How Do You Measure Press Release ROI?

The lifecycle of a press release doesn't end at distribution. In fact, it’s just the start.

Our short guide provides key tips to help you measure return on investment (ROI) and enhance impact, letting you effectively showcase value to the C-suite, clients and more!

Note: It’s important to remember before you begin measuring that newswire reporting is just a snapshot of the entire engagement generated by your news.

How Do You Measure Press Release ROI?

You can evaluate success across both media and social platforms in several ways.

Analyzing performance metrics is crucial as it helps you understand everything from how many people opened your release to earned coverage.

Here are eight ways to measure the ROI of your press releases.

1. Open Rates

This metric is effective as it shows deliberate reader actions, providing high-quality, user-driven data. Only those truly interested in the news open press releases. These views are premium content interactions. While the number might seem low, these engaged readers are likely to visit your site, act on your news or share it on social media.

2. Reach and Coverage

Did your press release inspire coverage? Check if journalists highlighted your key points, used your images, linked to your website and reached your target audience. Track how many publications picked it up, the potential audience and the media coverage generated.

3. Social Media Mentions

Another key metric is social mentions and shares, which show how your press release is performing. When people share your news, it reflects their support. Track likes, shares, comments and hashtags on social media platforms to measure reactions and discussions.

How to Improve Your Media Outreach

Get the top tips and best practices to help you secure coverage.

Download Now →

4. Link Clicks and Landing Page Views

When readers open your press release, provide a clear next step. Use relevant links to direct them to your website and conversion-focused landing pages with strong calls-to-action, beyond just social shares.

5. Extend Beyond the Landing Page with UTMs

If you add hyperlinks to direct readers to your site, use UTM links to track their journey. UTMs are easy to create and add to your press release links, allowing you to monitor click-through rates and website engagement. This helps you see if your landing pages are converting visitors.

6. Analyze Website Traffic

After your release is distributed, monitor the increase in website traffic, especially on release day and the following days. Some readers click links, while others search for your company. Tracking total visits, unique visitors, time spent on the site to assess engagement levels.

7. Growth in Subscribers and Followers

Track the impact of your press release by including links to your subscription pages or mailing lists. If you have an effective mailing list, make sure to add that link to your release.

8. Measure Multiple Times

Don't just measure your press release once! Regularly reviewing and comparing results helps you refine your press release strategy and spot areas for improvement.

Pro Tip: You can easily track the impact and ROI of your press releases using GlobeNewswire by Notified’s Newswire Analytics.

We hope these best practices help you improve press release ROI!

While these tips will elevate your storytelling, your choice of press release distribution service also plays a crucial role in determining success.

Learn more about GlobeNewswire today.