What is the best time for sending press releases?

The best time to send a press release to a daily newspaper depends on various factors, such as the publication, location, and specific journalist. However, some general guidelines can be applied to maximize the chances of success:Day of the week: It is generally recommended to send press releases on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as these days tend to have the highest open rates

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. Monday is considered one of the worst days to send a press release, as journalists are often overwhelmed with incoming emails at the beginning of the week

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Time of day: The best time to send a press release is between 10 am and 2 pm, as studies have shown that email open rates start to decline after lunchtime

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. Sending a press release in the morning, between 8 am and 10 am local time, is also standard practice, as journalists tend to expect to receive press releases at this time

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. If you absolutely must send a press release in the afternoon, it is best to do so between 2 pm and 3 pm

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Consider lead time: Keep in mind that there might be a lead time for the journalist to decide on a story, pitch it to an editor, research, write, edit, and publish it. Therefore, it's essential to send your press release with enough lead time to account for this process

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Research the journalist and publication: It's crucial to research the publications you're submitting to, their locations, and the journalists you're pitching to ensure you send out the press release when they're most likely to read it

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Remember that these guidelines are general, and it's essential to consider the specific circumstances and preferences of the journalist and publication you're targeting. Monitoring a target contact's online activities, such as their social media presence, can provide clues about when they're most reachable

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