YOUR GUIDE TO THE PERFECT PRESS RELEASE

Are you among the thousands of businesses or agencies trying to land your news in publications across the African continent?

Back to Press Release Submission

Journalists receive hundreds of releases per day?

Read on to find detailed information about what your press release should look like, what it should say, how it should say it, and when to distribute it.

Keep an eye out for our key tips as these should smooth your path to success!

Step 1:

Understand what makes for a good press release

A press release is generally an official statement (written or recorded) that an organization issues to the news media and others who may be interested. You should write it in a newsy, straightforward way, making it easy for journalists to imagine it as an article on their news site.

Types of new releases: New Product Launches, Mergers and Acquisitions, Product Updates, Events, Grand Openings, New Partnerships, Rebranding, Executive Promotions/Hiring, Awards

Want to know more? Read the blog.

Learn more

A reliable format to follow looks like this:

Contact information at the top left corner of the document
“For Immediate Release” at the top right corner of the document
Headline – use action verbs to grab the reader’s attention while keeping it short and specific.
Sub-headline – make sure to grab the reporter’s attention here.
Dateline (city, country, date)
Introduction – this should be short, to-the-point and compelling.
Body – showcase your narrative using quotes and background information.
Final paragraph – the reporter should have all the information they need at this point, so it’s time to strengthen your story with a unique take on your announcement or relate it to a trending news story.
Quote
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Media Contact
Boiler Plate

Step 2:

How to secure interest with media?

The best way to land your release across media in African markets is to follow their preferred processes.

Make sure your news is relevant to the region
Share your news with an image
Add elements that make it shareable on social media
Don’t be too company specific
Translate your copy to suit your media

APO Group has released a Language Search Tool, which includes all 54 African countries. The Language Search Tool will show you which languages are spoken in the areas you are targeting for your press release, or other public relations activities in Africa.

Learn more about writing a press release.

Learn more

Step 3:

Know when to distribute?

Issue your release early in the week – AVOID FRIDAYS
Issue your press release first thing in the morning
Factor in the various time zones across Africa: there are six in total from Cape Verde to the Seychelles and you can check your timing by bookmarking this page – www.timeanddate.com.
If your release is not ready until the end of the day (or on a Friday), rather wait until the next morning (or Monday) to click send. People in the media are not likely to check mail at night or on Fridays, so your email has a higher chance of getting lost.