Businesses are always looking for ways to get their name out there. That’s what marketing is all about! One powerful tool you might be overlooking is the press release.

Press releases aren’t just for the newspaper anymore. They’ve evolved in the digital age and can play a huge role in boosting your business’s online visibility and SEO.

Let’s dive into how press releases can help your business stand out online and attract more local customers.

What Are Press Releases and How Can They Help My Business?

A press release is a short, news-style article that shares updates with the public. Think of it as a way to announce big news like a new product, an event, or an achievement to local media and potential customers.

But press releases aren’t just about spreading news—they can actually help your website rank higher in search engines.

When a press release gets picked up by local media or other online outlets, they usually link back to your website. These backlinks from trusted sources can give your website a nice SEO boost, helping it rank higher on Google.

So, press releases help in two hugely important ways: they spread the word and improve your online presence.

Do Press Releases Improve SEO And Local Search Rankings?

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), one of the key factors is how many high-quality websites link back to yours.

These links, called backlinks, show search engines that your website is trusted and relevant. Press releases can generate these valuable backlinks when picked up by local news outlets, industry blogs, or even social media.

If your press release gets featured on a popular local news site, you’ll not only get attention from potential customers but also a high-quality backlink that helps lift your site in the search rankings.

The more trusted websites link back to your business, the higher your chances of ranking at the top when local customers search for services like yours.

What Types Of Events Are Newsworthy For A Press Release?

Not sure what qualifies as “newsworthy” for a press release? Here are a few common events that could work for your business:

New Products or Services: If you’re launching something new, let the world know!
Seasonal Promotions: Announce discounts or special offers, especially if they tie into a bigger community event or need, like helping people prepare for winter.
Community Involvement: Are you sponsoring a local event or donating to charity? Share your good deeds with a press release.
Awards and Certifications: If your business has earned recognition or completed special training, that’s definitely news.
Partnerships or Collaborations: Teaming up with another local business or organization? A press release can help you both get attention.

By looking at the things you do through the lens of newsworthiness, you’re not just promoting your business—you’re telling a story that local media and potential customers will care about.

How Does Press Release Distribution Work And Why Is It Important?

This is the tricky part. Anyone can write a press release, but if it doesn’t get picked up by anyone, it doesn’t do you any good.

Here are the best places to start:

Local Media Outlets: You can send your press release directly to local newspapers, TV stations, or radio stations that might be interested in your news.
Targeted Journalists: It’s also smart to send your press release to specific journalists who write about your industry or local businesses.

There are also press release distribution services that send your press release to a wide range of media outlets. Unless what you’re doing is really revolutionary, this will not help a ton.

Options based on personal relationships will get you the best results.

The better your distribution strategy, the more likely your press release will be published, bringing you both local visibility and those all-important SEO-boosting backlinks.

What Are The Benefits of Press Releases For Small Or Local Businesses?

For small and local businesses, press releases can have a big impact.

Here’s why:

Improved Local Search Rankings: Press releases often lead to high-quality backlinks from local media outlets, which helps your site rank higher in local searches.
Building Brand Authority: Getting featured in the media gives your business credibility. People are more likely to trust you when they see you being covered in the news.
Driving Organic Traffic: As your website climbs in search rankings, more people will find your business through Google or other search engines, leading to increased traffic and more potential customers.

Press releases are more than just a marketing tool. They’re a way to build your business’s reputation and reach more people organically.

Can a Press Release Really Help My Business Get Media Coverage?

Absolutely! When written well and distributed strategically, press releases can attract the attention of local news outlets and industry blogs. Here’s a quick example:

Imagine you run an HVAC company and you see that a record cold snap is about to hit your community. You decide to offer free emergency inspections for low-income families and local schools to help them prepare their heating systems and avoid dangerous breakdowns.

You write a press release highlighting your initiative, emphasizing how it protects vulnerable members of the community and keeps kids safe during the extreme weather. Your release also includes actionable tips for homeowners to maintain their heating systems. This all positions you as an expert in the field.

Local news outlets, always eager for human-interest stories with practical value, pick up the press release. Your company is featured on the front page of the local paper and on a TV segment titled “How One Business Is Helping Our Community Stay Warm.”

Not only do you gain credibility and goodwill, but you also earn high-quality backlinks from the newspaper and TV station websites. These backlinks boost your search engine rankings, helping potential customers find you when they need heating services.

As a bonus, your community-oriented effort builds trust and makes your business top of mind. This increases the chances that readers and viewers will choose your company for their HVAC needs.

The key is to make your press release about more than just promotion—tie it into something that benefits your community or industry.

How Can I Start Using Press Releases To Promote My Business?

If the idea of writing and distributing press releases sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! We can help you at every turn.

LeadsNearby is available for:

Crafting Newsworthy Press Releases: We highlight what makes your business special by writing press releases designed to capture media attention.
Distributing to the Right Outlets: We can help you target the right media outlets and journalists, ensuring your press release reaches those most likely to feature your story.
Monitoring SEO Performance: We track the SEO benefits of your published press release and keep you informed as your search rankings improve.

Whether you’re launching a new service, promotion, or something else significant to the area you serve, press releases are a powerful tool.

Are you ready to see how press releases can work for your business? Call 919-758-8420 or contact us online today and let’s get you the attention you deserve!

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