In this post, we’ll explore how press releases can help improve your website’s search rankings and provide data-backed evidence to prove it.

What Are Press Releases?

Before diving into press releases’ benefits, let’s first define what they are. Press releases are announcements sent to journalists, bloggers, and other media outlets to share news about your business. These announcements can cover various topics, including product launches, awards, new hires, and more.

How Do Press Releases Help SEO?

Now that we know what press releases are let’s explore how they can help improve your website’s search rankings. Here are a few ways press releases can boost your SEO:

1. Increased Visibility: When distributing a press release, it can be picked up by various media outlets. This can include newspapers, websites, blogs, and social media accounts. The more outlets that pick up your press release, the more visibility your business will receive, which can ultimately lead to higher search rankings.
2. Backlinks: One of the most significant benefits of press releases is that they can generate backlinks to your website. Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your site. Google considers backlinks to be a critical factor in determining search rankings. When you distribute a press release, it’s common for other websites to link back to your site, which can help improve your search rankings.

The Data-Backed Approach

Now that we’ve discussed how press releases can help your website’s SEO, let’s look at some data to prove it. A recent study by Fractl and Moz found that press releases can significantly impact search rankings. Here are a few key findings from the study:

1. Press releases can increase search rankings by an average of 14.3%.
2. The impact of press releases on search rankings is most significant for small businesses.
3. Press releases can generate an average of as much as a 2.3% increase in new backlinks.

Let me explain #3

According to a Moz analysis, Roman Originals experienced a massive boost in their SEO efforts. An increase of 17.5K press mentions resulted in a staggering 420% surge in organic traffic from the US. Furthermore, the brand received a remarkable 2.3K% increase in new backlinks. 

The impact of this surge in exposure was evident, with global sales increasing by a remarkable 560% within just 24 hours of the story going viral. These statistics illustrate how powerful press releases can boost your website’s search rankings and drive business growth.

The weather has turned ice cold, which means layers are essential! We suggest adding a pop of colour into your winter wardrobe to help brighten your day! Shop this mustard knit from @romanoriginals today.#winter #Weather #fashion #TheSpires #barnet #northlondon #shopping pic.twitter.com/N1J4Uz7l90

— The Spires Barnet (@TheSpiresBarnet) January 20, 2023

These findings demonstrate that press releases can be a valuable tool in improving your website’s search rankings.

Conclusion

Press releases can be an effective strategy if you’re looking to boost your website’s SEO. By increasing visibility and generating backlinks, press releases can help improve your search rankings and ultimately drive more business. 

The data shows that press releases can significantly impact search rankings, especially for small businesses. So why not try it and see how press releases can benefit your business?

At BlakSheep Creative, we understand the importance of SEO for your website’s success. If you want to boost your search rankings and drive more business, consider incorporating press releases into your digital marketing strategy. 

Our team of experts can help you craft compelling press releases and distribute them to a wide range of media outlets, maximizing visibility and generating valuable backlinks. Contact us today to learn how we can help take your SEO to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions our customers often ask regarding press releases and SEO.

Get Started With Press Releases

Don’t wait any longer to incorporate press releases into your SEO strategy. 

The data is clear: press releases can significantly impact your search rankings and ultimately drive more business to your website. Press releases can be valuable if you’re a small business looking to increase visibility or a larger organization seeking to improve your link profile. 

At BlakSheep Creative, we’re here to help you get started. Contact us today or visit our press release writing and distribution services page to learn more about our press release services and how we can help you boost your SEO and achieve your business goals.

Plus, we’ve included tips on ensuring that your press release gets the most exposure possible.

So read on for all the information you need to create a winning press release!

Timing is everything – make sure to release your press release at the right time.

First, let’s start with some basics. When you’re writing a press release, timing is everything. You must ensure you release your press release at the right time so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 

Now let’s talk about the best time and day to send your news story.

What is the best time to release a press release?

The best day of the week to send a press release is Thursday when the average open rate jumps to over 26%!

The best time to send a press release is early mornings, usually between 10 am and 2 pm (your time zone) —this is when editors open about one-third of all the emails they’ve received. (Source: Prowly.com)

The best day to send a press release is on Thursday when the average open rate jumps to over 26%! https://t.co/STa4TbzAje

— BlakSheep Creative (@BlaksheepCreate) June 26, 2022

Additionally, you should try to time your news story around a significant event or announcement. 

This will help ensure that it gets more attention. For example, if you’re launching a new product, you might want to time your press release around the product launch date.

Make sure your press release is newsworthy.

Your press release needs to be newsworthy if you want it to grab the attention of reporters. So what makes a press release newsworthy? There are a few things you can keep in mind.

First, your press release should be timely.

This means it should be about something that is happening or will happen soon. For example, if you’re launching a new product, that would be considered timely.

Make sure your press release is of interest to your target audience.

You should also ensure that your press release is of interest to your target audience.

For example, if you’re releasing a new fashion line, your press release should be of interest to fashion reporters.

Finally, your press release should be unique.

This means that it should be something that hasn’t been done before or isn’t being talked about by other businesses.

For example, if you’re launching a new product that is the first of its kind, that would be considered unique.

Do your research and target the right media outlets

Another important tip for writing a successful press release is to do your research and target the right media outlets.

Start by finding out which reporters cover your industry. Then, make a list of the media outlets that they work for. Once you have a list of target media outlets, you should research the best way to submit your press release to them.

Some media outlets have an online submission form, while others prefer you email them directly. You can also find out if the media outlet has specific guidelines for submitting press releases.

For example, some media outlets may have a word limit or require that you include specific information in your press release.

Once you’ve got a general idea of how to submit your press release, you should take the time to personalize each submission.

In other words, don’t just copy and paste the same press release into each submission form. Instead, take the time to write a customized message for each media outlet. This will show that you’ve taken the time to research the outlet and increases the chances that your press release will be read.

Now that you’ve done your research let’s write the press release!

Writing your Press Release

Writing your press release is pretty straightforward – just remember to keep it newsworthy, typo-free, and easy to read.

The headline is vital – make sure it’s catchy and interesting

Your headline is the first thing reporters will see, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s catchy and interesting.

A good headline will be clear and to the point. It should also be newsworthy and of interest to your target audience.

Avoid using clichés or jargon in your headline. Suppose your company has developed a new piece of technology. In that case, you might be tempted to use a headline like “XYZ Company Revolutionizes the Way We Do Business.” However, this headline will likely turn off reporters, as it’s both overused and challenging to understand.

Instead, try something more specific and exciting, such as “XYZ Company Develops New Technology to Help Businesses Save Time and Money.” This headline is both specific and exciting, and it’s likely to grab the attention of reporters.

The Body – keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

Once you’ve got a catchy headline, it’s time to move on to the body of your press release. The body should be short, sweet, and to the point. You should start by introducing your company and giving some background information. However, don’t get too bogged down in the details – reporters will want to know what’s new and exciting about your company, not its entire history.

After introducing your company, you should get to the meat of your press release – what’s new and exciting about your product or service? Make sure to include all the essential details, such as pricing and availability. However, don’t make your press release too long – reporters will lose interest if it’s more than a few paragraphs.

If you have a lot of information to include, consider breaking it up into smaller bullet points. This will make it easier for reporters to scan and understand your press release.

The Ending – provide your contact information and call to action

Include links to additional resources for readers who want to learn more

Once you’ve finished writing the body of your press release, you’ll want to give its readers a way to get in touch with you.

So, include your contact details at the end of your press release. You should include a call to action, such as “For more information, please visit our website or contact us at xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Don’t forget your email address! This will make it easy for reporters to get in touch with you if they’re interested in your story.

You might also want to include links to additional resources for readers who wish to learn more about your company or product. For example, you could include a link to your website or blog. This is a great way to increase traffic to your website and get your name out there.

Submit your press release to appropriate media outlets – don’t just rely on social media.

Your press release will do you no good if no one sees it.

So, once you’ve written it, submit it to appropriate media outlets. Here are some suggestions for getting your press release in front of the right people:

Press Release Services (AKA “the Wire”)

Submit to online press release services, such as Businesswire, PRWeb, or PR Newswire. These aggregate and distribute your press release to various outlets, including Google news, other online news sites, blogs, and RSS feeds.

This can be a great way to get your press release in front of a large audience quickly.

Relevant Websites and Blogs

Submit your press release to relevant websites and blogs. For example, if you’ve written a press release about a new product, you might submit it to a website or blog that reviews products.

This is a great way to get your press release in front of people interested in what you have to say.

Local Media Outlets

If you’re a local business, submit your press release to local media outlets. This includes newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations.

By submitting your press release to appropriate media outlets, you can ensure that it gets seen by people in your area who might be interested in your story.

Email the press release to a list of reporters

If you have a list of reporter contacts, email your press release to them directly.

This is a great way to get your press release in front of relevant reporters who might be interested in covering your story.

Now that you’ve written the perfect press release, proofread it, and submit it to the right people in the right places; it doesn’t stop there. You can take the content from your press release and turn it into a blog post.

Repurpose your press release content for blog posts

Repurposing content is nothing new – in fact, it’s a great way to get more mileage out of the content you’ve already written.

And, since you’ve already taken the time to write a press release, why not turn it into a blog post?

Post it on your social media accounts as well.  News releases are an excellent tool for social media marketing campaigns.

This is a great way to increase traffic to your website and get your name out there.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can write the perfect press release – one that is sure to be successful.

Remember to make it newsworthy, typo-free, and easy to read. You should also format it in a visually appealing way and include your contact information so reporters can quickly get in touch with you.

Additionally, you should submit your press release to appropriate media outlets and wire services. Finally, you can repurpose your press release content for blog posts. By following these tips, you can ensure that your press release will be successful.

If you’re looking for professional help writing and distributing your press release, contact BlakSheep Creative.

Our expert copywriters and content marketers can help you create a press release that is sure to get noticed.

We’ll also work with you to submit your press release to the right media outlets and wire services, so you can be confident that the right people will see your story.

Contact us today to learn more about our press release writing and distribution services.

However, many people don’t know how to write a compelling press release that journalists and news outlets will pick up. Here’s what you need to do if you want yours to stand out from the rest!

Keep reading to learn more about press release SEO and why you should be using PRs to drive traffic to your website.

What is a press release?

A press release is an announcement made by a business or individual about important events. PRs are typically distributed via email and online.

They generally contain newsworthy items, announcements about new products or services, press coverage for high-profile events, a new product launch, hiring news, and company milestones and achievements.

How press releases and SEO work together

Press releases and SEO work cohesively to increase website traffic and improve the visibility of websites. A press release is an essential tool that can help you get your brand’s message to the masses and create a positive image for your company.

Often, a press release’s indirect value is immeasurable!

The biggest benefit?

One well-written press release that gets picked up by journalists and news outlets can have the same SEO value as dozens of blog posts.

Why?

Because journalists republish press releases on their own websites, news outlets, and blogs, the more places your press release gets published, the greater its SEO value will be.

Press Release Distribution

Press releases are distributed through press release distribution services. Business Wire, PR Newswire, and Global Newswire are all a few great options if you’re looking for a submission site.

One thing when it comes to choosing a press release site – you get what you pay for! Make sure that whatever company you use is reputable.

When someone accesses press release information, it’s distributed to press release search engines like Google News.

Sites that the press release is syndicated to pull directly from press releases, and press releases often rank high on search engine results pages.

Why press releases are essential for SEO

Search Engine Optimization is a complex process that includes several technicalities and strategies. However, press releases can help you move the needle with SEO and positively impact your website’s search rankings.

Press releases can gain you backlinks.

In 2022, if your primary aim is to obtain a backlink from a news release platform, press release submission isn’t worth the time.

Like most SEO link-building methods, this approach has been widely misused and is now associated with low-quality spammy link activity.

If you send out spammy press releases, I promise, your SEO efforts will tank.

Search engines know what you’re doing.

However, if you take the time to write compelling and exciting newsworthy press releases, the results of press release distribution will be well worth your effort.

Now, you won’t necessarily get the “golden link,” but you can gain some strong, high-quality, relevant links.

Although most backlinks from PRs are nofollow links, meaning they won’t directly affect your website’s search rankings – you can still benefit from these links.

Having nofollow links makes your backlink profile more diverse.

For example, top bloggers often pick up press releases who write about the same topic as yours. This will generate more exposure for your business or website.

There are many blogger outreach programs out there; just find one to find an influencer In your niche. Once you find them, it’s vital that you research their background. Not all influencers are good influencers.

The content of your press release plays a major role in determining whether it gets picked up by influential bloggers or not. If you have a well-written press release that genuinely adds value, you’ll increase the chances of your press release being picked up by blogs and websites with high domain authority.

Press releases can deliver link juice.

The more quality inbound links you have to your website, the better Google ranks your website for search terms. And, the more traffic that comes to your website via organic search listings, the higher your site will rank on SERPs (search engine results pages).

These links contribute to your rankings more than you know!

The more backlinks your press release gets, the better you can rank for organic search terms.

So do press releases work for SEO?

Well, it depends.

The goal of putting out a press release should not be to obtain direct links from a press release website. Instead, you should be striving to give material that will pique the interest of journalists and news outlets.

Then they’ll talk about your company, business, or products. And if other news sources and publications pick up their coverage, it can cause a snowball effect that leads to even more backlinks and exposure for your website.

If you create a press release that is compelling, interesting, and exciting about a recent news event or announcement, journalists will want to cover it. They’ll then write up the story and offer their own perspective on it, linking to your site from their articles.

These are the high authority links, relevant, and have the potential to enhance your visibility.

Be sure to read our recent article to learn more off-page SEO tactics you should try in 2022 for some quick wins!

Press releases are an essential part of search engine optimization. They can help increase website traffic and improve the visibility of your website.

Suppose you want your company, business, or products noticed by consumers actively searching for specific keywords on search engines or social media sites. In that case, press releases provide an excellent opportunity to get publicity. Be sure to read our newest article to learn how search optimization works on social media sites and how you can ensure that your content is seen.

This is why keyword research is vital for any SEO press release!

What are the benefits of using Press Releases?

There are numerous benefits to using Press Releases. Some of the most important benefits include:

Drive organic traffic to your website

Some say that this is the most significant SEO benefit. Your PR will be distributed through many different platforms, helping you gain exposure and build brand awareness for your company.

If a news source, journalist, or publication picks up your press release and covers it in their publication, they may also offer a link to your website. This is a high authority and relevant backlink that can increase your traffic and improve your Google search rankings.

The higher the site authority, the better.

Here are some other SEO benefits of using PRs.

Increase branding and awareness for your company

By becoming an expert resource in the industry, you’ll become associated with quality content that can help you establish your credibility. If journalists cover your press release, they’ll also mention who you are.

Plus this helps build your E-A-T with Google!

This can help to increase your company’s brand awareness, as it will now be associated with the publication that covered the press release.

Positive public relations for your company

Press releases are an excellent way to share exciting updates about your business. Customers appreciate transparency and sincerity from companies, so you are building goodwill towards your business by sharing newsworthy updates. If any journalists or news outlets pick up on the story, they will share it with their own audiences.

This can lead to increased exposure for your company and generate positive public relations.

How to get started with Press Releases

The first step in getting started with PRs is finding a reputable press release distribution company. There are several reputable, well-known press release sites to choose from.

The next step is to create your press release. You want to make sure that you include all critical information yet avoid going into too much detail.

Your goal should be to provide enough information that journalists and other news sources will find your PR exciting and want to cover it.

17 Tips For Creating an Effective Press Release

Before you hop in and submit your press release online, here are a few tips to help you create effective PRs that have the potential to go viral.

1. Use keywords for SEO success

Include keywords in your headline and the first paragraph of the press release that you would like people to find on Google or other search engines.

If you include them correctly, they won’t seem like “keyword stuffing,” as they will be naturally integrated into the PR. Use caution and make sure your article is written for people, not search engines.

Find your primary keyword target and stick to it!

2. Know your target audience

When scouring the web for news sources to submit your press release to, take time to research each outlet.

Thoroughly check out their website or blog and see what kinds of stories they typically cover. This will help you target your releases in the most appropriate way to each publication so that they are more likely to pick them up.

3. Have fun!

Be creative and have some fun with your press releases. Make sure that there is something unique about your release that is interesting enough to pique the interest of the public and journalists and news outlets, leading them to want to share it with their audience.

4. Be timely

Make sure that your press releases are timely. If you have a newsworthy event, promotion, or other newsworthy items to share, announce it through a press release so that journalists can find it easily.

5. Make reporters’ lives easier for them

When writing your press releases, make the lives of reporters and journalists as easy as possible by including all of the information they need, including who you are, when your respective event is happening, contact info, etc.

Remember, the more informative your press release, the more likely larger media outlets will pick it up.

6. Don’t be cheesy

Nobody likes to read a press release that is clearly put out by an amateur company looking for free coverage and backlinks. While this should go without saying, you’d be surprised how many people write unprofessional press releases.

Make sure yours sounds polished and professional, so it has the best chance of being picked up by journalists and news outlets.

7. Include multimedia content

Take advantage of the fact that you can include images, audio, and video in your press release.

Journalists are more likely to share media-rich content on their website or social media because it engages their audience. Plus, it makes your press release stand out from the rest!

8. Keep it short

Press releases shouldn’t be written like an academic essay or book report, but they also shouldn’t be 300 words long with no substance.

Avoid going over 1000 words (we shoot for around 600) and include as much information as you can without overwhelming your audience!

9. Be careful about where you send your press release

If you’re hoping that a journalist from a specific publication will write an article about your PR, you should be careful where you send your press release.

It’s best to find the right balance between sending it to too many places and not sending it anywhere at all.

10. Pick a catchy headline

Journalists and other news outlets receive many press releases every day. If they ignore the headline of your press release, it will likely end up in their trash can or spam folder.

Make sure that you pick a compelling headline that matches the tone and topic of your PR.

A compelling press release is exponentially more likely to be shared by journalists and news outlets.

11. Link back to your website

Journalists and other news outlets may want to research your company before they write about your press release.

Make the process as easy as possible for them by including a link to your website somewhere in the PR!

But don’t get crazy! Too many links in the PR can make it seem spammy.

And Google started recognizing spammy links years ago. They’re really cracking down on them now.

Try to work in one anchor link to your services (or money) page while including links to any other pages with relevant content.

Depending on who you ask, the backlink is one of a press release’s most significant SEO benefits.

Best practices suggest linking to your website in the first line of the first paragraph and the last line of the last paragraph.

Make sure that you create natural links. Journalists are trained to identify links that seem unnatural or incorrect.

These “best practices” for press releases are merely suggestions. They’re not hard and fast rules that will guarantee that journalists and news outlets share your press release, but they’re an excellent place to start!

12. Include an author biography

If you’re an entrepreneur, include your author biography at the end of your press release. This will give journalists and news outlets a chance to learn more about you and “humanize” their story.

13. Be sure that it’s factually correct

It doesn’t matter how attractive your press release is; if there are facts in it that are wrong, journalists certainly won’t want to share it.

Double-check that your press release is filled with only correct information!

14. Inject some personality into your PR

Including a little bit of personality is a great way to ensure that you’ll stand out from the crowd and get noticed by journalists and news outlets.

For instance, if you have a funny or exciting story behind your press release, make sure to include it!

15. Don’t forget about Press Release Optimization

Thie article is about using a press release for SEO right?

Do your proper keyword research and use the appropriate keywords in the press release that journalists and news outlets might be looking for to improve SEO.

You can use online keyword volume tools like the Google Adwords Keyword Tool to find out what keywords are getting a lot of searches.

Then, incorporate those words and phrases into your press release!

16. Please, please, please, proofread

This should be a no-brainer, but we can’t stress enough how important it is to check your entire press release for spelling and grammatical errors before sending it out into the world!

Remember, the power of your press release lies in the content.

You’d be amazed at the number of press releases that are filled with errors. Make sure yours isn’t one of them!

17. Use a press release creation and distribution service

If you’d rather not spend your time writing and distributing press releases, use a company like BlakSheep Creative to do it all for you!

We love creating press releases for our SEO clients! Visit our press releases service page to learn more.

We can help you make sure your press release gets in front of the right journalists and news outlets at the right time.

Contact us today to learn more!

Are press releases a part of your existing SEO Strategy?

If they’re not, they should be! In today’s SEO world, it’s crucial to stay on top of trends and optimize your website for search engines.

Get the word out about your company with press release distribution!

At BlakSheep Creative, we specialize in building brand awareness through well-written articles and blog posts, SEO copywriting services, web content, press releases, and more. We can help you understand how journalists think so that you know exactly what to say to get your press release in front of them!

Contact us today for high-quality, affordable SEO content writing services. Our rates are competitive, and we know how to write a good press release!