5 Press Release Tools Most People Haven't Heard Of

Marketing Tutorials

We often get asked if Press Releases are a viable marketing strategy, and the questions are always going to be:

1. Who's your target audience?
2. What's your budget?
3. What else could you be doing with that money?

There IS a time, place and business size for press releases, but if you're looking for new customers and building a trustworthy reputation online, you're better off going with a plan that combines a strong digital advertising strategy, Search Engine Optimization and education-based content marketing.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that press releases (pr) are extremely old school, and they're for people who don't have the ability to control their own narrative through Search Engine Optimization or who are not strong content marketers.

Still convinced that press releases are the way to go?

Here are some you might want to look into.

The two most common PR distribution services are PR Web and Business Wire. They are pricey, but they have a greater reach as well as partnerships and re-syndication.

There are hundreds of mini pr services out there. Here are some of the more popular DIY types:

• Pitchengine: In the game since 2008 and used by big brands, Pitchengine positions itself as a "complete PR toolkit for independent professionals and small businesses of the gig economy."
• PRnob™: A big advantage of this service is its free tier. So, you can really get a feel of whether or not press releases are for you without spending any of your budget.
• Mynewsdesk: With a HQ in Sweden, Mynewsdesk has been around since 2003. Acquired in 2008 by Norwegian media group NHST.
• Press Release Jet: Press Release Jet is now rebranded to PR Distribution^TM. They have different price plans with varying levels of pr distribution. Level 1, for example, is distribution on the internet including social media. The next level up also includes distribution on news networks such as ABC, CBS, and FOX.

And then there's Help a Reporter (HARO). It's a site where journalists can connect with sources and experts, essentially accomplishing the same goal as a press release would. We found a great article that outlines how to use HARO effectively.

Like what you've just read?

Want more marketing stories straight to your inbox?

Written By: Dafne Canales

Founder and CEO of the innovative digital marketing software company, Spartan Spark, Dafne Canales Lees has earned her reputation as the Data-Driven Digital Storyteller. Her 7-Second Trust Formula uses behavioural marketing strategies to create client trust via digital marketing platforms for a more personalized user experience that translates into additional sign-ups, sales and increased profits.

A member of the Neuromarketing Business and Science Association and the Society for the Advancement of Behavioural Economics, Dafne travels monthly to California to attend meetings with her advisory board. A sought-after speaker and facilitator, this creative innovator never stops giving of her time and talent, even teaching corporate in-house marketing teams the latest digital marketing strategies.