The press release distribution checklist

Confirm the story and its approvals

• The headline describes a real, supported development.
• Names, titles, dates, figures, and locations have been verified.
• Quoted people have approved their quotations.
• Any partner references have the required approval.
• The final version has one identifiable owner.

Check every destination and asset

Open each link in the final document. Check the exact destination rather than only the domain, and confirm that a visitor can access it without an unexpected login. Look at the page on a phone as well as a desktop.

Make sure images are relevant, legible, and cleared for use. Supply a caption, credit, and useful text alternative. Confirm that a video link works and that the video communicates the intended information even when a viewer does not enable sound.

Review the audience and schedule

• The chosen geography matches the announcement.
• Industry targeting reflects the people most likely to care.
• The publication date and time zone are explicit.
• The spokesperson will be available after publication.
• Any coordinated website update is ready.

Do one final preview

Review the release as it will appear, including paragraph breaks, lists, special characters, and hyperlinks. Compare the preview with the approved source. Check that no internal comments, tracked changes, placeholder text, or draft contact details remain.

Plan the first hour after publication

Know who will check the published page, circulate the live link internally, and respond to questions. Save a copy of the approved release and its publication details. If an error appears, contact the provider promptly with the precise correction and an approved replacement. A prepared response is more useful than improvising after a problem is discovered.