A search engine optimized press release goes a very long way in helping to generate a buzz about a site. Not to mention generate a ton of traffic as well.
The way this works is to identify target keywords, then create keyword optimized information about the company and/or any products and services we’re interested in pushing in press release format, and then distribute them through multiple online wire services. Some of these places are;
- URLwire
- PRWeb/Emediawire
- xeal.com
- Yahoo news
- Google News
- AltaVista news
- Alltheweb news
- Pressbox.co.uk
- Topix.net
- Feedster
- Daypop
- Paid inclusion
Also, sending the releases out to specific writers in the category or vertical we’re trying to target will significantly increase the opportunity for coverage in the media. However, to insure maximum effectiveness tracking the amount of direct traffic and pickups along with the number of page views that the release brings is also a best practice.
The above should be implemented and practiced with every major and minor point we need to make. However, we must always insure that the topics of our releases are truly newsworthy. The best way to get off the radar screen with editors and publishers of our targeted sites is to send them information that doesn’t really add anything new. So best practices dictate we insure that all releases meet these following criteria;
- Insure all press releases are SEO compliant. This means insuring that they meet the density, prominence, keywords, and in context requirements.
- Insure all releases actually say something; No releases should go out the door without being reviewed for relevance, the key measure on all search engines.
- Follow the standard PR format but keep the release to three, no more than four short paragraphs.
- Use the 12 services and sites listed above to extend our reach. Also place press releases in our blogs and invite comments on them.
Following the above guidelines for press releases will insure that we fully take advantage of all of the benefits Web press releases can provide us with. |
