Press releases can be an excellent way to generate publicity and draw readers to your website. This online PR technique is an effective and affordable way to build buzz, gather media attention, and keep your readers up-to-date with the latest news and developments.

According to a survey by the Pew Internet Project, more than 75 percent of journalists use the Internet each day to research stories and find experts for new articles. If you want to gain exposure through other media outlets, creating press releases is a great way to reach out to the online and print media community. The key to using press releases effectively is to learn how to write a great press release that will capture the attention of readers, search engines, and other media outlets.

Reasons to Issue a Press Release
Before you try this online PR technique, you need to identify possible event and reasons to issue a press release. Some possible reasons to create a press release include to introduce a new product or service, to announce a new website or major redesign, to advertise an amazing sale, or to publicize a special contest or event. Whatever your reason, always be sure your online PR efforts have a clear focus and intent.

Writing a Press Release
All press releases follow a standard and accepted format. Once you learn and master these PR techniques, writing and releasing attention-getting press releases will be a cinch. Online press releases should include your company name, address, phone number, and Web address.

While many recommend using all caps for the title and headlines, some distributions services do not allow such releases. Instead, use bold text for headlines, subheadings, and call-outs. The body of your press release should be free of clichéd advertising ploys. Instead, structure your online PR release to resemble a formal news article.

Optimizing Your Online PR
Search engine optimization is an important part of creating an successful press release. Well-optimized press releases can earn a top rank in search engine results, which can dramatically increase your website traffic and online exposure. You can optimize your press release by selecting the right keywords, writing for the Web, and using your keyword or keyword phrase in the right places.
Use tools such as Wordtracker or the Overture Search Term Suggestion Tool to discover which search terms are the most popular with online readers. Once you have selected a keyword, use the keyword in the headline and sub-headings. Repeat your target search term at least three times throughout the body of your press release.

Distributing Your Press Release
There are a number of free and affordable online services that distribute press releases. These distributors are used in press marketing to gain high search engine placement, earn well-placed links on other websites, and bring in new readers.

Free Services
-www.PR.com
-www.Free-Press-Release.com

Paid Services
-www.BusinessWire.com
-www.PRnewsWire.com
Use Online PR Wisely

Because press releases are relatively easy to create and distribute, their power has often been abused by over-eager marketers. In order to avoid ending up in the slush pile, you need to choose press release topics wisely. Don’t issue a press release for every small news items or update you have to share. Press releases should make up only part of your overall online marketing plan. By using online PR to augment other techniques such as search engine optimization, social marketing, blogging, and link placement, you can generate excellent site traffic and raise your online profile.

Related posts:

  1. Affiliate Marketing through Press Releases
  2. Top 20 Free Press Release Websites
  3. How to Outsource your Link Building
  4. How To Build Fast SEO Friendly Mini Sites
  5. Quickly Create Buzz with Killer Contests and Giveaway Strategies
  6. How To Build A Website – Seven Steps To Create A Web Site
  7. Promoting Your New Website
  8. Create Viral Video Buzz
  9. Compelling Clicks with Exciting Content Titles
  10. ADD WOW! TO CREATE A BUZZ, ONLINE!