Submitting a press release in Nigeria can be straightforward, but common mistakes often derail distribution and coverage. This post addresses those pitfalls—ranging from unoptimized content to misaligned targeting—and provides actionable solutions to avoid them when using Pressdia this year. You’ll learn best practices for crafting the release, selecting the right outlets, preparing assets, and following up effectively. We also highlight Nigerian-specific advice, collaborations with Talented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa and Crest Africa, and how to navigate Pressdia’s submission process seamlessly. By understanding and avoiding these errors, you ensure your next submission secures better coverage and maximizes ROI.
Why Avoiding Submission Pitfalls Is Crucial
Mistakes during submission lead to delays, reduced coverage, or even rejection by editors. Brands may assume that distribution alone guarantees pickup, but errors in content quality, targeting, or timing can nullify efforts. Recognizing common pitfalls upfront allows you to address them proactively, ensuring smoother workflow with Pressdia and improved media interest. This clarity reduces frustration, saves resources, and enhances the credibility of your announcements.
Pitfall 1: Unclear or Weak Headlines
- Problem: Generic or vague headlines fail to capture editor attention.
- Solution: Craft concise, compelling headlines with a clear news angle and Nigerian context. Include relevant keywords for search visibility (e.g., “Nigeria” or sector terms). For example: “Lagos Startup Introduces Affordable Solar Solutions for Urban Households.” Test variations by asking colleagues if the headline clearly conveys news and local relevance.
- Pressdia Tip: Ensure the headline in your submission matches what Pressdia displays to media contacts, as this is often the first thing editors see.
Pitfall 2: Poorly Structured Release Content
- Problem: Dense paragraphs, lack of subheadings, or missing quotes make releases hard to scan.
- Solution: Use a clear structure: headline, subheadline, concise lead (answering “what” and “why it matters in Nigeria”), body with descriptive subheadings, bullet lists for key points, insightful quotes offering perspective (not fluff), boilerplate with hyperlinks, and clear contact info. Keep paragraphs short (2–3 sentences).
- Pressdia Tip: Prepare the release in plain-text format to avoid formatting issues during submission.
Pitfall 3: Insufficient Nigerian Context
- Problem: Releases without local relevance feel generic and less newsworthy to Nigerian editors.
- Solution: Emphasize how the announcement impacts Nigerian audiences: reference local data, mention Lagos/Abuja specifics, or tie into Nigerian trends. Research recent topics covered by target outlets to align your angle.
- Pressdia Tip: When selecting distribution bundles, choose those emphasizing Nigerian outlets and specify your angle so Pressdia’s lists match your context.
Pitfall 4: Inadequate Multimedia Assets
- Problem: Releases lacking images, infographics, or video links miss opportunities for engagement.
- Solution: Prepare high-resolution images or infographics illustrating key points (e.g., charts of market impact). Host videos on accessible platforms and provide links. Include captions and usage rights.
- Pressdia Tip: Upload multimedia assets during submission; confirm formats meet Pressdia requirements so assets display correctly to media contacts.
Pitfall 5: Misaligned Targeting
- Problem: Sending releases to irrelevant outlets wastes effort and reduces pickup.
- Solution: Build a targeted list: for tech news, focus on Techpoint and TechCabal; for business announcements, target Vanguard or The Guardian Nigeria; for lifestyle stories, pitch Pulse.ng or Linda Ikeji. Use Pressdia bundle descriptions to choose appropriate packages.
- Pressdia Tip: If unsure, consult Pressdia support or review past distributions to see which outlets responded well to similar stories.
Pitfall 6: Ignoring Submission Guidelines
- Problem: Overlooking guidelines (word count, format preferences) can cause rejection or poor reception.
- Solution: Research each target outlet’s or Pressdia’s guidelines: confirm recommended word limits, formatting style, and preferred contact details. Tailor your release accordingly.
- Pressdia Tip: Follow Pressdia’s submission checklist (plain-text formatting, hyperlink inclusion, asset specs) to ensure smooth processing.
Pitfall 7: Poor Timing and Coordination
- Problem: Submitting during busy news cycles or without aligning to broader PR activities can reduce impact.
- Solution: Plan submissions around less cluttered periods or coordinate with events (product launches, industry events). Integrate release timing into your broader PR or marketing calendar.
- Pressdia Tip: Use expedited distribution options for time-sensitive or crisis announcements to ensure timely delivery.
Pitfall 8: Skipping Personalized Follow-Up
- Problem: Relying solely on automated distribution without following up with priority editors misses relationship-building and coverage opportunities.
- Solution: After Pressdia distribution, identify key outlets that received the release and send brief, personalized follow-up emails offering interviews or additional insights. Reference their previous coverage to show relevance.
- Pressdia Tip: Track which outlets were included in your distribution list and prioritize follow-up accordingly.
Pitfall 9: Failing to Monitor and React
- Problem: Not tracking coverage means missing feedback and learning opportunities.
- Solution: Set up Google Alerts or use mention-tracking tools focused on Nigerian outlets. Review pickups promptly and engage with coverage (thank editors, share on social). Analyze performance to inform future submissions.
- Pressdia Tip: Combine Pressdia’s distribution report with your monitoring tools for a comprehensive view.
Avoiding These Pitfalls: A Checklist Before Submission
- Headline & Structure: Clear, concise, Nigerian-focused headline; well-structured body with subheadings and quotes.
- Context & Relevance: Emphasize Nigerian impact; research target outlets.
- Multimedia: Prepare images/infographics/video links with captions and usage rights.
- Targeting & Package Selection: Choose appropriate Pressdia bundle based on sector and scope.
- Guideline Adherence: Follow Pressdia and outlet-specific guidelines for format and length.
- Timing Coordination: Align submission with PR calendar; use expedited options if needed.
- Follow-Up Plan: Identify key editors and draft personalized outreach messages post-distribution.
- Monitoring Setup: Establish alerts and tracking dashboard before release goes live.
- Collaboration Prep: Arrange partnerships with Talented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa and Crest Africa if relevant, and note these in your release to add credibility.
Completing this checklist addresses the common pitfalls systematically, ensuring your submission via Pressdia proceeds smoothly and yields better coverage.
Ready to Submit Your Press Release with Confidence?
Avoiding submission pitfalls ensures your press release in Nigeria achieves its full potential. By crafting clear, Nigerian-focused content; including credibility signals; preparing multimedia; targeting the right outlets; following guidelines; coordinating timing; planning personalized follow-up; and monitoring results—while collaborating withTalented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa and Crest Africa—you set the stage for successful distribution via Pressdia’s order page. Follow the checklist above to avoid errors and maximize pickup rates. Ready to submit with confidence? Visit Pressdia’s order page. For strategic advice on preparing or amplifying your release, contact us today.
