For press release writers, success is all about creating desire. The sole aim is to create a buzz around your brand in the media and, by extension, buyers.

At Well Versed, we’re all about empowering business––small or large. So, we wanted to explain how to create an affordable press release campaigns that will get your business noticed by the media faster.

How much will a press release writer in Melbourne cost you?

You’ve opened a big, fat, wriggly can of worms asking this question, because press release costs can vary, largely because there’s a lot of potential elements to take into account.

These days, social media is one of those important elements. Press release writers depend on media platforms to target your audiences, and successfully project your key messages to new and existing customers.

Media outlets once had the power to decide which ideas the public would hear. Today, audiences hold the power. Consumers now know what they want and how to find it.

Choosing a press release writer who’s skilled at adapting your message to social media guarantees more potential customers engaging with your content and more visibility for your business.

Clear and crisp writing that holds its intended audience’s attention makes for a great press release. Contrary to most thinking, in some cases a short, to-the-point release can be less effective than a more detailed one—it all depends on your message and your audience’s attention span for it.

A well-executed press release is direct and tailored to a specific audience. It communicates its information in a very small amount of space, and in a way that captures the attention of journos and influencers.

Here’s the nitty-gritty breakdown:

• • • Bargain basement. If you choose a press release writer who’s priced at the lowest end ($5 on Fiverr, for instance), don’t expect your release to include the depth and detail you’ll see in professional (read: more expensive) press releases.

You could be lucky and find an amazing writer who is down on their luck and willing to sell their soul for (almost) the price of a loaf of bread. Or you could get what you pay for. At this rate, it’s anyone’s guess.

Our advice? Lord knows it’s nice to get a bargain, but if you’re serious about getting real media attention, save Fiverr for less critical investments.

• • • Emerging writer. If you want to spend $50-100 on your press release, look for a press release writer in the early stages of their career. You might just find a diamond in the rough.

Expect to provide them with a clear topic and media/audience hook to work with, though. And be prepared to compile a media list and do your own distribution—for this price, you’ll just get words on a page.

• • • Professional experience. For around $150-250, you can hire an experienced media release writer who’ll deliver a detailed end product without needing any prompts.

Expect them to guide you on what should be included in your release, including determining the right hook to get it in front of more eyes. Again, at this level of investment, you’ll be responsible for distribution to all media and social media channels. 

• • • The full shebang. Pricing anywhere between $500-3000 means your press release writer has extensive experience and will also distribute your release to their established database.

You should expect intimate knowledge of your industry sector and the media that covers it as well as insights into what your audience will find appealing.  

Most Australian PR agencies will charge $3000 upwards. At these rates, you’ll want a highly experienced, professional press release writer who understands your intended audience perfectly and demonstrates sharp and precise messaging that attracts attention.

This top-end price will also likely include expert distribution to a media database customised to your business and full news monitoring (so you’ll know when and where your editorial mentions will appear: think measurable ROI).

You’ll also get a dedicated PR manager with strong media and influencer connections who can leverage those relationships to give your media release a more than fighting chance of getting attention without you promising to pay for advertising.

And that’s no small bickies in a beleaguered news/publishing industry where media outlets have to rely on ad spend to survive. When some media organisations can ask $20k ad spend in return for editorial inches, professional PR costs start to look down-right reasonable.