Making your website work for you 24/7 should be the #1 priority of your online marketing strategy. The challenge is to get past the clutter. To soar above the competition. And to rank high on the search engine pages.

So, how do you successfully drive traffic to your site? Let’s look at one powerful strategy you can apply to enhance your online presence today: submitting press releases online.

Regularly publishing a newsworthy release is an excellent way to boost your online visibility. When you post, it helps maximize your SEO efforts and drives more traffic to your website. As mentioned in the previous section on directories, including keyword-rich links in the copy increases your search engine rankings. Another benefit of submitting news worthy information online is that they are archived. One release will get exposure for a long time.

Regularly posting -or whenever you have something newsworthy-is great for publicity and direct exposure. Companies, journalists, PR agencies, and the general public opt-in to have specific types of press releases sent to them daily.

There are numerous PR websites. Some are free while others charge. Express-Press-Release.com is free, easy to use, and requires no registration. www.PRWeb.com allows you to choose from 4 distribution packages. The basic package is $80 and the most advanced is $360.

Anatomy of a press release:

• Must be newsworthy and interesting.

• Must include your key message.

• When announcing a new service or product, you must be clear about what it is and why
it’s important.

Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial Inc. is a copywriting and editing company specializing in writing marketing materials for travel-oriented companies and small businesses. Visit http://www.mlsalater.com and sign up for The Tourism Marketing Solution, a free newsletter that offers articles and tips on how to successfully market your travel business.

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After you have thought about strong compelling brands that impressed you start building your own brand statement by distilling down your essential core message: Who are you and how do you want people to identify with you? What values do you represent? When people think about you what image do you want them to visualize? Think about what sets you apart from you associates. This is about building your own image so forget the company or business in your personal brand statement.

Now that you have started thinking about your core message consider ways that you can reinforce your brand. Remember YOU are the brand, not your product or service, so this is essentially about you. Where and how can you demonstrate your brand message? When and how can you reinforce your brand?

Your brand needs to be authentic, from the heart; you can’t make a brand statement believable about something you are not. When evaluating your brand message it’s important to understand your audience who are you trying to impress with you message? What do you want them to remember? You are creating your own “personal buzz” with your brand so the more you can hone in on your audience the better you can craft your message. It?s important to recognize that you can?t be all things to all people so you want to capture your target audience with your message.

Everything you do should have your brand image, whether it?s giving a speech, writing a letter or the message heard on your voice mail. The brand is a living thing, the more you utilize it the more powerful it will become. Building a brand is like using a set of building blocks. One piece doesn’t make much of a structure but 20 pieces will. Think about how you can build your brand by adding pieces to enforce the totality of the structure “you.” Getting outside opinions helps your cause. When people think about you what assets to they remember? If it?s different than what you are tying to convey then you need to reshape your message.

Take a moment to study the brand messages of people you admire or hope to model. Using the Internet is a great place to do this. Type in the name of the person in quotation on any search engine and see what turns up. It should give you ideas on ways to craft your own message.

Think about how many places you have your name listed on a piece of paper or the Internet. That?s where you should be building your identity here a short list of places you should be making your brand shine.

Voice mail

Business cards

Stationery

Email address & SIG file

Personal website

Press releases

Personal branding will help you stand apart from your competition. Whatever the circumstances your brand can only enhance your identification in the marketplace. Keep on refining and honing your brand message as you become more comfortable with whom you are.

Recognized Packaging Guru and Chief People Packager JoAnn R. Hines unlocks the secrets that propelled her career from anonymity to world recognized leader. This indispensable workbook will show you specific ways to accomplish your personal branding goals and launch your career into the stratosphere. We have done all the work for you with guidelines, cheat sheets and easy-to-use templates to customize for your own use.

“The Packaging Yourself Workbook” is the only career workbook you will ever need!

This workbook cuts through the clutter in a simplified, straightforward manner and drastically reduces the time it takes to build your personal brand.

The “Packaging Yourself Workbook” is $29.95 plus shipping and handling. Place your order @ http://packaginguniversity.com/pkgustorefront.htm

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There are some ‘rules’ for press releases that you are going to want to follow if you want your press releases to get publish more often than not.

The first guideline is to use letterhead. Make it look professional. If an official letterhead is not available, use your company logo and as much information as you can fit on the page. You want to be able to be contacted if the media has questions or need clarification on your press release.

The next thing you want to make sure you put in your release are the words “Press Release” so the reader knows what they are looking at. If you want it to go out ASAP, put the words “For Immediate Release” or for future date, “To Be Released
On” and the date so they know not to release it before the event has taken place.

You will want to come up with a headline and sub heading that are eye catching. If you can’t get the editors attention, your chances of getting published go down considerably. You want the editor to know that the story will be interesting to their readers as well.

Keeping the body of the press release double spaced and a maximum of three pages. If you can get your point across in less than three pages, by all means, do it! You don’t want to come across as a rambler. When you reach the conclusion of your release, add ### under the last paragraph. This is a signal to the editor that the press release is finished.

Also, you will want to keep the press release light and easy to read. Try to stay away from too many industry terms that the layman will not understand.

Once you get the hang of it, you will see that putting out a press release that gets published is quite simple.

Rod Beckwith is a software publisher and PR expert that has created “Press Equalizer,” which generates FREE publicity and backlinks for its users. For more information see: http://www.pressequalizer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rod_Beckwith http://EzineArticles.com/?Press-Releases-Are-Not-Advertisements&id=451238

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There are a couple of things to keep in mind when you are looking to have your press release published, however.

The first is to let them know how your community has a niche that your company fills. This could be anything from a Kosher deli to custom Harley paint jobs.  The important
thing is to let the community know that you are the answer to their questions or things they didn’t even know they needed.

If your company donates to the community through money donations, through labor or even by donating products, it is acceptable to write a press release stating what you have
been up to since the last time you released news. When your employees go out and help build a home for Habitat for Humanity, spend time reading to kids or feeding the hungry, a press release will not only make the employee feel valued, but it will pass along the information to the community.

You can even do a human-interest type piece about how your company got started. What was the idea that made you think you could make living selling doggy sweaters in Florida? Was it tough to get funding? How much did you struggle to get the money together to open the franchise? Did you have support from your family or was it all on your own? Whatever the answers are to these questions, write about it.

Watch the news; tell how your business relates to current events. If gas is at an all time high, tell them how your mechanic services will help save gas by making their engines
run more efficiently.

Another great thing to keep in mind is, when readers look at press releases, they are looking at it as a story, not an advertisement. That’s because most people think that press releases are written by the newspaper and must be very important news.

Rod Beckwith is a software publisher that has created “Press Equalizer,” which generates FREE publicity and backlinks for its users. For more information see: http://www.pressequalizer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rod_Beckwith http://EzineArticles.com/?Press-Releases-Are-Not-Just-For-Big-Announcements&id=451217

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One effective way to do this it to add a link in your email
signature. You can simply put in a sentence saying you were
featured in the local paper or boast that your company was
in the New Yorker magazine. If the newspaper or magazine has
a link to the article, put that in your signature as well so
anybody who is interested can read the press release without
having to search for it.

Also, use your press release for free publicity at your
website. Post any favorable articles that have been written
about you or your company, with permission, of course. Or,
write favorable articles yourself. That way you know you
have full rights to the content. It is a wise move to put a
press release kit right on your website for media relations.
Often, before a reporter will commit to doing a story, they
will check out the website.  A media kit is a way to knock
your creditability up a few notches as well.

Reprints are another way to recycle for free publicity.
Send copies of newspaper stories to editors of other media
with a letter stating that there is another angle of the
company that wasn’t pursued. Also, send reprints of local
newspapers to national publications. By sending articles in
trade publications to editors anywhere, you can increase
your press release range.

Once a press release is done about you or your company,
follow up with a letter to the editor showing a different
point of view. This increases the number of people who will
read about you. Sometimes, the editorial page is all that
people have time to read. If they come across your letter,
they may go back and read the original press release.

Another very handy way to get your name and image out there
is through testimonials. You may be able to pull quotes from
people who have tried and love your product. Use them
everyplace you can, web ads, print ads, press releases, etc.

Also, offer testimonials to others talking about how much
their product has enriched your life. Add your photo to the
quote a long with your business name and website. This will
be a great source of truly free publicity.

Rod Beckwith is a software publisher that has created “Press
Equalizer,” which generates FREE publicity and backlinks for
its users. For more information see: http://www.pressequalizer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rod_Beckwith http://EzineArticles.com/?Free-Publicity-Can-Be-Recycled&id=451246

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Writing a press release is, not very much different from writing any other document. In this article, you can find some important tips that can help you to write an effective press release and you may get full benefit of a press release:

1. Headline or Title: Headline or title of your press release plays most important role in success of your press release because you just have few seconds to grab attention of your reader and only after reading that headline reader decides to read this article or not. Make sure to have an attractive headline that may bind a reader to read it fully.

For example, XYZ Company Is going to Launch A Product wouldn’t be good and effective for your release. But just replacing it with the headline Quick Launch of An Amazing and Revolutionary Product by XYZ Company may sure grab more attention for your press release.

2. Content: One of the most important thing is the content of your press release because all your success depends on it. Make sure to have your content newsworthy and interesting to a reader, as nobody will be interested in stale ones. It should be in proper flow to continue reader from start to end. Make sure to focus on what is newsworthy in your story and why if you want to get the best chance of inclusion in your preferred chosen media.

3. Formatting: Formatting of a press release also so important to remember which you are going to use while writing a press release. Format of a press release should not like formatting any other piece of writing letter or draft. Always keep format simple and sweet.

It will be better to use some specific elements in order to make content of your press release appealing as often it takes place on the desk of busy journalists, and quickly become buried under a lot of other press releases, news stories, and papers in lack of eye-catching and appealing headings or format.

4. Structure: Success of your press release also depends on the structure of your press release. Make sure to follow pyramid principle in your press release and always start with most important paragraph that includes most important lines.

In second or third paragraphs mention everything in detail about your products and services you offer. Also mention your specialty here again (if you have and find it appropriate) in bold or italics.

In fourth paragraph, add a quote from owner or the CEO of the company.

5. Third Party opinion: It is recommended to publish third party opinion. Including a positive opinion about your company or product or services by a third party of relevant background in resource section of your press release can really make a difference and make your press release successful.

6. Contact Details: At last add your contact details, including website, email address, direct telephone numbers and their extensions for the respective department where applicable to complete your profitable, press release.

Webexcel Solutions- (An ISO 9001:2000 Certified) [http://www.webexcelsolutions.com]Software Development Company and an [http://www.webexcelsolutions.com/seo/index.htm]SEO Company
Author involve in research and analysis of various search engine strategies and algorithms. More Articles by author at [http://coolslko.blogspot.com]Latest SEO Tips and Strategies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neeraj_Srivastava http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-To-Write-An-Effective-Press-Release&id=842056

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Following are the basics of creating an effective news release.

The purpose of a press release:

To create awareness about your business and your product or service.
To establish an image of you and your business as standouts in your niche.
To drive traffic to your website or store.
How to use press releases most effectively:

Don’t think of a press release as a one-time thing. Send them frequently, perhaps once a month, to maintain top-of-mind awareness among your target audience.
Sell, don’t just tell. Since your goal is to generate business, your news needs to be more compelling than “here we are, we’d love to have your business.” It’s okay to use that occasionally, or just to get started. More persuasive angles are discussed below.
Distribute them far and wide. Depending on whether you’re an online business, a brick-and-mortar business, or both, you have many options: your local newspaper(s), trade publications, and online news release services. Go ahead and send it multiple places.
Attention-grabbing angles for a press release:

Push an emotional hot button. Depending on your product or service and your own convictions, there’s a lot to choose from; hot-button issues are famous for getting people to take notice–and take action.
Piggyback on a current news item. Anything in the news already has their attention; they’ll be interested in your story for more information.
Tie into a holiday. And be imaginative with what constitutes a holiday! Probably every week of the year, there’s a recognition of some sort; find one that connects with what you do.
Hook up with a charity. Depending on your niche, it could be animals, children, world hunger, or any number of good causes. The ways you can capitalize on people’s generosity are almost countless.
Tell about a controversy. Or…create one, by challenging something that an expert has recently said.
Reveal a scam. People love to hate scams, and this works very well in certain niches.
Announce a free report you’ve just released. (Be prepared to deliver the report, of course.)
Hold a contest. Or ask for contributions of reader stories on a particular theme that relates to your business.
Give away a free product or service.
Do a human-interest story. People love warm-fuzzy stories, so this is one that has great potential for being turned into a full-length story.
Remember, whatever angle you choose, the press release should always lead back to you, your business, your product or service, your website, or your store. A word of caution, though: in order to do its job, a press release must be done right! No readers means no buyers.

The ultimate goal of a press release is to motivate people to buy from you. When done right, they can be powerful marketing tools. Find someone skilled in writing press releases and get in the habit of sending them out regularly. Before you know it, you’ll be the best-known business in your niche–and have the profits to show it.

Lisa J. Lehr is a freelance copywriter specializing in direct response and marketing collateral, with a special interest in the health, pets, specialty foods, and inspirational/motivational/self-help niches. She has a degree in biology, has worked in a variety of fields including pharmaceuticals and teaching, and has volunteered for many causes including special-needs kids and literacy. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, art, music, outdoor exercise, and all things Celtic and Renaissance.

Have you signed up for her free e-mail series on marketing strategies? http://www.justrightcopy.com

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The very first part of your new product launch strategyshould contain a well written press release. It is veryimportant to make your press release newsworthy. You canorganize a product launch at a trade show which will createadditional buzz and interest. If you do this right you cangenerate substantial interest and free media coverage whichcould be worth tens of thousands of dollars in advertising.

The next step of your new product launch strategy is toannounce the product launch to your list. Your list alreadyknows and trusts you. If it is something that intereststhem they will buy your product. You can create a videowhich advertises the benefits and this will increase theinterest level in the product.

The following step is to find suitable joint venturepartners. They will announce your product to their list.You have to offer them something in return. You can offeraffiliate commissions or offer to send your list an emailannouncing their product.

A well executed new product launch will result in aninitial rush of new business helping you to maintain astable business with a lot of cash flow. The importance ofthis cannot be underestimated.

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Mark Abrahams is a full time internet marketer who has helped others to earn a living online.

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No doubt the media is looking for your interesting information.

Still, MOST press releases are ignored. When I worked in broadcasting, even at a music station, I say a trash can fill daily with unopened envelopes contained boring press releases. The news guy knew there were a waste of his time.

When I worked at a newspaper.. it was a dumpster each day.

Today, the Internet has made it cheaper to send bad press releases, and the volume has expanded exponentially.

So, why bother with a press release?

The answer is simple.. those reporters and producers are STILL TRYING TO FIND YOU.

According to a surveys by Middleberg/Ross and the Pew Internet Project, 98 percent of working journalists go online daily. They use the internet for article research most.. but 76 says they use the internet to FIND SOURCES AND EXPERTS.

You are the expert. You wrote the book, right?

Nearly as many (73%) say they use the net to “search for press releases”.

One of the authors I work with submitted a press release recently. Over 100,000 hits, almost all of them didn’t amount to anything. However, one radio show called him, and then one network reality show offered him a chance to appear as an expert in an upcoming production.

Does this mean you should flood the media with press releases? No, you can still wear out your welcome. But if you have a comment on a news story, announce results of your research, achieve a milestone, or start a new project, it’s appropriate to write a release.

Warren Whitlock is the Marketing Results Coach. His mission is to help authors and businesses improve the results of their marketing programs. Warren is a #1 best selling author, publisher, and editor of dailywarren.com, an online web log (blog) focused on book marketing. Warren is an entrepreneur in the computer and imaging industries, several offline businesses and Internet properties. He started his career in broadcast advertising, developing cross promotions between two or more businesses, and has used the same strategies in direct mail and other media. http://www.bestsellerauthors.com

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Many people ‘gasp’ at the thought of committing the written word to the page.  Don’t be scared, just apply these quick and easy steps to write foolproof media releases!  Let’s get started!

Always remember when writing your media release that editors will likely give you a ‘10 second’ glance to see if the topic is newsworthy.  Make sure you cover all the media release basic essentials to ensure your media release isn’t ‘tossed’ before it gets even the 10-second once-over.

Before You Start Writing Your Media Release

Before you even begin typing, take a moment and determine ‘what is your story’ or ‘what is your angle’.  What do you want to communicate and why?  Some media release ideas are the launch of new product, change in your company that affects your customers, or an event that affects your industry.

Remember that a media release is not an advertisement; your story needs to be a newsworthy account about you or your company.

Essentials for Media Releases

You are ready to start writing, take the time to familiarize yourself with the essentials required in all media releases.

· “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” on the top left of the page

· Contact name, title, address, phone number, fax number, email address

· Headline, bold and centered on the page (more on writing effective headlines later)

· Location and date

· No more than one page in length

· Be concise and grammatically correct (no spelling errors!)

· At the bottom, provide a bio on the company, person etc.  Provide brief details and remember to include a website address where readers can get more information.

O.k. the essentials are the easy part, let’s delve into the guts of your media release and the tools for writing effective content.

Effective Media Release Content

1. Headline – Some PR people say that you need to spend as much time writing the headline as you do on writing the entire content of the media release.  The headline needs to capture attention, while at the same time convey the content of the media release.  The headline may be the only thing an editor reads of your media release so ensure it’s a good one!

2. Paragraph structure – Make sure you make your most important statements in the first paragraph, waiting too long could mean your media release is never read!  The headline along with your opening paragraph should tell a gripping story. Answer the five critical questions, who, what, where, when and why.  The last paragraph is your call to action – make it clear and compelling.

3. Writing Style – Keep your audience for the media release in mind and ensure all information is factual and relevant to that audience.  Provide statistics and/or relevant quotes that substantiate the information you are providing.  Limit jargon and slang.

4. Distribute – Spend the time researching and creating a distribution list.  Effective media releases do work; you just need to ensure that you send your media release to the right places.  Check out industry associations, relevant publications (both print and online), newswire services, PRWeb, the opportunities are endless!

Writing a foolproof media release will take a little time and effort.  The rewards of free publicity, resulting in even more customers and revenue are worth the investment!  Why not try writing and distributing a media release today!

Matt Bacak became “#1 Best Selling Author” in just a few short hours.
Recent Entrepreneur Magazine’s e-Biz radio show host is
turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success Stories.
Discover The Secrets To Unleash The Powerful Promoter In You! Sign up
for Matt Bacak’s Promoting Tips Ezine ($100 value) just visit his
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