Business owners, enterprises, small-scale and big-scale companies as well as individual enterprises; everybody is aware of the array of benefits of a press release and how it paves the way for growth. In a recent survey, it showed that,
- More the 22% of officials, journalists, and reporters utilize press releases as a source to write their stories and to verify facts.
- Corporate communications spokesperson and the company's official website also rely on press releases and more than 21% and 19% of them have agreed, respectively.
It is evident that press releases are considered to be the go-to sources for crafting news stories. It is the most effective, trusted, and legitimate resource for all kinds of newsworthy information. It is quite obvious why every other organization and individual is looking forward to purchasing a PR distribution from an authentic press release website.
However, the web is filled with thousands of such PR distribution websites, and not all of them are legitimate when it comes to effective results. In order to garner maximum attention and create a buzz in the industry, you need to find a website that understands your needs, marketing requirements, and the purpose of making a release while keeping things within budget, so that you can churn the most out of it.
Here are a few signs that can help you out identify the right press release site for the purpose.
1. Distribution Network
Since you want to distribute your press release, the first thing is to check out the distribution network of the website that you want to hire. A legitimate website should have at least more than 100 -150 reputed new and media platforms in its network that can provide potential customers from credible sources. Not only that, the distribution network should be able to create ample buzz in niche communities and industries in order to offer relevant and organic exposure. Credible sources also help reporters to find the news and republish it. So, check the list of platforms offered in the distribution network.
2. Pricing System
The press release is just a document perhaps but it carries a lot of corporate and marketing value. In order to get it distributed properly, it requires a fee that is fairly reasonable than most other marketing mediums. Check the pricing system of the website which will give a fair idea of how much is it going to cost for the distribution. If the price is too steep or too low or too less options for flexibility, there are chance of bad results. There should be different pricing packages that help the users opt for single or multiple options based on their budget and requirements. Many websites also offer freemium services for first-time users.
3. Customer Review
Check the review of the website and how it has performed in the industry that reflects its efficiency. If there are enough satisfied clients of the website, you can trust the website, and as many have benefited already. The PR websites love to show their customer feedback and testimonials that assures they are working at their finesse. However, if you are still not satisfied; make a quick research on the web about the website and check if it belongs to the top lists or is a potential competitor. The website’s efficiency is what puts it in that position.
4. Contact and Communication
When you are trying to reach a website for a service, it is important to have proper communication with them throughout the process until the required result is reached. So, if a press release website is lacking it media or contact information; it is better to avoid it. An authentic PR should have an active chat support system that responds 24*7. Even if it is not there, they should respond to emails as soon as possible. Quite obviously, you would not like to work with an agency that does not solve your queries at the moment of need. So, go for websites that offer all contact information and great customer service.
5. 100% Transparency and Professionalism
The press release is one of the most crucial aspects for a company or even individuals for exposure, sales, and brand presence. That is why every PR campaign should be handled with utmost care and professionalism. If a professional PR agency is lacking in providing what is offered in the package; you know it would be a waste of money. Instead, go for the websites that offered real-time data with screenshots and detailed analytical reports at the end of the campaign. It not only shows the success of the PR but also offers critical insights that can help in future campaigns. Seeking 100% transparency is mandatory when you are looking forward to hiring an agency for the task.
Checking out the five factors given above will help you identify the press release website that you have been looking for. But it is also true that professional agencies receive a ton of distribution orders every day and if your PR is not good enough, they might delay the process or ask you for certain changes. However, if your PR is absolutely flawless; there are chances of getting it distributed right away.
How to Pitch PR Agencies and Journalists from Niches?
Usually, professional press release agencies have different designated packages for their PR distribution services. Any individual can purchase a package from the website by simply following three simple steps.
- Choose a PR distribution package for the purpose
- Submit your PR
- Pay the fees required for the campaign
And the campaign will be started soon after. In the case of the free PR sites, the competition is quite high since every other client will be trying to get the free package while there is a limit. Similarly, the journalists and reporters from the niche also provide free services but they receive a huge number of PRs every day. That is why you need to be extra careful while pitching your PR. Here are a few effective steps to follow,
- Make good research and shortlist the websites and journalists that work in your industry and niche community.
- Pitch them via email in a formal manner with a proper subject line and purpose.
- Express your need for the campaign, its urgency and how did you come across the platform.
- Send links to your official business website and media contact for their further verification.
- Do not just write or copy-paste the PR in the email body, instead send them a PDF or Doc.
Following the aforementioned steps will increase the chance for the PR to get featured on the platform or to be distributed.
How to Make Sure Your Latest PR will be a Success?
As mentioned earlier, PR websites and journalists receive a lot of press releases on a daily basis. Sometimes, they even spend less than a minute That is why your PR needs to stand out among the horde to get distributed. Check out the following aspects that turn your PR into a success.
1. A Headline that Sells the Story
The headline is the first thing a reader is going to notice and journalists are not an exception. Mostly they check the headers and skim-read the content to get an idea. So, make sure to craft an attractive headline that grabs the attention of the readers at a glance while offering a preview of the content, as in what is about. It gets even better when you create a need for a story-like angle in your PR since it refines the newsworthiness of the content. Make sure to keep it brief, striking, and something that easily grabs the attention of the mass.
2. Is Your Content Truly Newsworthy?
If the headline can grab the attention of the readers, the body of content needs to retain them. There are several factors that influence a press release’s newsworthiness such as timeliness, relevance, the impact of the upcoming event, the effect on the industry, and many others. However, a story gets the most interesting when the PR educates people through the information provided. It can inspire entrepreneurs with new ideas, teach customers about new products and services or even share the importance of a new venture. As long as it is sharing some important information that attracts the readers, the PR is newsworthy and crispy.
3. 5Ws
The rule of 5Ws is perhaps the most important feature of a PR that answers all the questions of who, when, where, why, and what. Since a reader can’t be communicated with at the time of reading; all the necessary information should be provided beforehand to solve their doubts. It makes the PR appear more informative and authentic.
4. Proper Boilerplate
The boilerplate is the last section of the PR that shares the company’s brief introduction, media contact, and other information that lets visitors know about the foundation. You should also add your business website and other media contact details that makes the PR authentic enough to be trusted by everyone.
Bottom Line
The press release is just a written document but due to its potential, this medium is widely used across every business and industry. When proceeding with a PR campaign; try to follow the steps given above that will only make your PR distribution more fruitful and highly beneficial. Embark on a PR campaign after that and witness a change in response.
