Optimized Press Releases–the Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Read

The old ways of getting the word out about your business, such as TV and newspaper ads, and even cold calling, are largely falling by the wayside. More and more we’re seeing companies making it big using social media strategies that don’t include traditional marketing and paid advertising. One oldie that’s still going strong, however, is optimized press releases.

Why? For many reasons, not least of which is the valuable inbound links optimized press releases provide for your website.

I know you’re here to get the skinny on creating hot press releases, so here’s what you need to do for a press release that is all you hoped it would be.

How to Write a Press Release

1. Select the keywords or phrases (search terms) you want your press release to rank for (no more than two or three).
2. Create a headline that will be irresistible, preferably using a hypnotic marketing word or phrase.
3. Plot out your release so that you don’t miss any important points that you want to get across.
4. Write the body of the press release, making sure it is in third-person apart from what’s inside quotes. Write in news format (third person, most important points first): if your press release read like an ad you will never get it accepted with any reputable press release distribution company.
5. Be sure to include 4-5 links to your website. The first link should be a URL and the others should be links with anchor text (a word or phrase that is hyperlinked). Some press release submission sites will allow you to put a link in the excerpt section. This is highly desirable.
6. Make sure you include an About section that tells people briefly what you do and why you’re great, that can be used again in press releases for your company.
7. Include a contact section, that can also be used in future press releases.
8. Submit your press release to a reliable company. Look at how many readers that company has. Don’t go for something new just because it’s offering free inclusion. Better to pay for a press release that will actually be of benefit–especially if you just paid to have someone write that press release for you. Some good ones include:

• PR Web
• PR Newswire
• i-Newswire
• PR Leap

Too Busy to Write Press Releases?

If this all seems like to much work for you, or if you feel you’d like the advantages of a professionally-created press release, just drop me a line and we’ll get the show on the road.