Many women in business have tried writing press releases (PR), only to give up on the idea. They think it will be too expensive to distribute or are not sure how to reach their target audience. A well-balanced marketing plan includes a wide variety of online strategies and tools…including using press releases as part of that strategy.

So if you want to reach a targeted audience, here are 3 BENEFITS of using press releases and some quick tips to get you started.

Benefit 1: Targets potential customers

Press releases are great for communicating news to your target audience. Just think of the impact when hundreds of potential customers read your newsworthy ad. Can you see the magnitude of the exposure it can bring to your brand?

Benefit 2: Builds (Search Engine Optimization)

Most PR syndication services submit to multiple news and niche websites. East ENTHUSIASTIC Google! Why? Well, Google, Bing, Yahoo and others track all the traffic from these sites back to your link. This can rank your site higher in search engine results.

Benefit 3: gain credibility

Building trust and credibility is paramount in business! As you become an expert in your industry, it’s important to continually write and send relevant and timely ads. This increases your exposure and brand recognition among your target audience.

4 FREE Press Release Distribution Services

There are many web-based PR syndication services. Most provide helpful tips for writing effective articles, sample templates, and categories for placement. By submitting it to a trusted distribution service, you make it available to a wide network of readers; placed in appropriate categories and delivered to subscribers who have selected those categories. Your PR has the potential to go viral! Here are 4 distribution services that I am familiar with:

• PR record is an online shipping and distribution service.
• web public relations is the leader in online news distribution and online advertising; an inexpensive yet highly effective way for organizations of all sizes to distribute their news on the Internet, increase their online visibility and attract customers.
• FREEPR The distribution service helps small, medium or large companies to optimize their online marketing strategies.
• press exhibition provides businesses, organizations and individuals with a FREE presentation.

When to write a press release?

Sharing newsworthy information, such as a new product or service launch, award, or partnership, could have a positive impact if written and distributed correctly. When should you write one? Here are 4 examples:

• Launch or changes in products or services
• business expansion
• public speaking events
• Community involvement and charity

Tips to get your ad noticed:

• Write effective and optimized headlines
• Include 1-2 full URL links
• Include a call to action
• Use clear and simple language
• focus on the facts
• Submit only newsworthy information

Still not convinced?

In a recent study, I asked 10 women entrepreneurs to share their experience sending out special ads:

Of the 10 women interviewed:

• Two won major contracts.
• Four gained 2-3 new clients in a six month period
• Eight saw a significant increase in subscribers i.e. Twitter Followers and Facebook Fan Page Likes.
• One started additional business as a result of customers requesting complementary services. This growth was due to a public relations campaign over a period of six months.

As you can see, there are significant benefits to incorporating press releases into your marketing strategy. Using press releases to get the word out is smart business!