You wrote a press release.
You feel ready.
But one question stops you.
How do I submit this so local media actually sees it?
This is where most people fail.
Not because their news is bad.
But because the process is wrong.
Local media still wants local stories.
They just want them done right.
This guide explains how to submit a press release to local media so it gets read, trusted, and used.
No fluff.
No jargon.
Just clear steps that work in the USA.
If you are a small business owner, startup founder, marketer, or PR student, this guide is for you.
Why Local Media Still Matters for Businesses
Local media builds trust fast.
People believe it more than ads.
When your story appears in local news:
Your brand feels real
Your name spreads
Your online trust grows
That is why local press releases and media coverage still bring strong results.
What Local Media Really Looks For
Journalists ask three questions:
Is it local
Is it useful
Is it clear
If your press release answers these fast, it gets attention.
What a Press Release Should Do
A press release shares news.
It is not an ad.
It explains:
What happened
Who is involved
Where it happened
When it happened
Why it matters
A clear press release saves time for journalists.
Media Advisory vs Press Release: Know the Tool
Many people mix these up.
A press release tells a full story.
A media advisory invites media to attend an event.
Knowing media advisory vs press release helps you submit the right format.
Press Release vs Media Advisory: When to Submit Each
Submit a press release when:
You want coverage
You want articles written
You want online visibility
Submit a media advisory when:
You want reporters present
You want cameras at an event
This clears up press release vs media advisory quickly.
Media Alert vs Press Release Explained Simply
A media alert is very short.
It signals urgency.
Use it for:
Breaking news
Last-minute events
This is the key difference in media alert vs press release.
Media Pitch vs Press Release: Do Not Mix Them
A press release is public.
A pitch is personal.
A pitch goes to one journalist.
A press release goes to many.
This is the line between media pitch vs press release.
Step One: Research Local Media Outlets
Never submit blind.
Start with:
Local newspapers
City news sites
Community blogs
Local TV and radio sites
Read what they publish.
Make sure your story fits.
Step Two: Find the Right Contact
Avoid general inboxes if possible.
Look for:
Reporter names
Editorial contacts
Recent related stories
Submitting to the right person boosts success.
Step Three: Follow Submission Rules
Many press releases fail here.
Before you submit:
Read guidelines
Check word limits
Follow format rules
Ignoring rules often means instant rejection.
Step Four: Prepare Your Press Release Properly
Keep it clean and simple.
Best practices:
One page
Clear headline
Short paragraphs
Easy contact details
This helps local media scan fast.
How to Submit a Press Release to Local Media the Smart Way
Now you are ready.
You can submit in two main ways:
Online forms
Direct email
Always choose the method the outlet prefers.
This is the smart way to submit a press release to local media.
How to Send a Press Release to Local Media After Submission
Submission does not end the process.
After you submit:
Wait one or two days
Send one polite follow-up
Keep it short
This step supports how to send press release to local media without pressure.
How to Send a Press Release to Local Media Without Being Ignored
Many people send one message to everyone.
That does not work.
Always:
Personalize your email
Mention the local angle
Add clear contact info
This is how to send a press release to local media correctly.
Press Releases and Social Media: Do Not Skip This Step
Once local media has your release, share it online.
Social media helps by:
Showing activity
Building buzz
Driving clicks
That is why press releases and social media work best together.
What Is a Social Media Press Release
A social media press release is a short version of your news.
It includes:
One strong line
One clear benefit
A link to the full release
This makes social media press release sharing easy.
Press Release on Social Media: Best Practices
Do not paste the full text.
People scroll fast.
Instead:
Share one strong point
Add a clean image
Link to the full story
This is how a press release on social media performs well.
Writing a Press Release Social Media Post That Gets Clicks
A good post answers one question.
Why should I care?
Use:
Short words
Clear value
Direct action
A strong press release social media post invites clicks.
Social Media Press Releases for Small and Growing Brands
Social sharing helps:
Local businesses gain trust
Startups gain attention
Brands gain voice
When done right, social media press releases support growth at low cost.
Social Media Press Release Examples That Work
Strong examples share traits:
Local focus
Clear benefit
One link
Good social media press release examples feel helpful, not pushy.
Media Press Release and Long-Term Authority
A media press release speaks to journalists first.
But it also helps online.
It builds:
Credibility
Backlinks
Search trust
That makes every media press release a long-term asset.
Why a Press Release Media Kit Helps
Journalists want fast facts.
A media kit includes:
Company bio
Logos
Images
Contact details
A clean press release media kit saves time and improves coverage chances.
Simple Chart: Submitting Press Releases Successfully
Step | What to Do | Why It Helps
Research | Find local outlets | Better match
Contact | Pick right journalist | Higher response
Submit | Follow rules | Avoid rejection
Share | Post on social media | More reach
This keeps the process clear.
Learn More Through Our Collection Pages
To grow smarter and faster, explore these helpful resources:
Learn the correct sending process
https://alltipsmedia.com/how-to-send-a-press-release-to-local-media-alltipsmedia/
See how social media boosts press releases
https://alltipsmedia.com/press-releases-and-social-media-guide-alltipsmedia/
Understand alerts vs releases clearly
https://alltipsmedia.com/media-alert-vs-press-release-guide-alltipsmedia/
These collection pages help brands succeed with PR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do local media outlets still accept press releases?
Yes. Local stories are still valuable.
Should small businesses submit press releases?
Yes. Local news supports trust and reach.
How long should a press release be?
One page works best.
Is follow-up important?
Yes, but keep it polite and brief.
Should I share press releases online?
Yes. It boosts visibility and interest.
Final Thoughts
Submitting a press release is not luck.
It is process.
When you know how to submit a press release to local media the right way, results come faster.
You save time.
You gain trust.
Research first.
Submit carefully.
Share smartly.
If you want stronger visibility and real local coverage, explore our collection pages today and take the next step with confidence.
