As a startup, you’re watching every rupee, testing product-market fit, and trying to build traction quickly. So do press release services make sense at this stage?
In 2025, media attention is more competitive than ever, but when used strategically, press releases can help startups punch above their weight.
This guide breaks down:
- What press releases can do for early-stage startups
- When it’s worth the investment — and when it’s not
- Affordable PR options for lean teams
- A cost-benefit breakdown customized for startups
- Tips to combine PR with growth & SEO goals
Let’s help you decide — and get ROI from your very first announcement.
Why Startups Use Press Releases
| Startup Goal | How Press Releases Can Help |
| Brand awareness | Activate visibility in top media & Google News |
| Credibility | Adds trust for VCs, partners, and customers |
| SEO/visibility | Creates long-term backlinks and organic discovery |
| Network leverage | Investors and collaborators amplify news via shares |
| Lead generation | Targeted announcements drive users to landing pages |
| NGO/bootstrapped value | Even regional PR can create impact affordably |
“Startups with strategic PR see 60% higher trust in early sales conversations.” — Startup India Survey, Q2 2025
When Should a Startup Use Press Release Services?
| Use Case | Ideal Timing |
| Pre-launch or beta access | 2–3 weeks before app/product launch |
| Fundraising round (seed or above) | Within 24–48 hrs of founder/investor announcement |
| Major hiring/leadership update | When C-level talent or co-founders join |
| Strategic partnership/collab | For market-entry alliances or region-specific JV |
| Awards/incubator wins | Useful for social proof, especially pre-seed |
| Product milestone | Crossing 10k downloads, 1 million MAUs, or ARR |
If you have nothing new to announce, wait until you reach a key validation moment — PR values substance.
Cost-Benefit Breakdown for Startups (2025)
| Service Type | Avg. Cost (INR) | Startup-Friendly | Benefits |
| DIY Submission Platforms | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | Yes | Budget solution; wider exposure with limited targeting |
| Regional Press (via ReleaseMyAd) | ₹6,000 – ₹15,000 | Yes | Ideal for Indian startups with local reach |
| SEO-Optimized PR (BrandPush, Newswire) | ₹12,000 – ₹28,000 | Yes (growth stage) | Indexed on Google News + creates long-term backlink value |
| Full-Service PR Distribution | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000+ | No (early-stage) | Better for funded Series B/C & corporate launches |
Best Tip: Combine one-time professional distribution with your own blog/social marketing = save cost, double value.
3 Common Mistakes Startups Make with Press Releases
- Announcing too early — or nothing newsworthy
→ Journalists and readers ignore fluff. Launch when you have traction. - Writing generic, jargon-heavy copy
→ Use plain language + strong headlines. You get 3 seconds of attention. - No call-to-action or SEO links
→ Always direct readers: Visit the product page, book a demo, download app, etc.
How to Make PR Work for Your Startup (Even on a Budget)
- Focus locally before going global
- Leverage incubator channels (Startup India, T-Hub, YourStory, etc.)
- Use free or low-cost PR tools + LinkedIn amplification
- Repurpose coverage on website, pitch decks, investor mails
- Track traffic with UTM codes to prove value to cofounders/investors
Real Startup Success Story: SplitRent.in
Stage: Bootstrapped proptech startup
Action: Announced new AI rent price estimator via ReleaseMyAd
Result:
- Picked up by 32 regional news sites
- Generated 1,200+ visitors to landing page in 72 hours
- Attracted 3 landowner signups + 2 angel investor leads
Total PR budget: ₹9,500 + one-time design effort
FAQs for Startups Considering PR
Q: Do I need a PR agency or can I do it myself?
Startups can DIY with supported tools, but editing by an expert boosts pickup rate dramatically.
Q: Is a press release better than paid ads?
Different goals — PR builds credibility and media visibility, not instant conversions.
Q: Will a one-time press release create leads?
Usually not directly — but it fuels trust, brings qualified traffic, and boosts SEO.
Q: What’s the best language for a startup press release?
Keep it in simple English + translate for regions if needed (Hindi, Tamil, etc.)
Final Thoughts
For early-stage startups, a press release done right can:
Strengthen brand trust
Boost search performance
Generate buzz ahead of sales/funding conversations
But only if it’s well-written, properly timed, and distributed to the right channels.
Need a Startup-Friendly Press Release Plan?
Affordable press release packages (India + Global)
Content writing, distribution & media coverage
Timeline planning for launch, funding & product sprints
Get a Free Startup PR Strategy Session Now
