How to Submit a Press Release That Doesn’t Get Ignored

Submitting a press release sounds simple. Write the news, send it out, and wait for coverage. Yet, in reality, most press releases never get opened, let alone published. It's kind of strange when you think about it, especially when the announcement itself is genuinely important.

So what goes wrong?

The issue is rarely the platform alone. More often, it’s how the press release is prepared, positioned, and submitted. And honestly, this is something seen again and again across media desks.

Why do most press releases disappear instantly?

Ever noticed how quickly inboxes fill up for journalists? Hundreds of emails a day. Many look similar. Same subject lines. Same vague claims. Same promotional tone.

Editors are trained to scan fast. If a press release does not communicate relevance in seconds, it is skipped. Not because it is bad, but because it feels familiar. And familiarity, in media terms, often means ignorable.

This is where many brands underestimate the process.

Start with relevance, not excitement.

There is a common belief that a press release needs to sound exciting. Big words. Strong claims. Bold promises.

But here’s the thing…
Editors are not looking for excitement. They are looking for relevance.

A press release should clearly answer three questions right at the top:

• Why does this matter now?

• Who is affected?

• Why should a reader care?

If these points are not clear in the first few lines, the rest often does not get read. Simple as that.

Headlines matter more than expected.

A headline is not just a title. It is a filter.

Professional editors often decide whether to open a press release based on the headline alone. A good headline is specific, grounded, and honest. A weak one feels promotional or unclear.

For example, compare these approaches:

• “Company Launches Innovative Solution”

• “New Payment Tool Reduces Checkout Time for Small Retailers”

One sounds familiar. The other gives context. That difference matters more than many realize.

A quick thought worth sharing about timing

Timing does not get enough attention.

Submitting a press release late on a Friday or during a major news cycle reduces visibility almost instantly. Journalists are human. They follow rhythms. News desks have patterns.

Press releases submitted early in the week, during working hours, tend to perform better. Not always, but often enough to notice.

Why does that happen?
Because attention is limited, and timing decides what gets attention.

Write like a professional, not a promotion.

A press release is not an advertisement. This is where many submissions lose credibility.

Phrases like “best in class,” “revolutionary,” or “industry-leading” raise quiet red flags. Editors prefer facts over claims.

Strong press releases rely on:

• Clear data points

• Real outcomes

• Verifiable statements

• Quotes that add insight, not praise

It's kind of funny how removing hype often makes a press release more powerful.

Structure makes reading effortless.

Busy editors appreciate clarity.

A clean structure helps the message land faster:

• Clear opening paragraph

• Logical flow of information

• Short paragraphs

• Natural spacing

Walls of text feel heavy. Short sections feel manageable. This alone can increase the chance of a full read.

And then…
When something is easy to read, it feels easier to publish.

Distribution platforms are only half the job.

Using a press release distribution platform helps with reach, but it does not guarantee results.

Platforms amplify what is already there. They do not fix unclear messaging or weak positioning.

Successful submissions usually combine:

• A strong, relevant press release

• Correct category selection

• Clean formatting

• Proper keyword placement without forcing SEO

SEO matters, but only when it feels natural.

Follow up, but gently.

Follow-ups are tricky.

A short, respectful follow-up email after a few days is acceptable. Repeated reminders are not. Journalists remember pressure, and not in a good way.

A simple message that acknowledges time constraints works better than multiple reminders. Professional courtesy still matters in media relationships.

Final thought before hitting submit

Submitting a press release that does not get ignored is less about tricks and more about understanding how media actually works.

Editors value clarity. Readers value relevance. Platforms value consistency.

When all three align, results follow more naturally. Not instantly. Not magically. But steadily.

And honestly, that approach tends to work far better than chasing shortcuts.

Continue reading

• Insight Daily on Parsiblog
• Join PRWeb for Free and Share Your Press Release
• Insight Daily on Creatorlink
• How to Submit a Press Release for Better Media Coverage and Reach