How Local Chicago Businesses Are Making Headlines with Press Releases
Chicago's Press Release Revolution
When I first started covering Chicago's business scene, press releases were pretty straightforward – write something formal, send it through a wire service, and hope for the best. But walk through Chicago's vibrant business districts today, from the innovative startups in Fulton Market to the powerhouse firms in the Loop, and you'll see something completely different happening.
Gone are the days of dry, cookie-cutter announcements. Chicago businesses are turning press releases into powerful storytelling tools, and they're getting creative about how they spread the word. Take it from Sarah Chen, a local marketing director I spoke with last week: "We used to just blast out press releases and pray someone would pick them up. Now, it's like having a conversation with our audience."
That shift in thinking is exactly what caught my attention when I heard about Pressez, a Chicago-based company that's shaking things up in the press release world. Instead of sticking to the old playbook, they're helping local businesses craft stories that actually grab people's attention – and more importantly, hold it.
The Chicago Difference
Let's be real – Chicago's media landscape is unique. Between the Tribune, Sun-Times, and our army of neighborhood news outlets, there's no shortage of places to get your story out. But here's the catch: each one has its own personality, its own audience, and its own way of doing things. What works for a business story in the Tribune might fall flat in a West Loop community paper.
I've seen countless businesses learn this the hard way. They'd write one generic press release and blast it everywhere, wondering why nothing stuck. But the ones who succeed? They understand that a press release about a new restaurant opening in Logan Square needs a different flavor than an announcement about a tech startup's latest funding round in River North.
What's Actually Working Now
Through conversations with local journalists and business owners, I've noticed some clear patterns in what makes a Chicago press release work in 2024:
Local angles matter more than ever. Chicago loves its neighborhoods, and tying your news to local impact makes a huge difference.
Real voices win. Instead of corporate-speak, successful releases include authentic quotes that sound like actual humans talking.
Visual storytelling isn't optional anymore. Whether it's photos of your team, product shots, or even quick videos, media outlets want more than just text.
Digital-first thinking is key. Your press release needs to work as hard on social media as it does in traditional news outlets.
The Tech Factor
Here's where things get interesting. While the basics of good storytelling haven't changed, the tools we use sure have. Chicago businesses are using smart distribution platforms such as Pressez that can tell them exactly who's reading their releases and what happens next. It's not just about getting your news out anymore – it's about understanding what happens after you hit "send."
Looking Forward
Walking around Chicago's business districts these days, you can feel the energy of a city that's constantly reinventing itself. The same goes for how our businesses tell their stories. The most successful companies here aren't just announcing news – they're starting conversations.
For any Chicago business looking to make headlines, the game has changed. It's not enough to just write a release and hope for the best. The winners are the ones who understand their audience, tell authentic stories, and use every tool at their disposal to spread the word. And with local players like Pressez leading the charge, Chicago's businesses have never been better equipped to share their stories with the world.
Remember, in a city that's always moving forward, standing still isn't an option. Your press release strategy shouldn't be stuck in the past either.
If you’re looking to get your Chicago Business’s news distributed, contact Pressez here.
Contact info:
Pressez
Phone: (414) 810-6824
400 E South Water St
Chicago, IL 60601
contact@pressez.com