Regarding press releases, timing is not only everything—it’s everything. Send it too soon, and it gets lost in inboxes. It’s past due, and you may miss your audience entirely. So, when is the optimal time to send a press release so that it will be noticed?
This guide provides data-backed advice on the best days and times to distribute your press release and actionable tips to boost your PR success.
Why Timing is Everything in PR
Reporters, bloggers, and media personnel receive press releases in their inboxes daily. If yours comes at the wrong moment, it may get drowned out in the noise. But you strategically send it when reporters actively monitor their inboxes and look ahead to create content. In that case, you significantly boost the odds of getting seen, opened, and written about.
The secret? Reaching them before they move on to other tasks.
Best Days to Issue a Press Release
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Are the Gold Days
Research indicates midweek is press-release sweet spot:
- Tuesday: Journalists are getting caught up on Monday and are more open to fresh pitches.
- Wednesday: Activity reaches a peak since inboxes are not as disorganized as on Mondays or Fridays.
- Thursday: It’s still a good day, but activity starts slowing down before the weekend. Avoid Mondays and Fridays.
- Monday: Journalists are bombarded with weekend backlog emails. Your press release might get lost in the shuffle.
- Friday: Most media professionals wrap things up early, so there’s less of a chance they’ll report on your news.
Best Time to Release a Press Release
Prime Window: 8:00–9:00 AM ET
Releasing your press release from 8:00 to 9:00 AM Eastern Time gives it the optimal opportunity to reach journalists’ inboxes at the start of their day. This is particularly good for large media centers such as New York.
Other good time frames:
- 10:00–11:00 AM: Still a good window before lunchtime.
- 1:00–2:00 PM: A lunchtime check-in time when journalists return to their inboxes.
Steer Clear of Late Afternoons and Evening
Past 4:00 PM, most reporters are concentrating on staying on deadline and closing the day, so your press release will likely be overlooked.
How to Optimize Press Release Engagement
1. Write a Cinch Subject Line
Your subject line is your initial (and sometimes exclusive) opportunity to make an impact. Keep it concise, simple, and interesting.
Do this:
“[Company A] Teams Up with [Company B] to Reinvent [Industry]”
Don’t do vague or too promotional lines such as:
“Great News from Our Company!”
2. Personalize Your Pitch
Don’t just send your press release to a blind list. Target journalists covering your niche, and describe why your news will interest their readers.
3. Optimize for SEO
If your press release is going online, include keywords, link back to your site, and write an effective meta description. This will increase its visibility in search.
4. Distribute to the Right Platforms
To get your release in the hands of the right individuals, look into utilizing best-in-class PR distribution outlets such as:
- PR Newswire
- Business Wire
- Coinscribble (for cryptocurrency and Web3 brands)
These sites will help distribute your press release to reporters, media outlets, and industry leaders.
Final Word
If you desire the most media coverage, send your press release at the right time. Send it on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 8:00 and 9:00 AM ET to get more visibility. Don’t send it on Mondays and Fridays. Personalize your strategy and SEO-optimize to get the most engagement.
A timely press release can be the difference between appearing in major media and being ignored. Plan carefully, and let your news make its mark.
