Press releases have been around for over a century. But in 2025, with social media storms, influencer marketing, and AI-generated content everywhere — are they still relevant?
The answer is yes… but only if you know how to use them right.
Let’s break down how the press release has evolved, why it still matters, and how modern PR agencies are making it more powerful than ever.
From News Desks to Newsfeeds
Press releases were once written strictly for journalists — formal, fact-packed, and focused on getting a story picked up by a newspaper. Today, they serve a much wider purpose.
Now, a single press release can:
Appear on Google News and Yahoo Finance
Be repurposed into LinkedIn posts or Twitter threads
Support SEO strategies
Reach journalists, investors, influencers, and even customers directly
It’s not just about getting “picked up” — it’s about being visible everywhere your audience is.
Why Press Releases Still Matter
Credibility in a World Full of Noise
In an age of fake news and viral rumors, a well-written press release published on trusted platforms (like Bloomberg, AP, or Business Insider) adds instant legitimacy to your brand.SEO Boost
Press releases published on high-authority websites can drive strong backlinks, boost your Google ranking, and increase organic traffic. Google still values structured, keyword-rich content.Investor and Media Attention
For startups, especially in tech, AI, or Web3, press releases signal momentum. Investors, journalists, and analysts often look to press releases for updates on funding, partnerships, or growth.Controlling the Narrative
Unlike social media posts, press releases give you full control of your message — with context, tone, and clarity. Perfect for crisis management, major announcements, or launch events.
What’s Changed in 2025
While press releases still matter, they’ve changed a lot:
Tone matters more. Dry, robotic language doesn’t work anymore. Human-style, story-driven content wins.
Multimedia rules. Press releases now include images, infographics, videos, even gifs — anything that boosts engagement.
AI tools assist but don’t replace. AI can help write or summarize, but real strategy, emotion, and positioning still require a human touch.
Distribution networks matter. Your press release is only as strong as where it appears. Publishing on top-tier media (Yahoo, Digital Journal, MarketWatch) makes all the difference.
Common Mistakes in Modern Press Releases
Too promotional: If it sounds like an ad, it won’t get coverage.
No real news: “Fluff” announcements waste your media budget. Always include something worth reporting.
Bad formatting: Journalists and Google both like clean structure — headline, subheading, body, quotes, boilerplate.
Weak visuals: A release without a striking image or brand visual gets skipped.
The Press Release as a Multi-Tool
Smart PR agencies now treat press releases as the core of a campaign — not the end. A good release can be repurposed into:
A blog post
Social media threads
Email newsletters
Slide decks
Thought leadership pieces
It’s not just news — it’s content fuel.
Conclusion: Not Dead, Just Evolved
So, are press releases still relevant in 2025?
Yes — if you evolve with them.
They’re no longer just announcements. They’re strategic tools to boost SEO, build credibility, reach decision-makers, and drive organic PR. When paired with the right distribution and creative approach, they’re still one of the most powerful assets in your communication toolbox.