33 Online Press Release Sites to Submit Your Press Release Template

A well written online press release, distributed at the right time all but guarantees increased traffic and sales

If you are contemplating using an online press release to get the word out fast, here is everything you will need. We have compiled an up-to-date list of PR sites, for both paid and free press releases, plus a fool proof press release template.

Every other Friday, Mequoda gives away a new FREE white paper.  In addition to notifying all of our email subscribers, we distribute an online press release on the same day.

I have been writing and distributing press releases for Mequoda for a few months now.  It’s not difficult but there are a few tricks and tips that will make it easier for you.  Hopefully, your learning curve will be better than mine.

All press release sites require you to create an account. Try to have the same username and password on all of them.  Keep in mind on some sites your username is visible on the press release, so make sure it’s company related.  I didn’t realize this and my first press release listed “michelle2colby” as the user.  My boss immediately notified me when he received the Google Alert.  So I quickly changed it.

Many of the press release sites give you the option to save company information like address, phone number, URL and email.  Be sure to save it, next time you log in it will save you time.

If you get a denial, try to edit your press release according to their instructions and re-submit it.  Reasons for denial range from:

• too informal (using you/yours),
• contains too much advertising lingo (it’s a press release not a sales flyer)
• or too many links.

Most do not let you include any hyperlinks, but you can type the complete URL, which the reader can copy and paste. Some will automatically turn the URL into a link when they post it.

One last tip, each PR site has a limit of how many press releases you’re allowed to publish within a specified time frame.  Most of the free sites allow 1 per week, keep that in mind when planning your online press release schedule.

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Free and Paid Press Release Sites

Every October we release a new and updated list of who we find to be the best free and paid press release sites.

Included are prices for the paid sites and each sites Alexa.com rank.  Alexa has built a database of information about sites that includes statistics, related links and traffic rank.

To access these pages, just type the URL of any site into the Alexa Search box.  The smaller the number means the higher the traffic volume is on that site, which means more readers will see your online press release.

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Press Release Example and Template

Here is the basic template we follow for our press releases.  It is an adaptation of an example from FreePressRelease.com:

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Person
Company Name
Voice Phone Number
Email Address
Website URL

XYZ, Inc. Announces Widget to Maximize Customer Response Rate

(The headline is one of the most important components of the press release as this needs to “grab the attention” of the editor. It should be in bold type and a font that is larger than the body text. Preferred type fonts are Arial, Times New Roman, or Verdana. Keep the headline to 80-125 characters maximum. Capitalize every word with the exception of “a”, “the” “an”, etc.)

<City>, <State>, <Date> – The first paragraph of the release should be written in a clear and concise manner. The opening sentence contains the most important information; keep it to 25 words or less. Never take for granted that the reader has read your headline. It needs contain information that will “entice” the reader. Remember, your story must be newsworthy and factual; don’t make it a sales pitch or it will end up in the trash.

Answer the questions “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, “why” and “how”. Your text should include pertinent information about your product, service or event. If writing about a product, make sure to include details on when the product is available, where it can be purchased and the cost. If you’re writing about an event, include the date, location of the event and any other pertinent information. If possible, include a quote from someone that is a credible source of information; include their title or position with the company, and why they are considered a credible source. Always include information on any awards they have won, articles they’ve published or interviews they have given.

Keep your sentences and paragraphs short; a paragraph should be no more than 3-4 sentences. Your release should be between 200 to 500 words, written in a word processing program, and spell checked for errors. Don’t forget to proofread for grammatical errors. The mood of the release should be factual, not hyped; don’t use a sales pitch as it will ruin your credibility with the reader.

The last paragraph before the company information should read: For additional information on (put in the subject of this release), contact “name” or visit http://www.yoururl.com/product (type the complete URL). If you offer a sample, copy or demo, put the information in here. You can also include details on product availability, trademark acknowledgment, etc. in this area of the release.

ABOUT <COMPANY NAME> – Include a brief description of your company along with the products and services it provides.

– END –

Don’t forget to post each press release on your own website and enable users to share it with others using Digg, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook.

On the Internet, press releases take on new meaning. A well written press release provides search-engine visibility—an additional marketing opportunity that very few online publishers have figured out.