by Mickie Kennedy
eReleases / Press-Release-Writing.com
Every once in a while someone on the Internet declares that
press releases are dead. Largely this is meant to attract
traffic and links. Being controversial is a great way to get
people talking. Often these "link bait" authors know they
are wrong and just want to stir the pot. Other times, they
want to position their own marketing product as the current
solution.
Long Live the Press Release
The problem is that the press release is still alive and
well, and even in this age of new media, press releases have
adapted to help companies get valuable publicity for
spreading their message. Today's press release still helps
companies get media coverage (even on blogs and podcasts
now), and they can also provide SEO benefits.
The benefits of press release distribution are numerous.
Here are 7 of them:
1. All businesses can benefit from press release
distribution. No matter what industry you're in and no
matter how small or big your company is, you can benefit
from press release distribution. Even if you don't have that
"Oprah story," you do have stories that can get you coverage
in trade journals, magazines, blogs, podcasts, and other
publications that cover your industry. Of course, you can't
get that publicity unless you tell your story.
2. Press release distribution is fairly inexpensive. Most
companies write their own press releases. The only expense
comes with hiring a press release distribution service to
get the story in the hands of key media members. But even
this is inexpensive, and when compared with paid
advertising, press release distribution is almost always the
more affordable option.
3. You can boost your company's visibility. This is
especially important for small businesses, but even large
corporations need to fight for consumer mindshare. By
sticking to a long-term press release distribution strategy,
you let customers know who you are, what you do, and why
they need you. You also gain the attention of journalists,
and over time, they start to trust you more and give you
more media coverage.
4. Press releases can establish you as an industry expert.
Why is it important to be seen as an expert? First,
expertise helps you gain the trust of your customers. Once
they trust you, they're likelier to buy from you. But being
an expert is also good for media relations. Whenever the
media needs someone to comment on a story related to your
industry, you want to be the one they call on.
5. Good press releases can spread far and wide. A while
back, I talked about the importance of targeting smaller
local media outlets. One of the reasons I gave is that most
major media outlets get a significant percentage of their
stories from local media outlets throughout the world.
That's how the news industry works. One reporter picks up a
story, and then it spreads from one publication to the next.
6. Use your news to get more customers. With today's online
press releases, the media is no longer the only audience
you're writing for. 80 million people get their news online
every day. Many of these people are your customers. So, you
need to keep your buyers in mind when writing your press
releases. And no, that doesn't mean turning your press
release into an advertisement.
7. Investors keep up with the news too. Press releases
highlighting the successes and advancements made by your
company can be powerful tools for attracting investors. Make
sure to set up an online news room on your website for
investors to browse through.
This article previously appeared in PR Fuel (http://www.ereleases.com/pr/prfuel.html), a service of eReleases.com Press Release Distribution (http://www.ereleases.com).
About eReleases.com
eReleases.com is the online leader in affordable press release distribution. The company's website - http://www.ereleases.com - features tips and resources for those wanting to learn more about press releases and public relations. eReleases also publishes a free, weekly newsletter titled PR Fuel that showcases advice and articles from experts in the media.
mickie@ereleases.net
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