Publishing via press release services is a smart way for businesses to share news, promote content, or even announce a new project. However, the greatest benefit is the boost you get to your SEO. There are free and paid options that you can choose from.
This article will introduce you to seven press release distribution services that you can use. It will also break down the pros and cons of each service.
The explanations are easy to understand, allowing you to select the ones that best suit your needs.
1. PRLog – Freemium Press Release Service
PRLog is a popular platform that lets people post and share press releases. It was created by computer scientist Alain Colmerauer and Philippe Roussel, with contributions from Robert Kowalski.
That was way back in 1972, but they have continued to provide a solid support network for small businesses/
Pros:
- You can submit your release for free with no hidden charges.
- The website is simple to use, even if you’ve never written a press release before.
- Your press release can be found in Google and other search engines thanks to PRLog’s good SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
- You can include links, images, and even videos in your release.
- Your business is also promoted to more than 8,000 subscribers
Cons:
- There is a lot of content on PRLog, so your press release might get buried among many others.
- Free users don’t get featured placements, so your news may not stand out as much.
- Some extra features, like targeting certain industries or regions, cost money.
2. Online PR Media – Premium Press Release Service
Online PR Media offers both free and paid press release distribution services. Bloggers can use the free option for basic needs.
Pros:
- Easy to use, with a step-by-step upload process.
- Your press release stays on the site forever (it’s not deleted after a while).
- You can add a photo and a website link for free.
Cons:
- The free release doesn’t get picked up by as many news websites as the paid ones.
- Advanced features, like adding a video or social sharing tools, cost extra.
- Free releases are reviewed by hand, so it may take a little longer to appear online.
3. PR.com – Press Release Network
PR.com is another platform where bloggers and small businesses can share press releases for great distribution.
Pros:
- Free to submit a press release and create a business profile.
- It can help your blog or brand show up in search engines.
- Let’s you include links and images in your release.
- A good place to network with other businesses or bloggers.
Cons:
- The website design is a bit old-fashioned, which can be confusing for new users.
- Press releases are not always distributed to major news sites with the free plan.
- Extra features, like more visibility, cost money.
4. Free-Press-Release.com
Free-Press-Release.com is a straightforward site where you can easily publish your press release for free.
Pros:
- Very easy for beginners, just fill out a form and submit your news.
- Allows you to add links to your blog or website.
- Your press release can be found in search engines.
- The site doesn’t charge for basic publishing.
Cons:
- Free releases don’t get top spots on the website.
- The design is basic and doesn’t have many tools for customizing how your press release looks.
- There’s a lot of content, so it can be hard for your release to stand out.
5. 1888 Press Release – Free Press Release
1888PressRelease has been around for many years and is still a good choice for bloggers who want to spread the word for free.
Pros:
- Free and simple to use.
- Let’s you add multimedia, like images, to your release.
- Your news can appear in search engines and on the 1888PressRelease site.
- Offers a paid upgrade if you want more features later on.
Cons:
- The free version doesn’t get as much visibility as the paid one.
- Website design is not very modern, which might make navigation tricky.
- Some advanced functions, like faster approval or more categories, cost money.
6. NewswireToday – Free Press Release
NewswireToday is another option for bloggers looking to send out a press release without paying.
Pros:
- Free basic distribution is available for everyone.
- You can add images and links to your release.
- The site covers lots of categories, so you can share news on almost any topic.
- SEO-friendly, so releases can show up in search results.
Cons:
- You have to create an account and sometimes wait for approval.
- Free releases don’t always reach major news outlets.
- Some features, like priority placement or broader distribution, are paid-only.
7. OpenPR – European Focused Press Release Service
OpenPR is a free service used by people around the world to publish press releases. It’s especially popular in Europe, but anyone can use it.
Pros:
- Free to use, with no hidden costs for basic service.
- Offers the ability to include pictures and links in your press release.
- User-friendly interface and quick publishing process.
- Good for getting your news into search engines.
Cons:
- Some advanced options (like analytics or priority listing) are for paid users only.
- Primarily used in Europe, so your news might not always reach a U.S.-based audience first.
- There’s a lot of content, so competition for attention is high.
How to Choose the Right Press Release Service
Picking the best free press release service depends on your goals:
- If you want your news to show up in search engines, PRLog or OpenPR are great choices.
- Do you want to find a super-easy, no-fuss process? Try Free-Press-Release.com.
- If you want to add more photos or videos, look for sites that include multimedia in their free plan, like 1888PressRelease or PR.com.
Remember, free services are usually less powerful than paid services. They might not reach as many journalists or news sites, and your press release could get lost among thousands of others. But for new businesses or anyone who just wants to get their news online, they’re a solid first step.
Final Tips for Businesses Using Press Release Services
- Make your press release clear and interesting. Use simple language and get to the point fast.
- Add a catchy headline and a strong opening paragraph; these help grab attention.
- Include your blog link and contact info, so people can learn more.
- Share your press release on social media and with your own email list, too.
- Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see instant results. Sometimes, it takes a while for your news to get picked up.
Press releases are a great way to bring attention to your blog and connect with new readers. With these services, anyone can give it a try, no big budget required!
