There is a general contention that free press release distribution is a viable option for those marketers that find themselves on a tight budget. This makes the idea of a free release syndication quite tempting, whilst some of the sceptics wonder how effective they are when compared to paid services.
Let us be clear that completely free press release distribution is cost effective and will certainly allow you to expose your company to media participants. This will enable them to expose your business to the general public in the type of information or articles in your market segment, but also considering that it is relevant.
On the one hand, people need to appreciate that free services are not as effective as paid-for services, and although your release will be sent their subscriber base, very few free sites will actually distribute it to a list of verified media contacts. The downside of this, is that it could possibly prevent you from building a lists of contacts by industry, geography, or even specific product preferences. Within both off-line and on-line marketing, there is an undisputable norm that “the money lies in the list”.
Some free press releases are however published on online media only, while some paid press release distribution sites get it published on other news outlets also making the distribution wider. The ultimate values of writing, publishing and distributing free press releases are that they get you the business publicity, even without having to advertise anything. Free releases are proven to be effective in many ways, to let readers take actions by replying to some of the marketing calls and messaging included in those releases.
While you may not be able to directly post your news in media like Google News, many reputable press release outlets can and will do so. Other websites offering free releases are PRLog and Free Press Release, and others even welcome guest editorials of a high value-adding nature. If these type of no-cost releases is your second choice, then at least get some comfort from the fact that they are really great for SEO.
Press release syndication on a free basis, can be fast, easy and effective, and it might be worthwhile considering the needs and marketing reach of a modern business, in order to make an informed decision. Free releases are also often included in premium marketing packages on Business To Business review sites. Some are obviously quite limited, with a maximum of one per day being available, but rather some exposure for your product and services, as opposed to nothing at all. Also do not discard the possibility of distribution through other media website as well as free classified adverts and free events posting.
The media landscape is in a process of constant change, which is redefining the way free press releases are prioritized, especially within the editorial review processes. Editors are becoming increasingly fussy about the type of content that they want associated with their publications or news media. At the end of the day, you get what you paid for, which is a view expressed by those pundits who have a firm believe that free press releases are not really free.