Using press releases is a cost-effective strategy with high ROI

The great thing about press releases is that they offer something for both big and small businesses looking for promotions. While creating and distributing press releases is relatively simple, this strategy can deliver results that can compare to the results that more expensive methods can give you.

The most affordable way to promote your business

All businesses are looking for publicity. Since advertising is the first thing that comes to mind when you’re talking about promotions, it’s quite common for businesses to jump into an ad campaign immediately. Sadly, advertising can cost a lot, and only big businesses can afford the steep costs of these campaigns. This discourages small business owners from even trying to compete in the big leagues. Luckily, more and more entrepreneurs are recognizing the effectiveness of the most affordable alternative to big ads – and that is press releases, on line and off line.

What are press releases?

Press releases are short and concise articles that detail an event or product or service being offered by a company. Normally sent to newswires, they function as teasers to promote interest in the item being offered. Since they are short, they go directly to the point and avoid unnecessary words. If the press release can be completed in two pages, that’s good. If it can be done in one, that’s even better. The shorter, the better. However, while economical use of words is a must, you must still make sure that all the information needed are provided, with particular attention to each part.

The parts

The headline needs to be arresting, demanding attention from its readers. The subhead must be able to support the headline so that if the headline attracts attention, it must keep that attention. After the headline and the subhead, there’s the lead – a short paragraph answering the questions who, what, when, where, and how – and the body, which works to provide additional details for the lead. It is highly recommended that you use quotes in the body to give your quotes perspective and credibility. After this comes the boilerplate—a one- to two-sentence section that informs the reader about the company for which the press release is being written. When you’re done, don’t forget to put the symbol “###” after the boilerplate to signal the end of the press release. After that, you must also place your contact information in the press release so that you can be reached, should there be a need.

Then what?

Now, it’s time to submit your press release. For ease and convenience, it is best that you go with press release distribution services like PressReleaseRoom.com. Aside from speeding up the submissions process, the service can also help you in coming up with top-quality press releases. PressReleaseRoom.com also has more resources to help ensure that your press releases get submitted to more venues for exposure. Think that sounds good? There’s something better. Most press release distribution services are free, so you don’t have to worry about sticking to a budget. Even paid services will cost you way less than what it would take if you went and used traditional advertising services.