Why an Outdated Press Office Costs Businesses and Charities Media Coverage

If you media information is outdated, nobody is happy 

Why outdated press pages frustrate journalists and cost businesses and charities valuable media coverage... and how to keep your press office credible.

For journalists, producers, bloggers, and editors, a well-maintained press and media section is a sign of a serious, credible organisation.

It shows that you understand how the media works, that you value coverage, and that you are prepared to engage professionally.

Unfortunately, far too many businesses, charities, and organisations undermine themselves at the final hurdle.

A journalist can be reading an interesting, relevant, well-written press release, only to click through to the “Press” or “Media” section of the organisation’s website and discover that the latest press release is two or even three years old. 

UPDATE: I just found a "new" press release on a charity website that is five years old and mentioning the problems caused by COVID.

At that moment, enthusiasm drains away and frustration begins to take over.

Why Out-of-Date Press Pages Are a Red Flag

From a media professional’s perspective, an outdated press office raises immediate concerns:

Is this organisation still active?

Do they take media relations seriously?

Will anyone respond if I make contact?

Is the information accurate and current?

Journalists work under tight deadlines. They do not have the time to chase organisations that appear dormant, disorganised, or uninterested in engagement.

If your press page looks abandoned, your story is far less likely to be pursued, no matter how good it is.

First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

Your press and media page is often viewed before any contact is made.

It should immediately reassure journalists that:

The organisation is active

Information is current

Contact details are correct

Press material can be trusted

An outdated press section does the opposite. It creates doubt, friction, and hesitation, all of which make it easier for a journalist to move on to another story.

Common Press Office Mistakes

Many organisations fall into the same traps:

1. “We’ll update it later”

Press pages are often built during a website redesign and then quietly forgotten. Months pass. Then years.

2. Only updating when there’s ‘big news’

Smaller updates still matter. Partnerships, appointments, milestones, awards, and campaigns all demonstrate activity.

3. No named media contact

Generic inboxes with no named press contact feel impersonal and unreliable.

4. Old PDFs and broken links

Nothing signals neglect faster than links that no longer work.

What Journalists Actually Want to See

Keeping your press office current does not require a full-time PR team. It requires consistency and awareness.

At minimum, journalists expect:

Press releases dated within the last 3–6 months

A clearly named press or media contact

A working email address and phone number

A brief “About Us” summary they can trust

Access to logos or images if available

Even modest updates reassure journalists that your organisation is alive, responsive, and professional.

The Cost of Neglecting Your Press Page

An outdated press office doesn’t just lose you coverage — it can actively damage your reputation.

It suggests:

Poor internal communication

Lack of planning

Low priority given to transparency

Missed opportunities for visibility

For charities, this can affect funding and public trust.

For businesses, it can impact credibility with customers, partners, and investors.

For SMEs, it can mean missing the very exposure that could help them grow.

A Simple Maintenance Rule That Works

If you take nothing else from this article, follow this rule:

If your latest press release is over a year old, your press office is overdue for attention.

Set a reminder to review your press page every quarter. Even adding a short update or statement can make a meaningful difference.

Press Offices Are Not Just for Big Organisations

There is a common misconception that only large corporations need a press office.

In reality:

Local businesses

Community groups

Charities

Start-ups

SMEs

…all benefit from appearing press-ready.

Local journalists, trade publications, bloggers, and niche media outlets regularly look for credible sources — but they will not chase organisations that appear disengaged.

Final Thought: Don’t Let Good Stories Die on Your Website

It is genuinely frustrating for journalists to find a promising press release, only to discover that the organisation behind it appears to have stopped communicating years ago.

Your press office should work for you, quietly opening doors, building trust, and making it easy for the media to say “yes”.

Keeping it up-to-date is not a luxury.

It is a basic, powerful business discipline.

And in a competitive media landscape, it can be the difference between being featured, or being forgotten.

One of the things you can do is to work with organisations like Pressat to help them send press releases out to relevant journalists, publications, broadcasters, etc:-

"Why Every Organisation, From SMEs to Large Corporations and Charities, Should Use Pressat to Reach the Media"

https://thats-business.blogspot.com/2025/12/why-every-organisation-from-smes-to.html

How to Choose the Right Business Structure: A Comprehensive Guide

You are launching your new business. Congratulations! However before you do, you must consider the potential structures for your new enterprise.

Because selecting the right business structure is a pivotal decision for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Your choice can have a significant impact on your business's success, tax obligations, liability, and overall structure. With various options available, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, it's essential to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right business structure.

Understand the Types of Business Structures

Before diving into the decision-making process, it's crucial to understand the various business structures available. The main options include:

a. Sole Proprietorship: A single owner assumes all the responsibilities, profits, and liabilities.

b. Partnership: Two or more individuals or entities share ownership, profits, and liabilities.

c. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Combines the liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity of a partnership or sole proprietorship.

d. Corporation: A separate legal entity from its owners, offering the highest level of liability protection.

Evaluate Your Business Goals

Consider your short-term and long-term goals for your business. What are your expectations for growth, income, and expansion? If you plan to secure investors or go public, a corporation might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you're looking for a simpler structure with flexible management, an LLC may be a better fit.

Assess Your Risk Tolerance

Your tolerance for personal liability should play a significant role in your decision. Sole proprietorships and partnerships offer little to no liability protection, meaning your personal assets are at risk in case of business debts or legal issues. LLCs and corporations, on the other hand, provide a degree of separation between personal and business assets.

Tax Considerations

Tax implications are a vital factor to evaluate. Different business structures have various tax benefits and drawbacks. For instance:

Sole Proprietorship and Partnership: Pass-through taxation, where business profits are taxed on your personal tax return.

LLC: Flexible taxation options, allowing you to choose between pass-through taxation or corporate taxation.

Corporation: Double taxation, where the business is taxed separately, and shareholders are taxed on their dividends.

Consult with a tax professional to determine the most tax-efficient structure for your specific situation.

Compliance and Reporting

Each business structure comes with its own set of compliance and reporting requirements. Consider the administrative burden you're willing to shoulder. Sole proprietorships and partnerships have fewer formalities, while corporations have more extensive reporting obligations.

Ownership and Management

Consider who will be involved in the business and how you want to manage it. Corporations have a strict hierarchical structure with shareholders, directors, and officers. In contrast, LLCs offer flexibility in management and ownership structure.

Funding and Capital

Think about how you plan to raise capital for your business. If you intend to attract investors, a corporation may be the preferred option. LLCs and sole proprietorships typically have more limitations when it comes to raising funds.

Industry and Regulations

Certain industries have specific legal requirements or restrictions on business structures. Research the regulations in your industry and locality to ensure your choice aligns with legal requirements.

Exit Strategy

Consider your long-term exit strategy. If you plan to sell the business or pass it down to family members, the chosen structure can affect the ease and cost of the transition.

Seek Professional Advice

Ultimately, the decision of the right business structure is a complex one that depends on your unique circumstances. It's highly advisable to consult with legal and financial professionals who can provide expert guidance and ensure that your choice aligns with your business objectives and legal requirements.

Choosing the right business structure is a pivotal step in your entrepreneurial journey. By considering your business goals, risk tolerance, tax implications, and other key factors, you can make an informed decision that sets your business on the path to success. Remember, this choice isn't set in stone and can be adapted as your business grows and evolves. Regularly reassess your structure to ensure it continues to serve your best interests.