How to Effectively Send a Press Release to the Associated Press for Maximum Media Exposure

How to Send a Press Release to the Associated Press

Sending a press release to the Associated Press (AP) can be a crucial step in promoting your news or event to a wide audience. The AP is one of the most influential news organizations in the world, with the ability to reach millions of readers, listeners, and viewers. To ensure your press release is effectively distributed, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Associated Press’s guidelines: Before sending your press release, familiarize yourself with the AP’s guidelines and submission process. The AP has specific requirements for press releases, including a word count limit, formatting, and content. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in your release being rejected.

2. Craft a compelling press release: Your press release should be concise, clear, and newsworthy. Start with a strong headline that captures the essence of your news. Include the who, what, when, where, why, and how in the body of the release. Make sure to include any relevant quotes, background information, and contact details.

3. Choose the right format: The AP prefers press releases in text format, but you can also submit them as Word documents. Ensure your document is well-organized and easy to read. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to break up the text and make it more digestible.

4. Follow the submission process: The AP provides an online submission form for press releases. Fill out the form with accurate and complete information, including your contact details, the press release subject, and the intended audience. Be sure to double-check your submission for any errors before submitting it.

5. Include multimedia elements: To make your press release more engaging, consider including multimedia elements such as images, videos, or infographics. The AP allows for the submission of multimedia content along with your press release. Make sure these elements are high-quality and relevant to your news.

6. Monitor the distribution process: Once you have submitted your press release, keep an eye on the AP’s distribution schedule. The AP may take a few days to review and distribute your release. If your release is approved, it will be distributed to its vast network of media outlets.

7. Follow up: If your press release has not been distributed within a reasonable timeframe, it may be helpful to follow up with the AP. However, be polite and professional in your follow-up, as the AP receives numerous submissions daily.

8. Track the results: After your press release has been distributed, monitor its impact on your target audience. Use tools like Google Analytics or social media tracking to gauge the reach and engagement of your release. This information can help you refine your future press releases and improve your overall media outreach.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully sending a press release to the Associated Press and reaching a broader audience. Remember to stay informed about the AP’s guidelines and submission process, and always prioritize quality and newsworthiness in your press releases.