Submission Sites vs Press Release Distribution Services – Which Is Better?
When it comes to getting your press release noticed by journalists and media outlets, not all distribution methods are created equal. While free press release submission sites might seem attractive for budget-conscious businesses, the reality is that professional press release distribution services like eReleases.com deliver measurably better results through targeted outreach and established media relationships.
Let’s face it – you’ve done all the work to write a press release, why would you want to purposely limit your ROI by saving a few bucks to send it out through a submission site, when, for less than $400, you can significantly increase your distribution, media pickup, and ROI?
The Press Release Submission Site Challenge
Many businesses start their PR journey with free or low-cost submission sites, hoping to gain media coverage by simply posting their news online. However, these platforms generate almost no actual media coverage, operating more like static databases than active distribution networks. Your press release gets uploaded to a website or several websites where it sits alongside thousands of others, hoping that a journalist or anybody might stumble across it during a search…
Which almost certainly won’t happen, because the search engines know what’s going on and almost never rank content published on press release submission sites in their listings.
The fundamental issue is passive distribution. Submission sites rely on the rare occurrence of journalists stumbling onto your content, rather than delivering it directly to the reporters who cover your industry. With newsrooms receiving hundreds of press releases daily, the chances of your announcement even being seen on a crowded submission site are minimal.
Professional Press Release Distribution Services: The eReleases Advantage – Active Distribution That Gets Results
eReleases.com takes a fundamentally different approach by actively distributing your press release to targeted media contacts who are most likely to be interested in your story. Here’s how this professional distribution model delivers superior results:
Distribution Through Cision’s National PR Newswire
eReleases leverages the power of Cision PR Newswire, one of the most respected press release newswires in the industry. This exclusive partnership (due to eReleases’ contract with PR Newswire, no other site can offer national newswire distribution) ensures your press release reaches major news outlets, financial terminals, and media databases that journalists rely on daily. The Cision network provides unparalleled reach to mainstream media, trade publications, and online news sources that submission sites simply cannot access.
Direct Media Relationships
In addition to the national newswire, eReleases maintains an extensive database of journalists, editors, and media contacts across industries and geographic regions. Rather than hoping journalists find your release, eReleases delivers it directly to reporters who cover your sector, significantly increasing the likelihood of media pickup.
Strategic Targeting
Every press release distributed through eReleases receives strategic targeting based on industry, geography, and story angle. This means technology reporters receive tech announcements, local business journalists get regional stories, and trade publication editors see industry-specific news that matches their editorial calendars.
Professional Editorial Review
Before distribution, eReleases’ editorial team reviews each press release to ensure it meets professional standards and provides recommendations for improvement. This quality control helps ensure your announcement resonates with media professionals who receive polished, newsworthy content.
Analytics and Tracking
eReleases provides detailed reporting on where your press release was distributed, outlets that picked it up, and its performance across different channels. This data helps you measure ROI and refine future PR strategies based on actual results, rather than relying on guesswork.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Distribution vs. Submission
Professional distribution services consistently outperform submission sites in key metrics:
- Media Pickup Rates: Professional distribution typically achieves 10-15% media pickup rates, while submission sites often see less than 1% pickup
- Journalist Engagement: Direct distribution to targeted media contacts results in higher open and engagement rates
- Search Visibility: Professional services often achieve better SEO results through syndication to high-authority news sites
- Brand Credibility: Appearing in established news outlets carries more weight than listings on submission directories
Investing in Real Results
While submission sites may cost less upfront, the opportunity cost of ineffective distribution can be significant. When you factor in the time spent writing press releases, the potential revenue from media coverage, and the brand visibility you’re seeking, professional distribution represents a much better return on investment.
eReleases.com bridges the gap between expensive traditional PR agencies and ineffective submission sites by offering professional-grade distribution services at accessible price points. You get the targeting, relationships, and expertise of a full-service PR firm with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of an online platform.
Choosing Results Over False Economy
The decision between submission sites and professional distribution ultimately comes down to your goals. If you simply want to say you’ve “put out a press release,” submission sites might suffice. But if you want media coverage, brand visibility, and measurable business impact from your PR efforts, professional distribution through eReleases.com delivers the results that matter.
Don’t let your important announcements get lost in the digital noise of submission sites. Choose a distribution partner that actively works to get your story in front of the right journalists at the right time, with the professional presentation that media outlets expect and respect.