How to Write Effective Press Releases for Six Key Asian Markets

Press releases are an essential tool for businesses and organizations to communicate their news and achievements to the media and the public. They can help to increase brand awareness, generate media coverage, attract customers and investors, and enhance reputation.

However, press releases are not one-size-fits-all. Different countries and regions have different media landscapes, cultural preferences, language nuances, and expectations. Therefore, it is important to tailor your press releases to suit the specific markets you are targeting, especially in Asia, where there is a diversity of cultures and media outlets.

In this article, we will share some tips and best practices on how to write effective press releases for six key Asian markets: China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Write Effective Press Releases for Six Key Asian Markets

If you want to expand your business or brand in Asia, you need to know how to write effective press releases for each market. Asia is a diverse and dynamic region, with different cultures, languages, media landscapes and preferences. What works in one country may not work in another. Here are some tips and best practices on how to write press releases for six key Asian markets: China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

China Press Release

China is the largest and most populous market in Asia, with a huge potential for growth. However, it is also a challenging and complex market, with strict regulations, censorship and media fragmentation. To write a successful press release for China, you need to:

- Follow the official guidelines and formats for press releases issued by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). These include using the official Chinese name of your organization, providing contact information and sources, and avoiding sensitive or controversial topics.

- Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon, slang or idioms. Use simplified Chinese characters and follow the standard punctuation and grammar rules. Avoid using numbers or symbols that may have negative connotations in Chinese culture, such as 4 (death) or 13 (bad luck).

- Highlight the benefits and value of your product or service for the Chinese market and consumers. Emphasize how your offering aligns with the national goals and priorities of China, such as innovation, sustainability and social responsibility.

- Include quotes from credible and influential spokespersons, such as government officials, industry experts or local partners. Avoid using quotes from foreign sources or competitors, as they may not be trusted or respected by the Chinese media and public.

- Distribute your press release through reputable and relevant media outlets and platforms, such as Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily, China Daily, CCTV or WeChat. Use multimedia elements, such as photos, videos or infographics, to enhance your message and appeal to the visual preferences of the Chinese audience.

Taiwan Press Release

Taiwan is a small but vibrant market in Asia, with a democratic and open media environment. However, it is also a politically sensitive and disputed territory, with a complex relationship with China. To write a successful press release for Taiwan, you need to:

- Respect the political and cultural identity of Taiwan and its people. Avoid using terms or expressions that may imply that Taiwan is part of China or subordinate to it, such as "mainland China", "one China" or "cross-strait". Use the official name of Taiwan (Republic of China) or its abbreviation (ROC) when referring to the country or its government.

- Use traditional Chinese characters and follow the local punctuation and grammar rules. Use terms and phrases that are familiar and acceptable to the Taiwanese audience, such as "Taiwan dollar" instead of "New Taiwan dollar" or "Taipei" instead of "Taipei City".

- Highlight the uniqueness and competitiveness of your product or service for the Taiwanese market and consumers. Emphasize how your offering meets the needs and preferences of the Taiwanese audience, such as quality, convenience and customization.

- Include quotes from local spokespersons who have expertise or influence in your industry or field. Avoid using quotes from foreign sources or competitors, as they may not be relevant or credible to the Taiwanese media and public.

- Distribute your press release through popular and professional media outlets and platforms, such as Central News Agency (CNA), United Daily News (UDN), Liberty Times (LTN), Apple Daily (AD) or LINE. Use multimedia elements, such as photos,

videos or infographics, to enhance your message and appeal to the digital savvy of the Taiwanese audience.

Japan Press Release

Japan is one of the most developed and sophisticated markets in Asia, with a high standard of quality and service. However, it is also a conservative and homogeneous market, with a strong sense of tradition and etiquette. To write a successful press release for Japan, you need to:

- Follow the formal and polite style of communication in Japan. Use honorifics and titles when addressing or referring to people or organizations. Use humble language when talking about yourself or your organization, and respectful language when talking about others. Avoid using direct or negative expressions that may offend or embarrass the Japanese audience.

- Use Japanese characters (kanji, hiragana and katakana) and follow the local punctuation and grammar rules. Use terms and phrases that are commonly used and understood in Japan, such as "yen" instead of "Japanese yen".

- Use formal and polite language. Avoid slang, jargon, or colloquialisms. Use honorifics (such as -san or -sama) when addressing people or organizations.

- Provide facts and figures to back up your claims. Use quotes from credible sources, such as experts, customers, or partners.

- Include relevant information about your company, such as its history, mission, vision, products, services, awards, etc.

- Provide contact details of a person who can answer media inquiries in Japanese.

- Attach high-quality photos or videos that illustrate your announcement.

Korea Press Release

Korea is another major media market in Asia. Korean journalists are also very busy and selective about what they cover. To get their attention, you need to follow some guidelines:

- Use a concise and compelling headline that captures the essence of your announcement.

- Use the inverted pyramid structure: start with the most important information (who, what, where, when, why, and how) and then provide supporting details.

- Use formal and respectful language. Avoid slang, jargon, or colloquialisms. Use honorifics (such as -nim or -ssi) when addressing people or organizations.

- Provide facts and figures to back up your claims. Use quotes from credible sources, such as experts, customers, or partners.

- Include relevant information about your company, such as its history, mission, vision, products, services, awards, etc.

- Provide contact details of a person who can answer media inquiries in Korean.

- Attach high-quality photos or videos that illustrate your announcement.

Thailand Press Release

Thailand is a growing media market in Asia. Thai journalists are interested in stories that are relevant to their local audience. To attract their interest, you need to follow some suggestions:

- Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon, slang and complex sentences. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to highlight the main points.

- Tailor your message to the local culture and media landscape. Understand the preferences, values and expectations of your target audience. Use relevant examples, stories and quotes that resonate with them.

- Include a catchy headline and a strong lead paragraph. The headline should summarize the main idea of your press release and entice the reader to read more. The lead paragraph should answer the who, what, when, where, why and how questions of your story.

- Provide credible and verifiable information. Support your claims with facts, figures and sources. Include contact details of your spokesperson or organization for further inquiries.

- Use a reputable Asia press release distribution service. Choose a service that has a wide network of media outlets and journalists in Thailand and other Asian countries. This will help you increase your exposure and reach potential customers, partners and investors.

Vietnam Press Release

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic markets in Asia, with a population of over 97 million and a GDP growth rate of 6.8% in 2019. To reach this audience, you need to craft a press release that is clear, concise and compelling.

Here are some tips on how to write an effective Vietnam press release:

- Use the phrase "Vietnam Press Release" in your headline and subhead to indicate the relevance and specificity of your news.

- Write in simple and direct language, avoiding jargon and technical terms that may confuse or alienate your readers.

- Highlight the benefits and value proposition of your product, service or event for the Vietnamese market, using facts, figures and testimonials to support your claims.

- Provide relevant and local context for your news, such as how it relates to current trends, challenges or opportunities in Vietnam or Asia.

- Include a call to action that invites your readers to visit your website, sign up for a trial, register for an event or contact you for more information.

Hope the above tips can help personal brands and businesses better execute Asia press release distribution and reach the audience you need!