Press releases are an important part of your earned media strategy. They reach journalists, bloggers and editors who can then share the news with their audiences.
Like news stories, press releases should be written in plain language without industry jargon and be concise. They generally answer the five Ws — who, what, when, where and why — as well as provide statistics or background.
Content Marketing:
88% of B2B companies are utilizing Content Marketing to connect more purchasers through spreading mindfulness and driving a dynamic cycle. Businesses are now actively using tools like web push notifications to share a range of content, including case studies, how-to guides, reviews, and surveys. For example, sharing a notification about a press release related to a new milestone or product launch can significantly increase credibility and engagement. Knowing how to cite a press release correctly ensures that you.
APA
When citing a press release in APA style, include the organization name, title of the press release (in quotation marks), the date published, and the website name. Also include the URL if it is available.
If the individual who created or wrote the content is not listed on the press release, cite the contributor’s name. This may include editors, translators, illustrators, or narrators. For more information, consult the APA style guide.
If the article is a journal, magazine, or other periodical, include the volume and issue number following the article title. This is not necessary if the information is easily accessible online. Avoid including corporate designations like “Ltd,” “Inc.” or “GmbH” with the publisher name. These can be found with the volume and issue number or by searching for them online.
MLA
The Modern Language Association, or MLA, has its own style guide that’s popular in the humanities. Like APA, MLA press release citations include the author or organization’s name, the title of the press release (in italics), the date of publication, and the URL.
Note that the “author” for a press release is typically the organization that issued it, such as a government agency or company. In the case of a large corporation, you may need to list a division or unit within the company as the author. For a government agency, you should include the overall department name and then the specific division or agency.
It’s important to cite properly to give credit where it’s due and to avoid plagiarism. Citing is also a great way to support your own research with evidence. Use a reliable plagiarism checker to ensure that you’re citing correctly. Start a free trial of TypeCite Boost today! 3 days free, then just $4.99 per month.
Chicago
Whether you’re writing for a business, journalism class, or your own blog, accurately citing press releases in your work is essential. Not only does it ensure your readers can find the original source, but it also shows that you’ve taken the time to check your work for proper citation style.
APA and MLA are the most common citation styles used by students and professionals, but many other disciplines have their own guidelines. You’ll need to research what’s required for your field before you start writing. For example, AMA cites for medical fields, and IEEE is commonly used in the technology industry.
MLA citations for press releases look different from APA, but they follow the same basic structure. You’ll begin with the author or organization that issued the release, followed by the title of the release in quotation marks. Next, include the date. If the release is available online, add the URL and a description like “[Press release]” in square brackets.
Other Citation Styles
Many academics, business professionals, and students use press releases for research or reference purposes. Citing them correctly is essential to preserving the integrity of your writing and demonstrating that you’ve taken steps to validate your sources.
When citing a press release in APA style, the author (if available) is listed as the first element in the citation. The publication date, the title of the press release in italics, and the retrieval information are included. For online sources, include the organization’s name, publication date, and direct URL.
Even with careful preparation, a mistake in a citation can occur. When this occurs, correct the citation as quickly as possible to maintain the accuracy and credibility of your work. Also, communicate the correction to any relevant parties to prevent confusion. In addition, consider partnering with a professional press release distribution service to elevate your business communications. eReleases can help you write and distribute high-quality press releases that deliver the message that your audience wants to hear.
