Did you know a press releases can help drive traffic to your website? And, if you also write press releases that are newsworthy, attention from the media goes a long way in attracting people to your website.

Search engines will find and index the press release. To utilize press releases as a traffic-building strategy, make sure your press release contains key words and phrases that you are using on your website. For instance, if I were to write a new release for my marketing services, I would include words such as marketing, promotion, and small businesses.

To optimize your press release, research keywords for your subject matter and target audience - you can use the Google Keyword tool or Wordtracker. Work these keywords into your press release - especially in the first 250 words - to create keyword-rich content. Add keywords to your press release title.

Here are a few specific tips to make sure that your press releases are successful traffic drivers and attention getters:

1) Headlines are vital. The headline of your press release must do two things. First, it has to grab someone’s attention. Your headline should immediately tell your story and the rest of the press release should simply fill in the details. Second, the title has to be relevant to your website with key words so that the search engines index it using key words that attract your target audience.

2) Write for your audience. When creating your press release, don’t be vague. Keep your audience in mind as you are writing it and target it to them. Imagine your customers reading your press release and describe why this news would be exciting to them. Effective press releases build brand awareness with your customers, target new prospects, and continue to build your business reputation.

3) Be quotable. There are lots of press releases and most of them are filled with babble. Say something in your press release that is interesting. Make it relevant to the topic and unique to break through the sea of info-clutter that surrounds you.

4) Create news. A press release should be newsworthy to capture attention. This means that you are informing the world about a news item - not just to make a sale. Focus on aspects of your business that truly sets you apart from anyone else. Explain how your product/service affects other people, areas, and/or businesses. Relate your news to industry trends or current events.

5) Be clear and precise. A good press release answers all of the “W” questions (who, where, what, when, and why) for your reader. Answer the question, “why should anyone care about my news?” before you start writing your release. Avoid clichés, jargon, hype, and flowery language.

For this traffic-building strategy, consistency is key. Develop a regular schedule to create and distribute press releases. One a month would be quite effective for getting an optimal effect. You can submit a release to online Media sites such as PR Web, P.R. Free, I-Newswire.com, 24-7 Press Release, and Marketwire.

Once you distribute your press release, make sure that you include it on your website as well for added impact. You can create an online Press Room or Media Center that also has your bio and high-resolution, easy-to-download photographs. Not only is this smart for optimization purposes, but it is a good PR strategy. It gives reporters who visit your site background information on your company and your activities.

Be patient with this marketing strategy. In can take time for your press releases to get indexed by search engines and noticed by the media. Reporters often want to wait to see several press releases from your company to see that you are serious. Over time, this marketing technique will not only drive more visitors to your website, but it will result in some great stories in the press!

Hugs and success,

Wendy Maynard
Your friendly marketing maven

Want more powerful marketing strategies? Then it’s time to get the Maven Marketing Home Study System! It’s everything you need to know to attract the best customers for your business. You’ll learn how to describe what makes your business remarkable, how to get new customers calling YOU, and lots of other valuable strategies to help you fill your sales pipeline quickly. (Why struggle with your marketing anymore?)

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