UBCNews - Business - Writing A Grand Opening Press Release: Small Business PR That Actually Works

Episode Date: February 26, 2026

Welcome back to the show! Today we're talking about something that can really make or break a small business launch—grand opening press releases. You know, a lot of business owners think, 'Why bother? Who even reads press releases anymore?' But, uh, we're gonna challenge that assumption today. PressCable City: London Address: 15 Harwood Road Website: https://presscable.com

Welcome back to the show. Today we're talking about something that can really make or break a small business launch, grand opening press releases. You know, a lot of business owners think, why bother? Who even reads press releases anymore? But we're going to challenge that assumption today. Absolutely. And I'm excited to dig into this because grand opening press releases are actually one of the most cost-effective tools a small business can use. They help spread the word to local media, potential customers, and the community without requiring a massive advertising budget. Right, exactly. So let's start with the basics. Why should a small business owner invest time in writing a grand opening press release in the first place? Well, first off, the core issue is visibility. A well-crafted press release can transform your business launch into a newsworthy event. Journalists, bloggers, and even influencers are actively seeking fresh, interesting stories. If your press release is engaging enough, it might get shared across multiple media outlets,

significantly expanding your reach. That makes sense, and I imagine credibility plays. a big role too, right? Like, getting picked up by a legitimate news outlet gives you that stamp of approval. Exactly. Publishing in reputable media outlets establishes trust and authority. It acts as social proof for your brand. Plus, online press releases can contribute to SEO by increasing brand visibility and driving referral traffic. And while their direct impact on backlinks for SEO has evolved, they can still be valuable for your overall online presence, especially with proper keyword placement.

So we've established that press releases offer visibility, credibility, and even help with search rankings. But how do you actually write one that works? What are the critical elements? Great question. A solid press release needs to inform the public and shape the narrative around your new business. You want to include a catchy headlong. details about your store, like the name, location, and opening date,

plus information about the products or services you're offering. And definitely include a quote from the owner or CEO to add that personal touch. Mm-hmm, interesting. And what about making it easy for reporters? I've heard that's a big part of getting coverage. Oh, definitely. A well-structured press release simplifies the work for reporters, making them way more likely to cover your story. Think of this, if you answer all the basic questions up front, who, what, when, where, and why,

they can publish your announcement with minimal edits. 68% of journalists actually find press releases the most useful source for content or ideas. Wow, that's a compelling stat. So you're really doing their job for them in a way? Exactly. And imagine a scenario where a grand opening press release for a spa could lead to coverage in local newspapers, lifestyle blogs, and influencer channels resulting in a fully booked schedule for three months. That's the kind of impact we're talking about. Three months. That would be incredible. So there's real potential for measurable impact here. Have you personally seen examples of this working well? Oh, yeah. I remember working with a small bookstore owner a few years back.

She was terrified of writing a press release, thought nobody would care. We helped her craft one highlighting her focus on local authors. And within a week, she had three radio interviews lined up. Her opening day had a line around the block. I love that story. Shows what proper outreach can do. Now, consider how a well-placed press release for an arcade could garner significant media attention, leading to features in tech blogs and local news with a packed

opening event as the result. Right. And here's a funny thing. Some business owners spend more time choosing the font for their storefront sign than they do on their press release. But guess which one reaches more people before opening day? Huh. Good point.

That point on shaping your narrative sets up our next piece. How to actually measure the success of your press release. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're a small business owner looking to strengthen your public visibility, consider checking out the resources available through press cable. They provide customized press release guides, templates, and examples suited to key industries and announcement types, helping you craft professional outreach that can drive measurable results.

Whether you're planning a grand opening or another major announcement, their tools can help you get it right. Learn more at the link in the description. All right, picking up on shaping your narrative, how do you track whether your message actually reach the right people and resonated? Good question. Start by tracking media coverage.

Did local newspapers, blogs, or news outlets pick up your story? Then look at website traffic. Are you seeing an uptick in visits after the release goes out? You can also monitor social media engagement and any backlinks generated from the press release. So getting published is only part of the equation.

What happens after matters too? Right. And here's something interesting. Media coverage from press releases can be highly effective in driving traffic and building credibility for a grand opening, often complementing or even outperforming other marketing channels depending on the strategy and execution. In other words, a well-executed press release, can actually outshine your paid advertising in terms of real customer engagement. That's a powerful point. So to everyone listening, if you're planning a grand opening, how early should you be thinking about this?

Ideally, you want to send your press release about one to two weeks before your grand opening to allow time for media planning. And don't just send it out and forget it. Use your own channels too. Post it on your website, share key points on social media, Um, included in your email newsletter. Mm-hmm. Makes sense. So you're taking a multi-channel approach.

Exactly. Press releases are multifaceted marketing tools. You can repurpose the content for LinkedIn, Facebook, wherever your audience hangs out. It maximizes traction. And what about the writing itself? Any tips to make it stand out? Sure.

Keep it concise. Aim for 300 to 500 words. Write in third person, like a news article, not an ad. Make your quotes sound real, not corporate jargon. And include high-quality visuals, a logo, photos of your location, or products. Journalists and readers love visuals. Those are solid tips. Have you ever wondered what separates a press release that gets ignored from one that gets picked up everywhere?

Honestly, it often comes down to having a newsworthy angle. 32% of press releases are related to product or service launches, making grand openings a strong fit for this common and often engaging type of announcement. But you need to highlight your unique selling points and your impact on the community. That's what makes it compelling. Right. And I think the key takeaway here is that grand opening press releases help position your business as serious and ready to make an impact. They create buzz, build anticipation,

and can provide valuable free publicity for your new venture. Absolutely. They're efficient, low-cost marketing strategies that can reach a vast audience and attract more customers without expensive ads. Plus, in the AI era, press releases are gaining renewed importance for their ability to influence what AI says about your business,

ensuring accurate and widely cited brand information. That's a forward thinking point, and many small business owners find that hiring a P. professional to craft their press release can be a key factor in their grand opening success, particularly due to the increased traffic generated from news outlets. Definitely. And remember, doing the work up front to make reporters jobs easier means letting that coverage do the heavy lifting for you.

Perfect. Thanks so much for breaking this down with us today. And to our listeners, if you want to go deeper into crafting your own grand opening press release, there are great resources out there to help you get started. Until next time.