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FAQ: Press Release Writing and Distribution ServicesHere's the facts on our press release submission and writing services.
What do your clients say about your press release submission services? [ Back to Top ] Click here to view testimonials. Not everyone has great success but those who do always seem eager to share their results. We love to hear of your experience whether good or bad. It helps us gauge what works and who benefits most from our press release services. How much does your press release submission service cost? [ Back to Top ] The price for sending or distributing a press release of 500 words or less is just US$399. You receive a comprehensive, national press release distribution to more than 17,500 sources, as well as distribution to two targeted lists. [ Click to view media lists and news outlets ] The only extra charge you will ever encounter is if your press release is more than 500 words, and then you will find that our rate of US$100 for each additional block of 100 words is lower than our competition (when also posted to the wires). Also, our competitors begin to charge after 400 words -- not 500 words. This is just another example of why we are the best. We also offer press release writing services, which cost US$299 for the average press release. You can combine our press release distribution and writing services and save US$99 (just US$599). How soon does the press release go out? [ Back to Top ] Your press release will be distributed before 9am EST the following business day. This ensures that editors and journalists receive it in their email in-box the next morning when they sit down to enjoy their morning cup of coffee (and are, hopefully, considering or at least receptive to story ideas for the day). We see a stronger response with press releases received/opened in the morning. How are your press releases sent? [ Back to Top ] Your press release is sent via email with the text formatted by us for line length and presentation. The text of the press release is sent within the body of the email message as many organizations will not accept attachments because of virus and bandwidth concerns. If you have an image, you can inform editors where to find it (url) or provide contact details at the end of your press release regarding graphics. No HTML will be placed within the emailed press release. The subject of the email message sent to editors will include your press release title or an abbreviated version of it. Your press release is also issued through PR Newswire, which is a traditional newswire service. PR Newswire sends press releases to more than 22,000 newsrooms, 60,000 journalists through its media websites, and 1.4 million equities terminals. What makes your press release services different from your competitors? [ Back to Top ] We never charge a membership fee. Unlike other press release services, we have no hidden or extra charges. Our low prices stay low. We don't spam journalists. Our sources have opted to receive our press releases. Beware of press release services who bombard journalists with unwelcome emails: you'll run the risk of weakening your impact and alienating the very audience you want to impress. We contact interested journalists directly. We reach more than 95 percent of our sources by name, and send press releases to their personal email addresses. Other press release services simply use a generic "editor@newspaper.com" format. Journalists want to hear from us, so we clearly identify ourselves in every press release, letting our subscribing journalists know, "This is information that will interest you." Our low price includes press release distribution through PR Newswire, allowing us to reach the tens of thousands of journalists who subscribe to their service. Also, PR Newswire streams our press releases directly to a number of popular websites. We don't just send your press release. We send you proof of distribution! As a client, you'll receive a customized WireWatch™ report with links to your press release on between six and fourteen websites, including Yahoo! We're honest about your chances of success. If it were easy to get press, every company worldwide would be doing it. And PR firms wouldn't be charging as much as US$4,000 a month with no guarantee of coverage. eReleases tells you the truth: your odds of coverage depend on several variables, including newsworthiness, your press release (the hook), timing, and luck. Why isn't a particular magazine or news source listed in your media database? [ Back to Top ] We provide a list of sources where your press release will be submitted according to target list(s) selected: http://www.ereleases.com/lists/index.html However, we cannot force an editor or source to accept our press releases as we are opt-in. We strive to continually add new editors and sources but only if they agree or ask to be added. What do you guarantee? [ Back to Top ] We guarantee your press release will be distributed. After your release is sent, you will receive a confirmation from us, which will include links to your release posted on between six and fourteen websites (see WireWatch™ for details). For $399, we cannot promise you will receive additional media coverage. The fact is that it's difficult to receive press as so many online and offline organizations and businesses are competing for the spotlight. What can I expect when I use your press release services? [ Back to Top ] One client asked if he could expect between a three percent and five percent publishing rate. I said he would be extremely lucky to receive between three and five articles written as a result of his press release distribution. Two of our most successful clients averaged between two and four articles each press release submission. However, those articles were in the Washington Post, The Economist, Bride, and Minorities In Business magazine. In fact, the client appearing in Minorities In Business magazine was also named "Female Entrepreneur of the Year." Believe me, this doesn't happen with everyone. But it does happen. And it can dramatically change a business when it does occur. For guaranteed publishing rates, expect to pay a pr firm at least $6,000 -- and they tend to work on a tier system. That $6,000 will be directed at receiving press on the trade magazine/source level. For an additional amount, they will then move up to traditional sources such as newspapers. Again, these pr firms earn that money. It is not easy getting media coverage. But if you are on a budget, it makes sense to, at the very least, submit press releases on a regular basis. A single press release is less likely to result in press than a monthly press release or, at the very minimum, a press release sent each quarter. Viewing each press release as part of an ongoing media campaign is the best way to remain focused and to eventually receive media coverage for your company. How can I find out who wrote about us? [ Back to Top ] We send you a WireWatch™ report shortly after distribution providing you with between six and fourteen links to where you can view your press release live on the Internet. These are sites that stream much of PR Newswire's press releases, including News Alert, CBS MarketWatch, Yahoo!, Lycos, and Excite. In addition, you can explore clipping services to properly gauge response. Remember that trade publications and some sources (due to printing schedules) may not use a press release immediately so it is advised to measure success over weeks and months rather than days and hours. [ Click to view our roundup of clipping services ] What works? [ Back to Top ] A press release that is newsworthy is what works, and then only some of the time. Announcing that you've put your cyber-shingle out on the web very rarely cuts it unless your services are unlike anything else on the Internet. However, it is worth taking a chance. The client appearing in Bride and named "Female Entrepreneur of the Year" by Minorities In Business magazine announced her gift shop through our services. On the surface, you wouldn't expect this press release to be successful. However, what made her company (and her press release) different is that the products being sold are one-of-a-kind and target executives. Any good news? [ Back to Top ] Yes, the Internet has seen its largest growth among small and mid-sized companies. This medium has helped to level (or at least leverage) the playing field of huge overhead expenses, large contacts, and even larger advertising budgets. As a result, many small companies have seen their businesses flourish on the web. Sometimes this happens when a company is profiled in a trade journal or appears on the front page of the Washington Post's business section. As long as your goals are realistic, press releases are a valuable opportunity. If you don't succeed on your first release, remember that one press release is only part of an ongoing media campaign and stick with it. Each subsequent press release (crafted for its newsworthiness) will only help your company or organization gain credibility with editors and writers, who may eventually give you that mention you've been looking for. Press releases do work. Any additional press release writing and distribution advice? [ Back to Top ] Where are your press releases? Many of our clients don't follow up and place the text of their press release on their website (and it does belong on your website, not on our website or another company's site). Not only are you losing opportunities among your customers who may want to know more about your company and services (read "credibility" here), you are losing media opportunities. Say you have three press releases on your site and an editor who received the most recent one visits your site for more information (not all editors will call -- in fact, most don't). Some facts and additional news gleaned from those previous releases can be just what that editor needed to tip the scales in your favor. Even if you only have one press release, start a press room or media kit for your website. At the very least, the additional text will be welcome for search engine spidering -- making it a little easier for customers and media to find you. Also, be sure to read our advice on how to write a press release, as well as advice on how to send a press release if you decide to distribute it yourself. View archived press releases here. |
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