If you run a small business, you have probably asked a version of this question: “Should I write a press release, or should I just write a blog post?”
It is a fair question. Both are written announcements. Both can live on your website. Both can share news. And both can be ignored if they are boring, which is the great equalizer of marketing.
But press releases and blog posts are built for different jobs. A press release is designed for the media. A blog post is designed for your audience. When you pick the right tool for the right job, your message travels farther and works harder.
Let’s break down the difference, when each one makes sense, and how to use them together without turning your content calendar into a stress festival.
Contents
What A Press Release Is Really For
A press release is a structured news announcement written for journalists, editors, producers, bloggers, and other outlets that publish stories. Its job is to make your news easy to understand, easy to verify, and easy to turn into coverage.
Press releases are built around the classic news questions:
- Who is doing what?
- When did it happen?
- Where is it happening?
- Why does it matter?
- Who should be contacted for details?
The style is usually factual, concise, and structured. The tone is professional. The goal is clarity, not personality.
What A Press Release Is Not
A press release is not a sales page. It is not a personal essay. And it is not a guaranteed media feature. It is a tool that increases the chances your announcement reaches people who might publish it or reference it.
What A Blog Post Is Really For
A blog post is content written for your customers, prospects, and community. Its job is to educate, build trust, answer questions, and support marketing goals like SEO, email list growth, and customer retention.
Blog posts can be structured, but they do not have to follow strict news format. A blog post can include stories, opinions, examples, screenshots, step-by-step guidance, and a lot more personality.
Blog Posts Are Great For Depth
Press releases are quick and skimmable. Blog posts are where you can explain the “why” behind the announcement and give people a real reason to care.
The Key Differences, In Plain English
Here is the simplest comparison:
- Press release: a news announcement written for publishers
- Blog post: a helpful article written for your audience
And here are the practical differences that matter to small businesses.
Audience
- Press release: journalists, editors, media databases, outlets, and people scanning for news
- Blog post: customers, prospects, partners, and people searching Google for answers
Goal
- Press release: announce news, increase visibility, support coverage and mentions
- Blog post: build trust, educate, support SEO, and guide readers to a next step
Style
- Press release: structured, factual, concise
- Blog post: flexible, explanatory, more conversational
Longevity
- Press release: strongest at the moment of the announcement, can remain a credibility asset
- Blog post: can keep attracting traffic for months or years, especially if it targets search questions
When A Press Release Makes More Sense
Use a press release when you have real news, meaning something changed and it matters to people outside your business.
Best Press Release Scenarios
- Grand opening, new location, expansion, or relocation
- Product launch or major service addition with clear impact
- Partnership or collaboration that changes what you can offer
- Awards, certifications, rankings, or notable recognition
- Funding, grants, major contracts, or significant investments
- Community initiatives with measurable impact
- Major hiring announcements or leadership changes
If the announcement has a clear date and clear outcome, it is usually a good press release candidate.
Press Releases Shine When Credibility Is The Goal
Press releases help create a public record and increase the chance of third-party mentions. If you are trying to build credibility with customers, partners, or investors, a press release is often the right tool.
When A Blog Post Makes More Sense
Use a blog post when the goal is to educate, explain, or build long-term traffic and trust.
Best Blog Post Scenarios
- Answering customer questions and objections
- How-to guides and tutorials
- Behind-the-scenes stories and founder lessons
- Case studies and customer success stories
- Comparisons and buying guides
- Industry trend commentary
- SEO-focused content targeting specific queries
A blog post is also the better choice when you want to include details that would clutter a press release, like step-by-step instructions, screenshots, or extended personal commentary.
The Best Strategy: Use Both Together
For many small businesses, the best approach is not picking one forever. It is using both formats in a coordinated way.
How The Two-Piece Strategy Works
- Write the press release to announce the news in a clean, factual way.
- Publish a matching blog post that expands the story, adds context, and provides a clear next step.
The press release helps your news travel outward. The blog post helps your visitors convert when they arrive.
Example: Grand Opening
- Press release: date, location, event details, community impact, quote, contact info
- Blog post: the story behind the opening, photos, what customers can expect, parking info, FAQs, and a special offer
Example: New Service Launch
- Press release: what launched, who it helps, when it is available, proof points, quote, contact
- Blog post: detailed explanation of the problem, how the service works, pricing, examples, and a booking link
When you pair them, you get both credibility and conversion, which is a pretty nice combo.
Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make
Turning A Blog Post Into A Press Release
If your blog post reads like a formal news bulletin, it may feel stiff and unhelpful. Blog readers want clarity and personality. They want the “why,” not just the “what.”
Turning A Press Release Into An Ad
Press releases that sound like sales copy are less likely to be used by outlets. Press releases work better when they are factual and supported by proof points.
Publishing Without A Next Step
Whether you write a press release or a blog post, make the next step obvious. If someone is interested, where do they go? What do they do?
A Simple Decision Checklist
If you are deciding between a press release and a blog post, ask:
- Is this news that matters to people outside my existing audience?
- Do I want third-party mentions and credibility signals?
- Is there a clear date and clear outcome?
If yes, lean press release.
- Am I trying to educate, explain, or rank for a search question?
- Do I want to include stories, examples, or detailed guidance?
- Is the goal long-term traffic and trust?
If yes, lean blog post.
And if you have a meaningful announcement and you want it to do real work, use both. The press release is the announcement megaphone. The blog post is the helpful conversation that turns attention into action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Publish A Press Release On My Blog?
Yes. Many small businesses publish press releases on a News or Press page, and they can also post them as blog entries. Just remember that press releases are written for media, while blog posts are usually written for customers.
Do I Need A Press Release If I Already Wrote A Blog Post?
Not always. If your goal is media visibility and third-party mentions, a press release can help. If your goal is mainly customer education and SEO, the blog post may be enough.
Which Is Better For SEO, Press Releases Or Blog Posts?
Blog posts are usually better for long-term SEO because they can target specific search questions and provide depth. Press releases can support brand mentions and visibility, which can indirectly support SEO over time.
Should I Write A Press Release For Every Update?
No. Use press releases for meaningful, newsworthy announcements. Use blog posts for education, updates, and ongoing content marketing.
