“Extra! Extra! Send Out a Press Release”

If you want people to know what you are up to in your online business, sometimes you have to shout it from the cyber rooftops. One way to do that is through the use of press releases to promote your website.

What is a Press Release?

A press release is basically an announcement. You see them in newspapers and online. For your business, you will use the online approach. When something exciting and new is going on in your business, this is a simple but effective way to let people in on the good news.

These one-page write ups highlight a particular event that is pertinent to your business. When your website is up and running send a short press release to let others know that you are on the scene. Other reasons to write a press release might include a new product launch, a new website launch or a new partnership you are embarking on. 

Tips for Writing a Press Release

Like we said above, press releases are most effective for website promotion when they are kept to one page. Anything longer and you will lose your audience right away. The point is to grab their attention quickly and hold it long enough for them to click and visit your website.

To get all of that said and done in one page takes focus - a targeted approach in your press release writing. There are a few key things to include in your press release:

• Keyword-rich headline (include the line "For Immediate Release" underneath it)
• The where, when, who, what, how and why for the press release
• Bulleted points (easier to read)

A catching headline let's others know what is going on. They will become intrigued and have to read more. Headlines with keywords also help your press release to rank high with the search engines which is what you want so that relevant traffic can find it.

In a conversational manner, lay out the facts for your readers in the body of the press release. You can create a scenario for your readers using a real event from your life such as what prompted you to start the Internet business in the first place. Or, you can link your "big announcement" to some event already big in the news to gain attention.

After you engage them, don't forget to add your website so they can find out more information about your product, site launch or whatever else you are announcing. Your increased traffic will help you gauge how effective your press release has been.

There are websites that will let you showcase and distribute your press releases for free. You will get all the buzz you can handle if you go this route. Here are a few of the ones to check out:

• PRBuzz.com
• 24-7PressRelease.com
• Free-Press-Release.com
• PR.com

Sites like these distribute press releases to news sites, search engines and other relevant places to increase your traffic.

Press releases can get you noticed on the Web. If you know how to write one properly you are even more ahead of the game. Use them to promote all aspects of your website business and watch your business grow.