Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header
Share for a Cause









Press Releases Aren't Dead

Written by: Jennifer Horowitz

Article Overview: Although some of the hype about online press releases has died down, press releases are still a viable marketing tool.

Free Download - Discover the Secrets of SEO By Jennifer Horowitz
Name: Email:

Press Releases Aren't Dead

There used to be a lot of hype about online press releases. Recently it has died down a little bit. We are still finding that it works well for clients. But there are some very definite riles to follow.

When done properly press releases are a great way to generate publicity, drive traffic and boost search engine rankings.

The key to a successful press release is to have a clearly defined purpose.

Why are press releases important?

1. More consumers than ever are reading press releases online and consumers may be interested in a topic that the media may not be. So, there are releases where the target audience is the consumer and then there are releases were the target audience is the media. The releases targeted at the media are usually bigger news and more likely to be something that the media will run with and create an article out of.
2. Keep in mind there are journalists that have columns about websites; they cover what’s new, what’s hot, what’s popular on Blogs and sites. So, something that may not have been newsworthy to the “regular” media may be considered newsworthy to these new crop of journalists.

You should start by defining your target audience. Is this a story for the public, something that is potentially good for the mass media or something for the web reporters out there?

No matter who you target, your press releases really needs to be creative to catch the interest of the chosen audience.

Press releases need to be stand out among a sea of thousands of other press releases that are being released every day. So, you’ll need to create an interesting hook. How do you do that?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Who will care about what I’m saying and why will they care? In other words what is the focus of the release, what is the part that will excited, anger, interest people?
• Is it something that is unique in your industry?
• What are the benefits of the product/service/news you are announcing?
• Is there anything controversial about this? If so, playing it up is a great way to get attention.

Next you’ll want to define your keywords for the release:

Doing keyword research will help you use keywords within the release that you know people are looking for.

Next you will make sure that you write a compelling title. Ideally it will include one of your keywords and it will pique the curiosity of people scanning headlines.

Since the launch of Google's Universal Search and Blended Search from Yahoo, images are fast becoming another way to make your content stand out, so make sure you use an image with your press release.

It never hurts to have an SEO Firm take a look at your release. Have them go over your press release for any recommendations for better optimization. A fresh set of eyes, especially ones that are specifically trained in optimizing content can go a long way in helping your press release be found in the search engines.

So, there you go – a quick lesson in press releases.

Related Articles
  The press release is not dead – it’s not even sick
  Home Business Expert: Importance Of Press Releases
  NEWS RELEASE QUIZ

  Press Releases - The Two Most Common Mistakes
  The Press Release aka Tell Me Your Story In One Page Or Less

Home > SEO > Jennifer Horowitz > Press Releases Arent Dead
Article Tags: anger, blogs, consumers, drive traffic, hook, hype, journalists, little bit, mass media, press release, publicity drive, search engine rankings, service news, target audience, web reporters

About the Author: Jennifer Horowitz
RSS for Jennifer's articles - Visit Jennifer's website

Jennifer Horowitz is the Director of Marketing and co-owner of www.EcomBuffet.com. Jennifer's vision and concepts are behind all in-house marketing campaigns. Additionally, over the past 10 years Jennifer's expertise in online marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has helped clients increase revenue and achieve their business goals. Jennifer has written a downloadable book on Search Engine Optimization and has been published in many SEO and marketing publications. Jennifer can be reached at Jennifer@ecombuffet.com.

Click here to visit Jennifer's website
Dashed Line

More from Jennifer Horowitz
Universal Search
Website Planning
SEO Today
What’s Wrong With Your Site?
Articles Drive Traffic


Related Forum Posts
Re: The Best Method for Online Marketing Re: The Best Method for Online Marketing - In order to write a press release, you must determine the subject of your story. It can be about an event that affects your industry, or it can be about a change in your company that will affect your customer base. Press releases are in all actuality ‘cookie cutter’. Once you get the hang of writing them, all you have to do is fill in the blanks. Press releases conform to an established format.
Re: Did you buy into the iPhone 3G craze? Re: Did you buy into the iPhone 3G craze? - Kevin, Arent you the EBay guy?? oh well, we all make mistakes....like me buying new tires at Active Green & Ross after I blew out a tire on the 401. I let the guy scare me into the sale and then when I took my care into my mechanic he told me I got hosed....and to never let anyone scare you into buying stuff again.... anyway, I'm glad you got the new battery in any case. I think we will soon be able to go completely without contracts so we arent held hostage... J
Kevin, are u an ebay expert? Kevin, are u an ebay expert? - [quote="TheRainmaker":3j4dw900]Kevin, Arent you the EBay guy?? oh well, we all make mistakes....like me buying new tires at Active Green & Ross after I blew out a tire on the 401. I let the guy scare me into the sale and then when I took my care into my mechanic he told me I got hosed....and to never let anyone scare you into buying stuff again.... anyway, I'm glad you got the new battery in any case. I think we will soon be able to go completely without contracts so we arent held hostage... J[/quote:3j4dw900] Are you an Ebay expert? If yes do you have any report on your expertise?
Press Release Builder Tool Press Release Builder Tool - Hi Shri - I would be happy to. What do you need from me? Please PM me the details. Also, if anybody has suggestions for how to make the Press Release Builder Tool more valuable please let me know!
Re: Sales with no start up fees. Re: Sales with no start up fees. - Hi Mary, Maybe you have something New to offer. You can write an article of something new you have to offer. Then submit it. Following that rewrite it into a Press Release, indicating the need of support to promote it. Just an idea. Be blessed Beat


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article


Bottom Footer
Share for a Cause












Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Clues to Increase Sales -- Listen to the Buyer

Make Small Commitments. Get Big Changes.

Join Conversations Politely, Part 1

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.