Online Press Releases – Getting Started

Synopsis: This article offers an overview on how to get started with online press releases.

(For even more valuable training on this topic, click here to create your FREE PRWeb account. With this free, no-obligation account, you will gain access to information-packed webinars and other valuable training resources to help make your online PR efforts a success).

An online press release is a great way to highlight and call attention to upcoming events or promotions related to your business. Unfortunately, many business owners don’t utilize online press releases to promote their businesses – and miss out on a lot of potential business as a result.

Why Should You Use an Online Press Release?

Every business needs new customers and advertising is a great way to find that new business. However, advertising can be cost-prohibitive for many business owners. Still, you need to tell people what you have to offer and what makes your business special and/or unique. You can share this information on your web site, but unless your site gets a lot of traffic, your great news will likely go unnoticed. An online press release can change that.

An online press release serves is a virtual “shout out” to the news media. The great thing is that online press releases don’t cost much to outsource- and cost even less if you learn to write them yourself.

Here are a Few Online Press Release Ideas:

• Hosting a business event
• Hosting a product showing
• Adding a new product line
• Business being endorsed by well-known celebrity or business person
• Launching a blog
• Starting new program

This is just a short list to let you know that just about everything you do in your business is worthy of an online press release if you approach it correctly.

Now that you know why you need an online press release, here are some guidelines to help you start writing:

1. Keep your online press release to 1 to 2 pages in length. Be sure to cover the basics of Who,What, When, Where and Why. Also, remember a press release MUST be newsworthy – not promotional in nature.

2. Think Search Engine Optimization. You want to catch the reader’s attention and also the attention of search engines. So, say what you need to say using keywords and phrases. According to a recent educational webinar by leading online press release distributor, PRWeb, the vast majority of all online press releases are NOT search engine optimized. Business owners who skip this step are missing a MAJOR opportunity!

3. Keep it simple – and active. This is the rule of thumb for most all copywriting tasks. Internet readers don’t read word for word, so use short sentences driven by action verbs. Bullets and numbered points also make for quick reading and comprehension.

4. Include your contact information. After putting in the effort, you want readers to be able to contact you!

5. Include a short personal story. Readers love to hear true-to-life examples of why products, events and other things you advertise are important to them. Again keep it straightforward.

Are you now sold on using online press releases to promote your business? If not, you should be! They offer a quick and cost-effective way to reach a lot of potential customers.