemented to ensure customer and employee wellbeing.
41. Loyalty Program Upgrade: Enhancement of existing rewards system to offer more benefits to frequent customers.
42. Virtual Reality Experience Introduction: Launch of an immersive VR feature for product visualization or virtual store tours.
43. Eco-Friendly Packaging Initiative: Announcement of new sustainable packaging solutions for products.
44. Emergency Preparedness Plan Announcement: Outline of the company’s strategy for handling unexpected crises or disasters.
45. New Return Policy Implementation: Introduction of a more customer-friendly approach to product returns and exchanges.
46. Gift Card Promotion: Special offer or bonus for gift card purchases during a limited time.
47. Customer Education Series Launch: Start of regular workshops or webinars to help customers maximize product use.
48. Social Media Contest: Engagement campaign encouraging customers to share experiences for a chance to win prizes.
49. Personalized Shopping Experience Introduction: Launch of AI-driven recommendations for individual customer preferences.
Charity Partnership Announcement: Reveal of a new collaboration with a charitable
50. organization for social impact.
51. Extended Business Hours: Notification of longer operating hours to accommodate more customers.
52. Product Recall Information: Important safety notice about a product recall and next steps for customers.
53. Customer Advisory Board Formation: Creation of a panel of key customers to provide feedback on company direction.
54. Subscription Service Launch: Introduction of a new recurring delivery or service option for convenience.
55. In-Store Event: Announcement of a special gathering, demonstration, or celebration at a physical location.
56. Price Match Guarantee Introduction: New policy ensuring customers get the best deal compared to competitors.
57. New Financing Options: Reveal of additional payment plans or financing services for larger purchases.
58. Virtual Consultation Service Launch: Introduction of online one-on-one sessions with product experts or sales staff.
59. Customer Appreciation Week: Announcement of a week-long celebration with daily deals and special events.
60. Multichannel Support Launch: Introduction of customer service across various platforms for improved accessibility.
61. Bundled Product Offerings: Introduction of new package deals combining popular products at a discounted rate.
62. Augmented Reality Shopping Feature: Launch of an AR tool allowing customers to visualize products in their own space.
63. Customer Feedback Portal: Introduction of a dedicated platform for customers to share ideas and suggestions.
64. Seasonal Job Opportunities: Announcement of temporary positions available during peak business periods.
65. Product Customization Options: Launch of new features allowing customers to personalize their purchases.
66. Exclusive Pre-Order Access: Announcement of early access to new products for loyal customers.
67. Community Clean-Up Initiative: Organization of a volunteer event to beautify the local area.
68. Digital Wallet Integration: Addition of new digital payment options for faster, more secure transactions.
69. Customer Appreciation Raffle: Launch of a free entry contest to win prizes as a thank you to customers.
70. New Installment Payment Plan: Introduction of a flexible payment option for larger purchases.
71. Eco-Challenge Participation: Announcement of company involvement in an environmental sustainability competition.
72. Extended Holiday Hours: Notification of special extended hours during busy holiday shopping periods.
73. Customer Photo Contest: Launch of a competition encouraging customers to share photos using the company’s products.
74. Free Shipping Threshold Lowered: Announcement of a reduced minimum purchase amount to qualify for free shipping.
75. In-Store Tech Support Introduction: Launch of a new service offering on-site technical assistance for products.
76. Local Sourcing Initiative: Announcement of efforts to increase use of locally-sourced materials or products.
77. Digital Receipt Option: Introduction of paperless receipt options for in-store purchases.
78. Customer Loyalty Tier Upgrade: Announcement of improved benefits for different levels of the loyalty program.
79. Same-Day Delivery Service: Launch of expedited delivery options for local customers.
80. Virtual Queue System Implementation: Introduction of a digital waiting line system to manage store traffic.
81. Product Life Cycle Program: Launch of an initiative to educate customers on product longevity and care.
82. Inclusive Size Range Expansion: Announcement of extended sizing options in clothing or other applicable products.
83. Customer-Designed Product: Introduction of a new item created based on customer input and voting.
84. Contactless Pickup Option: Launch of a touch-free method for collecting online orders from physical locations.
85. Local Artist Product Collaboration: Release of limited-edition items featuring work from a local artist.
86. Automated Reordering System: Introduction of a smart system that helps customers maintain stock of essentials.
87. In-Store Recycling Program: Launch of a program allowing customers to responsibly dispose of old products.
88. Virtual Personal Shopping: Introduction of online one-on-one sessions with personal shoppers or stylists.
89. Customer Milestone Rewards: Announcement of special perks for customers reaching significant loyalty milestones.
90. Ethical Sourcing Certification: Notification of receiving official recognition for responsible sourcing practices.
91. Mobile-First Website Launch: Release of a new website optimized for mobile devices.
92. Multi-Language Support: Introduction of customer service and materials in additional languages.
93. Product Usage Workshops: Announcement of free classes teaching customers how to maximize their purchases.
94. Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store Option: Launch of a service combining online shopping convenience with immediate pickup.
95. Customer Ideas Implementation: Reveal of new features or products developed from customer suggestions.
96. Accessibility Features Update: Announcement of improvements made to accommodate customers with disabilities.
97. Exclusive Members-Only Sale: Notification of a special sale event only for loyalty program members.
98. Product Repair Service: Introduction of a new service to fix or refurbish products, extending their lifespan.
99. Customer Choice Awards: Launch of a program allowing customers to vote for their favorite products or services.
100. Livestream Shopping Events: Introduction of real-time, interactive online shopping experiences with hosts.

We’ve gone into detail with a few of these press release topic ideas to offer more insight.

1. Responding to a Crisis

It’s important to respond to a crisis immediately. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to control the narrative moving forward.

You can let people know if a product was defective or get in front of a scandal. Responding to a crisis will help you remain transparent. You can minimize how much the event will disrupt your brand’s reputation. 

2. Upcoming Events

Think about the events you plan on hosting or participating in this year. For example, maybe you’ll attend a tradeshow or conference. Let people know.

You can mention online classes and webinars, too.

3. Legal Shifts

Did you recently file a lawsuit? Maybe you’re offering your stock to the public. If any legal shifts are occurring, let people know.

Make sure to focus on why it’s providing the public with value. 

4. Community Involvement

If you have a charity or community involvement coming up, use it to portray your brand in a positive light. Let people know if you’re involved in local events, sports teams, or other inspiration events. 

5. New Products, Promotions, and Contests

New products and services are always exciting. Focus on the benefits and features you’re offering customers. Focusing on your value will help spark excitement.

6. Company Achievements and Milestones

Think about the milestones your company has achieved this year. For example, have you reached an anniversary? Maybe you’ve reached a new revenue figure.

These accomplishments can demonstrate your company’s value and growth. 

7. Rebranding

It’s important to let people know if you’re rebranding. Otherwise, loyal customers might fail to recognize the changes you’re making.

They might think your company disappeared. 

Expanding Brand Exposure: How to Choose a Press Release Topic

Choosing the right press release topic can set your content marketing strategy up for success. Keep these tips in mind. With these tips, you can choose topics journalists will want to share with their readers.

Need help boosting your brand? That’s what we’re here for.

Explore our pricing today to get started. 

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