Links in Press Releases
By now, you probably already know about the SEO benefits of press release distribution. Placing links in your press release that point back to your website can be helpful in boosting your search engine rankings (even though it shouldn’t be the only link building tactic you use).
However, that doesn’t mean you should stuff your press releases with tons of links back to your website. In fact, putting too many links in your press releases can actually do more harm than good. Here’s why:
Why You Shouldn’t Put Too Many Links In Your Press Releases
Diluting Your Core Message
When you fill your press release with multiple links, you risk distracting readers from your main announcement. Each link serves as a potential exit point, pulling attention away from your central message. Remember, the primary purpose of a press release is to communicate newsworthy information, not to serve as a link directory.
Search Engine Skepticism
Search engines have become increasingly sophisticated in detecting manipulative linking practices. Too many links in a press release can trigger spam filters, potentially leading to reduced visibility or even penalties in search rankings. Quality over quantity remains a fundamental principle in SEO.
Journalist Turn-Off
Media professionals, who are the primary audience for press releases, often view link-heavy content with skepticism. They’re looking for genuine news value, not thinly veiled marketing materials. An abundance of links can make your press release appear promotional rather than newsworthy.
Lost in Distribution
Many press release distribution services and news outlets either strip out hyperlinks or limit their number. By relying too heavily on links to convey information, you risk having your message fragmented when it reaches its final destination.
Too Many Links Looks Weird
If you have links in every other sentence of your press release, it just looks weird. In fact, it looks like your main reason for writing the press release isn’t to share news but rather to build links back to your site for SEO purposes and/or to drive traffic to your website. Focus on telling good stories and include links when and where it makes sense to do so.
It’s Overwhelming to Readers
— When you give people too many options, they often end up doing nothing at all. That’s what’s called Choice Paralysis or Option Paralysis. The same thing can happen when you overload your press releases with links. If you’re asking readers to visit a bunch of different pages, they might end up feeling overwhelmed and not click on any of the links as a result.
How Many Links Should You Put in a Press Release
So, I know what you’re thinking. How many links should you include in a press release?
In general, I think 2-3 links is a reasonable amount to include in the average press release. However, rather than focusing on the number of links you want to put in a press release, I suggest you think about the purpose behind each link you put in. Will that link help the reader further their knowledge on the topic and enhance the overall experience? Or are you just including the link for SEO purposes?
What approach do you take when including links in press releases? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
This article is written by Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases (https://www.ereleases.com), the online leader in affordable press release distribution. Download your free copy of the Beginner’s Guide to Writing Powerful Press Releases here: https://www.ereleases.com/free-offer/beginners-guide-writing-powerful-press-releases/