Press release distribution is one of the integral parts of every business for its growth and exposure. Therefore, when it comes to PR distribution; organizations as well as individuals do not want to compromise with their approach. However, continuous PR distribution can cost a lot of money. That is why the demand for free press release sites is quite high and businesses across different industries and verticals.
Among the horde of numerous PR sites, it gets a little tough to find out the best free press release sites in the market. However, some typical attributes can help to identify the PR sites that suit your PR needs without exploiting your budget. Here are some effective tips to follow.
1. The Purpose and The Outcome
What are you looking forward to gaining from your press release? Based on the purpose, you can decide whether a PR website is suitable for the task or not. How do you see your PR impacting your brand?
- Increased web traffic and engagement
- More sales and leads
- Improved online visibility and presence
- Brand introduction and awareness
Now that you what you are looking for, you will be able to choose a website that fulfills that particular purpose. Since these are free sites; you do not need to worry about the budget spent.
2. Understand Your Target Audience
Who are you trying to reach through the press release? Understanding your target audience helps in your PR approaches as well as lets you identify the most suitable PR site. Figure out the particular demographic for your PR and check whether the distribution platform consists of credible sources that can offer such an audience. You would also need to identify whether you are just testing the waters or looking forward to targeting a particular audience base.
3. Type of Distribution
Distribution mainly takes place through two different strategies, either automated or manual distribution. While most free PR distribution offers automated distribution over limited news sites and media platforms, in some cases you can opt for manual distribution as well where you can choose the platforms you want to pitch for distribution. However, this type of distribution is mostly paid.
4. PR Distribution Network and Media Coverage
Every PR agency has a distribution network that consists of news and media platforms. But not necessarily a bigger network will be relevant for your PR. In order to create a buzz in the niche, you need to distribute the PR on the platforms that focus on your industry and niche communities. If you want to create mass awareness, the distribution network should have at least more than 200 effective news sites. If it is less than that, you might not be able to gain both local and global exposure.
5. Authority and Analytics
Search Engine Optimization is one of the crucial aspects of PR distribution and you should have complete authority over it. Most free PR sites fail to offer ownership and authority over the campaign and it is justified since it is a free service. But the problem is that without ownership, you won’t be able to know whether the campaign is working or not.
Analytics and Metrics also help to determine the success of the PR campaign while gaining critical insights into the market, its reach, and its reader base. So, if an agency is not showing transparency or sharing results with real-time data; it is better to avoid it.
6. Customer Service
You do not want to get ignored when you are having a with the PR campaign. Therefore, a 24*7 active customer service is required that will solve all your queries as well as guide you through the whole process of submission and distribution. In case a PR website does not have active chat support; it should be offering a valid email ID and other media contacts.
Bottom Line
These tips will help you figure out the press release website that is suitable for you and your business. Remember, free PR sites do not provide instant or long-lasting results. So, if you are willing to make a difference within a short duration; avail of a paid PR distribution package.
