Timing is everything when it comes to press releases. Send it too early, and it might get lost in inboxes. Send it too late, and you risk missing your audience. So, when is the best time to send a press release for maximum visibility?
In this guide, we’ll break down the best days and times to distribute press releases, backed by data, and share tips to improve your PR success.
Why Timing Matters for Press Releases
Journalists, bloggers, and media professionals receive hundreds of press releases daily. If yours lands at the wrong time, it could get buried under a flood of other emails. Distributing your press release at the optimal time increases the chances of it being seen, opened, and covered by the media.
The goal is to reach journalists when they’re actively checking emails and planning content—before they move on to other priorities.
Best Days to Send a Press Release
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Are the Sweet Spot
Studies show that press releases perform best when sent in the middle of the week:
- Tuesday – Journalists are catching up from Monday and more likely to open emails.
- Wednesday – A high-engagement day, as inboxes are less crowded than Mondays and Fridays.
- Thursday – Still a strong day, but engagement starts to taper off before the weekend.
Avoid Mondays and Fridays
- Monday – Journalists are swamped with emails from the weekend, decreasing the chances of your release being noticed.
- Friday – Many media professionals start winding down for the weekend, making it less likely they’ll cover your news.
Best Time to Send a Press Release
Optimal Timing: Early Morning (8:00–9:00 AM ET)
Sending your press release between 8:00 and 9:00 AM Eastern Time increases the likelihood of it being seen at the start of the workday, especially by journalists in major media hubs like New York.
Other effective time slots include:
- 10:00–11:00 AM – Still a strong window before lunch.
- 1:00–2:00 PM – Post-lunch, when journalists check their inbox again.
Avoid Late Afternoon and Evenings
After 4:00 PM, media attention shifts toward deadlines and end-of-day tasks, reducing the chance of your press release being read.
How to Maximize Press Release Engagement
1. Write a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line determines whether your email gets opened or ignored. Keep it short, clear, and engaging. Example:
✅ “New Partnership: [Company A] Partners with [Company B] to XYZ”
🚫 “Exciting Announcement from Our Company!”
2. Personalize Your Outreach
Instead of blasting your press release to a generic list, personalize your pitch for key journalists who cover your industry. Mention why your news is relevant to their audience.
3. Optimize for SEO
If you’re publishing your press release online, use relevant keywords, include links to your website, and craft a compelling meta description. This helps it rank higher in search results.
4. Distribute to the Right Platforms
Consider using press release distribution services like:
- PR Newswire
- Business Wire
- Coinscribble (for crypto and Web3 brands)
These platforms help ensure your release reaches journalists, media outlets, and industry influencers.
Final Thoughts
To maximize visibility and media coverage, send your press release on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 8:00 and 9:00 AM ET. Avoid Mondays and Fridays, personalize your outreach, and optimize for SEO to boost engagement.
By timing your press release strategically, you increase the chances of journalists picking up your story—leading to more media coverage and brand exposure.
