The Comprehensive Guide to Press Release Costs in 2025

We’ve been talking a lot about press releases lately on Qwoted, and for good reason. A strong press release is still one of the fastest ways to get your story in front of the media. When it comes to cost, though, even seasoned professionals can feel unsure about what’s worth the spend and what isn’t. 

The truth is, press release costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. What you’ll pay depends on how far you want your release to go, how professional you want it to sound, and whether you’re handling it in-house or bringing in external support.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of what press releases really cost in 2025, what drives those costs up or down, and how to get the most out of your investment. 

How Much Does a Press Release Cost?

In 2025, the cost of a press release can vary a lot. You might spend $30 for a basic, self-serve listing, or more than $8,000 for a national or global push with every add-on available. 

The price really depends on what you’re announcing and how much help you want with writing and distribution. If you’re sharing a short, local announcement and handling the writing yourself, you can probably get it out the door for under $100. On the other hand, if you’re launching a new product across multiple markets with the help of an agency, a release could run in the thousands. 

Factors That Influence Press Release Costs

Not all press releases are created equal, and neither are their price tags. Creating a press release strategy, from writing to distribution, can be a bit like ordering a custom suit. The material, the fit, and the details all influence the price. With your press release, everything from how long it is to how fast you need it can affect your bottom line. 

Here are some of the main factors to consider when budgeting for your release: 

Word Count: Most distribution platforms have a base word count limit (usually around 400-600 words). If your release is longer, expect to pay extra. 

Multimedia: Adding images, videos, logos, or infographics can strengthen your release, but they often come with added fees.

Reach: National or global distribution costs more than targeting a specific region or industry. 

Turnaround Time: If you’re in a rush, expect to pay for expedited writing or distribution.

SEO Optimization: Services that optimize for search engines or provide analytics tend to be priced higher.

Writing Expertise: Hiring an experienced PR writer or agency can significantly increase costs, especially if you need help with your strategy and messaging. 

Familiarizing yourself with these variables can help you budget properly and get the most value for your next release. 

Press Release Distribution Costs & Pricing (2025)

We’ve mentioned distribution a few times, so let’s break down what that really means. Distribution is how your press release gets out into the world and who sees it. When it comes to these costs, the wider the reach, the higher your price tag will be. 

At the budget level (around $30 to $100), your release will be visible on search engines and niche outlets. This can help with SEO, but it’s not likely to catch the eye of a journalist at a major outlet. 

Mid-tier options (around $300 to $500) give you access to targeted lists by industry and location. These services often include placements on well-known news sites or trade publications, which can make a bigger impact. 

Premium wire services like Business Wire or GlobeNewswire can run well over $1,000, especially if you’re adding multimedia, increasing your word count, or going for global reach. These platforms connect directly with newsroom editors and reporters at major publications, giving you the best shot at wider coverage. 

To put it simply, distribution isn’t just about where your release ends up, it’s about who reads it. Choosing a price point that aligns with your business goals can help you reach the right audience. 

Press Release Writing Costs & Pricing (2025)

Writing your press release in-house is a great way to save money. Still, if you want your story to resonate with the media, bringing in a professional writer can make a big difference. 

So, what does writing cost?

Freelance Writers ($100-500 per release): These rates depend on the writer’s experience, the depth of research needed, and the number of revision rounds included.

PR Agencies ($500-$2,500): These teams bring added value with message development, media positioning, and strategic planning baked into the process.

Bundled Packages ($300-$1,000): Bundled strategy packages include writing and distribution. These are great options if you’re short on time or don’t have an in-house PR team.

Beyond the words themselves, when you hire a writer, you’re paying for industry expertise, turnaround time, and skilled storytelling that speaks to the media. 

Pro tip: Paying more doesn’t always guarantee better writing, but a writer who understands media framing, editorial tone, and what makes a story newsworthy can seriously improve the odds of your release getting picked up.

How Much Should I Pay for a Press Release?

Figuring out how much to budget for your press release can be tricky. Spend too little, and you risk your story getting buried. Spend too much without a clear plan; you might not see the return you’re hoping for. 

Here’s a quick rule-of-thumb based on the scope of your business:

Small Businesses and Startups: Expect to spend around $200-600 for writing and distribution. This usually covers basic reach and gets your story on the map without overextending your budget. 

Mid-size Brands: Budget $600-$2,000, especially if you aim for broader visibility. This range works well for partnerships, product updates, or market expansion. 

Enterprise-level Brands: You could spend $2,000 or more, particularly for high-impact campaigns like product launches and investor news. These releases typically include multimedia, extended word counts, and international reach. 

Are Press Releases Worth the Cost in 2025?

When done well, the answer is yes. The benefits of a powerful press release can build your credibility, improve your visibility, and lead to long-term results that go beyond a one-time media mention. Unlike paid ads or influencer campaigns that fizzle out over time, press releases have staying power, especially if they get picked up by news outlets or repurposed across your own channels. 

They’re also great for SEO. One release can earn backlinks from multiple domains, helping your site rank higher in search results.

Start Your Story on Qwoted

If writing or distributing a press release feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. 

At Qwoted, we want to give our community easier options to get their story in front of the media. That’s why instead of having you pay for a pricey wire service or lock into a subscription, we give you affordable options to distribute your releases across high-visibility platforms like Benzinga, AP, and Yahoo! Finance. Every press release distributed through Qwoted also gets sent out to our network of journalists and media professionals at no cost to you. 

As always, feel free to reach out to our team at support@qwoted.com if you need a hand. We’re happy to help you as you get your story in front of the audience it deserves.