Associated Press Press Release vs. Submitting a News Story Tip
The Associated Press (AP) isn’t just another name in the media industry. With roots tracing back to 1846, it stands as a hallmark of journalism, bringing news to billions worldwide. With a readership spanning the globe and a presence in over 100 countries, AP’s influence in the media sphere is undeniable. Most importantly, what sets the Associated Press apart isn’t just the volume of its audience but its diversity. From top-tier entrepreneurs to college students, from tech enthusiasts to history buffs, AP has a varied readership.
Press Release or News Story Tip: Which Path to Take?
Navigating the maze of media submission can be confusing. Therefore, understanding the difference between submitting a press release and a news story tip on AP is crucial.
- Press Release Submission: This is your golden ticket if you represent an organization or business and have a specific announcement to make. Whether it’s launching a new product, sharing financial results, or declaring a strategic partnership, a press release is your tool. When you submit a press release directly on Associated Press, it undergoes a review process. If approved, it finds its place on AP’s platform, reaching its vast audience. A key advantage here is that you control the narrative, crafting the story in a way that best represents your intent.
- News Story Tip: On the flip side, if you’ve got a hot piece of news or a story that you believe holds public interest, this is your route. Instead of a structured announcement like a press release, a news story tip is more about sharing information or a lead that the journalists at AP might find worth pursuing. Because of its nature, this submission is less formal but can be just as impactful if picked up by the AP team.
In conclusion, the choice between the two boils down to your objective. If you’re aiming for a structured announcement representing your brand or organization, the press release is your go-to. But, if it’s about sharing a tantalizing piece of news or a tip, then a news story submission is your best bet.
How to Contact Associated Press to Feature Your Story
When reaching out to a behemoth like the Associated Press, first impressions are pivotal. It’s essential to introduce yourself professionally, ensuring you come across as credible and worth their attention. Also, it’s imperative that you correctly choose the proper first point of contact.
Contact Information for Associated Press
Below is a partial list of journalists that work for Associated Press.
- Mike Householder: Journalist
- LinkedIn: Mike Householder
- Jake Bleiberg: Reporter
- LinkedIn: Jake Bleiberg
- Michael Casey: Administrative Correspondent (Bureau Chief)
- LinkedIn: Michael Casey
- Amanda Seitz: Fact Check Reporter
- LinkedIn: Amanda Seitz
- Philip Marcelo: Reporter
- LinkedIn: Philip Marcelo
- Ron Harris: Journalist/Producer
- LinkedIn: Ron Harris
Additionally, there are several ways to contact Associated Press directly.
If you want to directly submit your press release, reach out at [email protected]. Paste your press release into the body of an email. If your press release is specific to a department, include the name of the department in the email subject line (e.g., “Business Press Release: [Your Subject]”).
For press releases and general media inquiries, you can use the APNews Contact Page.
The Do’s and Don’ts When Contacting Associated Press
Do’s:
- Be Clear and Concise: Get to the point quickly. The Associated Press team goes through countless submissions, so ensure yours stands out by being clear.
- Attach Supporting Documents: If you’ve got any documentation or evidence to bolster your story, attach it. It builds credibility.
- Follow Up, But Not Too Often: If you haven’t received a response in a reasonable time, send a polite follow-up. But avoid pestering; give them a few days before reaching back out.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Caps Lock: Writing in ALL CAPS feels like shouting. It’s off-putting and unprofessional.
- Steer Clear of Jargon: Keep your language simple. If the AP team can’t understand your story at first glance, they might not take the time to unravel it.
- Don’t Get Discouraged: There’s a chance your story won’t get picked up. That’s the nature of the beast. But don’t let it dishearten you. Keep refining and resubmitting.
Most importantly, remember that AP and other media outlets like Reuters and BBC News, are in the business of sharing stories that matter. Make sure yours does, present it well, and you’ll increase your chances of getting featured.
How to Submit a Press Release & Publish Directly on Associated Press
Getting your news article on Associated Press doesn’t have to be a puzzle. Here’s a straightforward path to ensure your press release gets in front of the right eyes:
The Step-By-Step Submission Process
- Research and Write: Before anything else, make sure your press release is newsworthy, factual, and well-written. It should be timely, relevant, and hold value for a wide audience.
- Head to the Associated Press Website: Visit the official AP site and look for the “Submit News” or similar section.
- Fill in the Required Fields: Here, you’ll typically find a form requesting details like your name, organization, contact information, and the press release content. Some sections may ask for supplementary materials or links to support your news.
- Attach Your Press Release: Most platforms prefer a Word or PDF attachment. Ensure your document is professionally formatted and free of errors.
- Hit Submit: After a thorough review on your end, send it off. Because of the volume of submissions, don’t be disheartened if you don’t receive an immediate response. Patience is essential.
If you’re interested in looking at what your press release will look like once it’s published on Associated Press, check out some examples below:
– Alliant Energy Corporation declares quarterly common stock dividend
– Sigma Additive Solutions Announces Signing of Definitive Agreement for NextTrip Acquisition
A Little Nudge with AmpiFire
Want to streamline this process and amplify your chances? There’s a tool I’ve come across that can do just that. It’s called AmpiFire. This platform can assist in distributing your press release, ensuring it reaches the broadest audience. Besides AP, it also covers multiple other news outlets, magnifying your exposure. While AP is a gem, remember that the broader your distribution, the better the results. Therefore, using platforms like AmpiFire can be a strategic move in your PR endeavors. Learn more about AmpiFire on their site!
How to Get a Backlink from Associated Press
For those diving into the realm of online presence and search engine optimization (SEO), let’s keep things simple. A backlink is just a link from one website that points to another. Think of it as a reference or a thumbs-up from one site to another. Most importantly, in the world of SEO, these backlinks act like votes of confidence. The more you have from credible sources, the more search engines trust and rank your site.
Steps to Snagging That Coveted AP Backlink
Securing a backlink from a reputable platform like Associated Press is a golden ticket in the digital world. Here’s how you can increase your chances:
- Create High-Quality Content: First and foremost, your content should be top-notch. AP won’t link to anything that’s sub-par or doesn’t add value to their readers.
- Be Relevant: Ensure that your content or the page you want AP to link to is relevant to the story. If you’re sharing data, research, or a unique perspective, it should align with the AP article’s context.
- Reach Out Proactively: Once your content is ready and you’ve identified an AP story where your link would be a valuable addition, it’s time to reach out. Contact the author or editor and pitch your content. A well-crafted pitch can make all the difference. Explain succinctly why your content is a valuable resource and how it can benefit their readers.
- Build Relationships: This isn’t a one-time thing. Building genuine relationships with journalists and editors at AP can be beneficial in the long run. Engage with their content, offer insights, and be a consistent and reliable source of information.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Remember, securing a backlink isn’t guaranteed. However, being persistent, providing valuable content, and fostering relationships can significantly improve your chances over time.
Remember, a backlink from Associated Press is more than just a boost for SEO. It’s a badge of honor, an indication that your content is valuable, relevant, and trusted by one of the most respected news organizations in the world. So, aim high and keep at it!
Use AmpiFire to Publish to Associated Press
Navigating the world of press releases can often feel like a maze, but platforms like AmpiFire have paved a streamlined path to getting your news directly on top-tier platforms. Unfortunately, AmpiFire does not currently submit directly to Associated Press. AmpiFire is a cutting-edge platform designed to make content distribution easier, more effective, and widespread. AmpiFire also offers a premium service, which includes extra benefits for your content.
A Closer Look at AmpiFire’s Premium Service
For those who aim for nothing but the best, AmpiFire offers a premium service, a notch above their regular offerings. Here’s why it stands out:
- Prioritized Distribution: With the premium service, your content gets priority, ensuring faster and more effective distribution.
- Dedicated Support: Navigating press release nuances can be challenging. AmpiFire’s premium tier offers dedicated support to guide you through the process and maximize the chances of your news getting featured on platforms like AP.
- Advanced Analytics: Understand the impact of your press release with AmpiFire’s advanced analytics. Track how well your content is performing various platforms, and get insights to refine your future strategies.
- Extended Network: The premium service casts a wider net, including even more top-tier news platforms, increasing the chances of your content getting the visibility it deserves.
In conclusion, while Associated Press is a coveted platform for any press release, platforms like AmpiFire, especially its premium service, make the journey smoother. By ensuring quality, widespread distribution, and dedicated support, it significantly amplifies the odds of your story getting the spotlight on AP.
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Now that we’ve answered the burning questions about Associated Press and AmpiFire, it’s time to leverage these insights and take your press release strategy to the next level! Are you ready to make a global impact with your news? Or will you let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers?
Frequently Asked Questions
Associated Press stands out as a globally recognized platform with an audience of millions. Submitting a press release to Associated Press not only lends credibility to your story but also ensures wide reach. Compared to other platforms like Reuters, the AP has a diverse readership, giving your news article diverse exposure.
When introducing yourself to Associated Press, it’s vital to be succinct and specific about your story’s significance. Highlighting your story’s value, timeliness, and relevance to their audience ensures a memorable first impression.
Absolutely! It’s essential to approach Associated Press with professionalism. Do ensure you have a compelling and well-structured story. Don’t pester the editorial team with frequent follow-ups. Compared to platforms like BBC, Associated Press values succinctness and direct pitches.
Securing a backlink from Associated Press involves having newsworthy content that their editors find valuable. A backlink, essentially a link from one website to another, is prized for its SEO value. The more authoritative the site, like AP, the higher the quality of the backlink.
AmpiFire stands out as a leading platform for automated content distribution. With its extended network, including top-tier platforms, it ensures your content gets maximum visibility. Additionally, its premium service offers advanced features compared to other distribution platforms.
AmpiFire’s premium service prioritizes your content for faster distribution, offers dedicated support, provides advanced analytics, and accesses an even broader network. In comparison to regular offerings, this service is designed for those who want unparalleled distribution efficiency.
AmpiFire doesn’t submit press release on your behalf to Associated Press. No platform can guarantee a feature. It ultimately depends on the newsworthiness and relevance of your content.
Directly publishing on Associated Press means your content gets immediate exposure to their vast audience. Not only does this boost credibility, but it also enhances visibility compared to publishing on lesser-known platforms.
A backlink from a reputable platform like Associated Press significantly boosts your website’s authority and improves its search engine ranking. Compared to backlinks from lesser-known platforms, one from AP has a higher SEO value.
While Associated Press is prestigious, it’s beneficial to diversify press release platforms. Platforms like Reuters or BBC target different demographics, and spreading your content across various platforms ensures holistic coverage.
