What are the benefits of distributing a news release?

Some of the benefits of distributing a news release include:

• Reaching media outlets locally, nationally and online
• Reaching investors and prospective partners
• Getting your message in front of millions of potential customers
• Increasing traffic to your Web site through search engines
• Increasing online sales
• Enhancing credibility--Your release will be included alongside news from larger companies
• Expanding media coverage--PR Newswire is a trusted source of news
• Tracking results via easy to use reports
• Fast and economical content distribution
• Reaching social media and bloggers with tools designed to maximize your exposure

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What is a news release?

A news release (also called a press release) is a written communication directed at the media, financial community, trade and industry analysts, investors and consumers to announce a product, partnership, acquisition, event, personnel announcement, or other newsworthy item. Editors, reporters, and journalists depend on news releases to alert them to unique products, trends and changes in the business landscape. If the journalist or analyst finds the announcement of value they may contact the company for more details and/or an interview. This may result in the company being mentioned in an article or broadcast. Even if a news release does not result in media pick-up, the content can still generate significant consumer interest online.

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Are there tools to help me increase my search engine visibility?

Yes! PR Newswire's online distribution platform, iReach, distributes search engine optimized content to thousands of websites. You can use iReach, PR Newswire's low-cost news release platform, to:

• Send a news release in a few easy steps
• Choose from several online news release options to suit your needs
• Share your news online
• Increase your search engine visibility, and drive site traffic

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What is a multimedia news release?

Multimedia news releases allow you to deliver your news in a multimedia format blending video, audio, text, logos, photos and related documents into a dynamic HTML platform. Existing video and audio footage from commercials, product launches and CEO presentations can be visually packaged with text, photos, hyperlinks, relevant documents and more to help expand the reach of your news.

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Do you guarantee that the media will pick up my release?

Unlike advertising where you are purchasing coverage in a publication or broadcast, with public relations it is up to the media to determine whether or not they will run your story. Coverage, or "pick-up", in a publication or broadcast will typically carry more weight with your target audience than an advertisement because it is considered unbiased third-party information. In most cases distributing a news release is far less expensive than purchasing ad space.

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How can I use social media to generate visibility for my business?

PR Newswire automatically includes links to popular social media and blogging tools with all news releases hosted on prnewswire.com. Included are:

• Bookmarking, social networking and microblogging sites that allow readers to easily share releases with an online community including del.icio.us, digg, Facebook, Google +1, LinkedIn, MySpace, MyYahoo, Newsvine, reddit and StumbleUpon and Twitter.
   
• Blog services such as Blogger, Wordpress and Tumbler allow bloggers to link to a story from their blog.
   
• Blog search services such as Technorati, Google BlogSearch and Twitter search millions of blogs and allow you to see which blogs have mentioned or linked to your release. 
   

A news release posted to any social networking site is made available to the millions of registered bookmarkers, which can dramatically increase a news release’s visibility. Users who click through to news releases have an established interest in that subject area and are more likely to share the information contained in your news release with others. It is the collaborative nature of social media communities that extends both the reach and life of your releases online.

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Should I use visuals (photos and videos) when distributing a news release?

Incorporating photos or videos with your release can increase your visibility with media and consumers. Photos and videos should be compelling and complement your news release. PR Newswire provides several tools that small businesses can utilize to incorporate photos and videos into their news releases. To review some of PR Newswire’s most popular photo services click here.

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Are there any tools to help me get quoted by the media?

You can gain media exposure for your small business by promoting your internal spokespeople and experts to the media. PR Newswire's ProfNet Connect and ProNet Experts can help you do this. ProfNet allows you to respond to requests for expert sources from journalists and proactively alert reporters to experts who can comment on timely and newsworthy topics. You’ll find out what stories are being developed by which reporters, putting you in the loop at just the right time. Plus, you’ll get to know the reporters and freelancers who cover your industry and beat. To learn more click here, or you can schedule a demonstration by completing the Request Information Form.

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How does my release reach my target audience?

To ensure that your news lands on the desk of the person most likely to use it, PR Newswire electronically transmits news releases and other information via its cutting-edge newswire, Internet and satellite network. PR Newswire's dedicated newswire sends the information directly into the central processing computers of selected media and to major business and financial wires such as the Associated Press, Dow Jones, Reuters, Bloomberg and Bridge News. In addition, PR Newswire sends all news releases to appropriate industry trade publications and to more than 5,700 Web sites, databases and online services.

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How can I increase online visibility?

Every domestic news release distributed by PR Newswire is distributed to more than 5,700 Web sites, databases and online services, such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL. This is an extremely powerful tool for small businesses because it gets your release in front of a potential audience of millions, including potential customers. To get set up an account and begin distributing news to media and online, click here.

Additionally, you can utlize PR Newswire's self-serve, online distribution platform, iReach to distribute search engine optimized content to thousands of websites. You can use iReach to:

• Send a news release in a few easy steps
• Choose from several online news release options to suit your needs
• Share your news online
• Increase your search engine visibility, and drive site traffic

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How can I target my message to multicultural markets?

PR Newswire has the ability to reach U.S. Hispanic media, including newspapers, magazines, radio and television outlets on a national, state and local level, and more than 90 Hispanic Media Web sites, including Yahoo! en Español, Hispanic Business, LatinaStyle and Diario Las Americas. We also have the ability to reach African-American, Native American and Chinese-American media on a national level.

PR Newswire provides flexible and cost effective distribution options to help you reach U.S. multicultural markets. We offer specialized newslines that help you promote your company, brand, service and product news to consumers, media and potential investors. For example, PR Newswire members that join via the PR Toolkit can utilize a unique Hispanic Web only distribution, which reaches key Hispanic newspaper and magazine Web sites, including Yahoo! en Español, Hispanic Business and LatinaStyle.

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Why does my company need PR Newswire to send out its message?

PR Newswire content is considered the mainstay among news reporters, investors and individuals who seek breaking news from the source.

You’ll receive maximum visibility online and offline with qualified, engaged audiences using the benefits of Web 2.0 and search engine optimization. PR Newswire puts your news into an interactive realm of social media where it can be seen, shared and talked about by those who rely on our RSS feeds and embedded social media tools. 

Additionally, every domestic new release distributed by PR Newswire is distributed to more than 5,700 Web sites, databases and online services, such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL. This is extremely powerful tool for small businesses because it gets your release in front of a potential audience of millions, including potential customers.

PR Newswire allows you to cost effectively deliver your message to your target audiences in the way they want to receive it.

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When should I issue a news release?

News releases can be used to announce:

• New products
• Significant modification to an existing product
• Changes in corporate identity, such as a new company name or logo
• New Web site
• Joint ventures
• Changes in corporate structure (New division or subsidiary)
• Corporate opinions (Opinion on industry trends)
• Features
• Events (Open houses, trade show involvement, speaking engagements, award ceremonies)
• New funding
• Personnel changes
• Corporate philanthropy (Volunteer work or donations)
• Hiring of agencies (Public relations, accounting, law firm)
• New partners
• Significant new customer
• Media advisories
• Milestones (Customers served, years in business)
• Round of funding received by the company
• Increase in market share or revenue

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What audiences can I target when I issue a news release?

Online:  With most Internet searches beginning at search engines, directories and information portals, PR Newswire is one of the most accessed news sources on the Web. More than 5,700 Web sites, databases and online services, including Yahoo!, AOL, Bloomberg, MSN.com, CNET and Dow Jones Interactive, carry content from PR Newswire, ensuring that potential customers searching for keywords contained in your news releases will find your news.

Social Media and Bloggers:  PR Newswire automatically includes links to popular social media and blogging tools on all news releases on prnewswire.com. A news release posted to any social networking sites is made available to the millions of registered bookmarkers, which can increase a new release’s visibility tremendously. The collaborative nature of social networks and Web 2.0 extends both the reach and life of your news release online.

Media: Each release is distributed via satellite directly into the computer networks at daily newspapers, news services, magazines, television stations and radio stations. Sorting by topic, industry, ticker, geography, keyword and other criteria enables reporters and editors to quickly hone in on useful content.

Industry Trades: Releases are sent to appropriate vertical markets automatically. Trade reporters can select from a broad array of news or tightly control their selection of releases by topic or keyword to mirror their assigned beat.

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I’d like to develop a media campaign. Where should I start?

Target your message to relevant journalists, media outlets, bloggers and other key influencers with Agility Influencer Targeting.

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