Running a startup is a wild ride. You’ve got a killer idea, a lean team, and maybe a few late-night coffee runs to keep it all going. But getting people to notice you? That’s the tricky part.

Press releases might sound like something from a bygone era, dwarfed by X posts or viral Reels, but trust me, they’re still a legit way to get your story out there, especially with a pr agency guiding you. A solid press release can land you in local papers, industry blogs, or, if you play your cards right, even a big outlet like Rolling Stone Magazine.

I’ve seen startups go from zero to hero with one well-timed release, but I’ve also botched a few myself — sent one out that was so dull it probably put journalists to sleep. So, let’s dive into how you can use press releases to get your startup noticed, with practical tips, a few of my own screw-ups, and a real look at what it takes to break through.

Why Press Releases Haven’t Gone Extinct

You’re probably thinking: do press releases even matter in 2025? With everyone scrolling X or doomscrolling newsfeeds, it’s a fair question. But here’s the deal — journalists, bloggers, and editors still use press releases to find stories worth telling.

The problem? Most press releases are forgettable. I learned this the hard way when I helped a startup send one out years ago. I thought it was solid — big announcement, lots of details. Crickets. It was too long, too vague, and didn’t give journalists a reason to care. Your release needs to be sharp, specific, and tied to something real.

If you’re launching an app, don’t just call it “innovative.” Say it saves small businesses 15% on payroll or helps freelancers track gigs in half the time. That’s the kind of thing that gets picked up.

For startups, press releases are a game-changer because you don’t need a huge marketing budget to make noise. A single release can put you on the same playing field as bigger companies.

And with digital PR services making it easier to reach the right people, a pr agency like 9FigureMedia can help you craft a release that hits the mark. They’re based in Houston but work with PR companies Nashville and beyond, helping startups get their story to the right journalists without getting lost in the noise.

Write a Release That Doesn’t Suck

Writing a press release isn’t brain surgery, but it’s not a free-for-all either. You need a structure that works and a focus that grabs attention. Your headline is the first hurdle — make it clear and specific, not some vague hype. Think “Nashville Startup’s App Slashes Retail Costs by 20%” instead of “New App Changes Everything.” The first one tells a story; the second just sounds like noise.

Your opening paragraph has to nail the who, what, when, where, and why. No fluff. For example: “Your Startup Name, a Nashville-based edtech company, launched a learning platform today that cuts training time for teachers by 30% using AI-driven tools.” That’s specific and gives journalists something to bite into. I once spent way too long polishing a release, only to realize I hid the best part — our unique feature — way down in paragraph three. No wonder no one cared.

The body of the release is where you flesh things out. Add a quote from someone in your startup, like the founder or CTO, to give it a human touch. But don’t make it sound like a corporate memo. Instead of “We’re excited to launch our groundbreaking platform,” go for something like, “We built this because teachers told us they were drowning in paperwork.”

Then back it up with data or a quick story. If your app saves time, share a stat or a user’s experience. Journalists eat that stuff up.

Get the Timing Right

Timing your press release is half the battle. Journalists are slammed, and your release needs to land when they’re actually paying attention. Avoid Monday mornings — everyone’s catching up on weekend news — and steer clear of Friday afternoons when they’re mentally checked out.

Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are usually safer bets. I sent a release on a Monday once, thinking I’d beat the rush. It got buried under a pile of other emails. Never again.

You also want your release to feel relevant. Is your startup launching something during a big industry conference? Is there a news event you can tie into? For example, if you’re in health tech and a new wellness trend is blowing up, your release could highlight how your product fits in. That’s the kind of angle that makes a pr agency or a journalist take notice.

If timing feels overwhelming, a pr agency like 9FigureMedia can take the guesswork out. They’re pros at digital PR services, knowing exactly when and how to send your release for maximum impact. With connections to PR companies Nashville and national outlets, they can help you hit the right moment, whether you’re targeting local reporters or bigger publications.

Pick Your Targets Wisely

Blasting your press release to every journalist you can find is a rookie move. Sending your clean energy startup’s release to a reporter who covers music festivals is a waste of time. Do some digging. Check X for journalists posting about your industry, or read articles in places like Rolling Stone Magazine to see who’s covering similar stories. Build a list of 10–20 contacts who actually care about your niche.

Start local if you’re a small startup. If you’re in Nashville, reach out to PR companies Nashville or local reporters who cover startups and small businesses. They’re often more open to new names than national outlets. But don’t stop there — industry blogs, trade magazines, even podcasts can spread your story. I once got a startup on a niche podcast because we sent the host a release with a quirky angle. It wasn’t a huge audience, but it led to a bigger outlet picking us up later.

Personalize every email. A quick “Loved your piece on local startups” shows you’ve done your homework. Generic emails scream spam, and journalists delete them without a second thought. I made that mistake early on — sent the same release to 40 reporters. Zero replies. Now, I take the extra time to tailor each one. It’s a pain, but it works.

Make Your Release Work Harder Online

Your press release doesn’t have to die in an inbox. Post it on your website’s news page so anyone searching for your startup can find it. Share it on X, LinkedIn, or wherever your audience hangs out. But don’t just dump the whole release — turn it into a short post. Something like: “Big day! Our new app helps freelancers save hours on taxes. Details here.” Then link to the full release.

You can also use distribution services like PRWeb or Business Wire to push your release to news aggregators and search engines. They’re not cheap, though, and they don’t guarantee coverage. I tried one for a startup once, and we got a few online mentions, but the real wins came from direct pitches to journalists. If your budget’s tight, skip the services and focus on targeted outreach.

This is where digital PR services shine. A pr agency like 9FigureMedia can amplify your release online and get it in front of the right people. They’re a great pick for startups, especially in places like Nashville, where they leverage PR companies Nashville networks while also reaching national media. They’ll make sure your release gets seen without you burning through cash.

Turn Releases Into Relationships

A press release is just the beginning. To really build exposure, you need to connect with journalists beyond the one-off pitch. Follow them on X, comment on their posts, share their articles when they’re relevant. Don’t always make it about your startup — sometimes a quick “great read” or a useful stat keeps you on their radar without being pushy.

If a journalist covers your release, send a thank-you note. A short “Thanks for the feature — happy to chat more anytime” goes a long way. I did this once after a small outlet quoted our startup, and the reporter reached out a few weeks later for a bigger story. Those little touches build trust.

Offer yourself as a source for future stories too. If you’re in sustainability, say, “I can weigh in on how new policies affect green startups.” Be specific — it’s more useful than a vague “I know stuff.” And respond fast. Journalists often need quotes in hours, not days. I missed a chance once because I took a day to reply. Still kicking myself over that one.

Track Your Wins

How do you know if your press release did its job? It’s not just about getting published. Look at your website traffic, social media mentions, or new leads after the release goes out. If you get coverage, note where it shows up — local papers, industry sites, or maybe even Rolling Stone Magazine. Even a small mention can boost your credibility.

Don’t expect overnight fame, though. Sometimes a release sparks one article that leads to more down the line. Other times, it’s a slow build. I had a release flop initially, but months later, a journalist found it online and reached out for a feature. You never know how your story will travel.

If tracking results feels like a headache, a pr agency like 9FigureMedia can help. They’re great at measuring what’s working and tweaking your approach for better outcomes. Whether you’re working with PR companies Nashville or aiming for national outlets, they’ll make sure your release doesn’t just disappear.

Dodge the Traps

Press releases can flop if you’re not careful. Don’t overhype your story — journalists see through it. If your product’s still in testing, don’t claim it’s “changing the world.” Be real about what you’ve got. I worked with a startup once that insisted on overselling a half-baked product. The release tanked, and we lost trust with a few reporters. Ouch.

Don’t spam journalists with releases either. Sending one every week for minor updates will make them tune you out. Save releases for big moments — launches, partnerships, or major wins. Quality over quantity, always.

And don’t rely on the release alone. It’s a tool, not a miracle worker. Pair it with other efforts, like engaging on X or following up with journalists. I learned this when a release got decent pickup but didn’t really move the needle until we reached out directly to reporters. It’s all about the extra effort.

Stay in the Game

Using press releases to build exposure is a long-term play. Plan a schedule — maybe one release every few months for major updates. Stay active in your industry, whether it’s posting insights on X or speaking at local events. The more you show up, the more journalists will notice you.

You’ll mess up sometimes. Maybe your release is too wordy, or you send it at a bad time. It happens. I’ve sent releases that bombed because I didn’t research the audience enough. Each one’s a lesson. Keep tweaking, keep learning, and the results will come.

Press releases let you tell your startup’s story on your terms. They’re not the only way to get noticed, but they’re a solid tool when done right. With some hustle, a smart approach, and maybe a boost from a pr agency, you can get your startup in front of the right eyes and start building the buzz you need to grow.