An announcement distributed online that can earn backlinks and brand visibility.Have you ever wondered how big news gets out about a company? It’s often through a press release! But what if I told you that a press release can do more than just share news?
It can be a powerful SEO tool. We will explore what a press release in SEO is, how it works, and give you simple, actionable tips to boost your website’s ranking and authority.
What is a Press Release in SEO?
A press release in SEO is a piece of content created to announce news to journalists, but it is also optimized with keywords and links to improve search engine rankings. It’s a way to get your news published on many high-authority news websites. This creates high-quality backlinks, which Google loves and trusts.
The goal is not just to get the word out, but also to build your site’s credibility in the eyes of search engines. By being featured on respected news platforms, your website is seen as more trustworthy. This can significantly boost your overall SEO performance and online visibility.
How it works for your website
When a news outlet publishes your press release, they often include a link back to your website. These links are like a vote of confidence. When many reliable news sites link to you, Google sees your website as a valuable source of information. This helps your pages rank higher in search results.
Press Release SEO on Different CMS Platforms
The beauty of using a press release for SEO is that it works independently of your CMS. The press release lives on other websites. However, the way you prepare your website to receive the benefits is slightly different depending on your platform.
WordPress
For WordPress, a press release is a fantastic way to build links to your main pages or a special landing page about the news. I always recommend creating a new blog post on your site to share the same announcement. Then, I can link from the press release to my own blog post, which helps it rank better.
Shopify & Wix
On Shopify and Wix, I might focus my press release links on a specific product page or a collection page. For a new product launch, a press release is perfect. I can get links from news sites to my product page, which gives it a great SEO boost. I can also link to a blog post I write about the news on my Shopify or Wix blog.
Webflow & Custom CMS
With a custom CMS or Webflow, I have the power to create a very specific landing page for my press release. I can design it to look exactly how I want and include custom tracking. This lets me get a very clear picture of how much traffic and what kind of visitors are coming from the press release links.
Press Release SEO in Different Industries
Press releases are a universal tool, but I have found that I can tailor them to get the best results for different types of businesses. The key is to make my news newsworthy and relevant to my industry.
Ecommerce
As an ecommerce owner, I use press releases for major announcements like a new product line, a special collaboration, or a holiday sale. I make sure my press release links directly to the product or category page. This not only builds links but also drives sales from people who read the news story.
Local Businesses
For a local business, I focus my press releases on community events, new store openings, or local charity work. I include local keywords and link back to my “About Us” page or my services page. This helps with my local SEO and builds trust in my community.
SaaS & Blogs
If I am running a SaaS company, I announce new features, major updates, or funding rounds with a press release. I link to my product’s features page or my main website. For a blog, I announce reaching a milestone, a new expert guide, or a significant interview. I link to the new blog post to help it get more visibility and authority quickly.
FAQ
Q1: Do press releases still work for SEO?
A: Yes, they absolutely do! While they are not the only SEO strategy, they are a powerful way to get high-quality backlinks and build brand trust. The links from credible news sites are very valuable.
Q2: How do I write an SEO-friendly press release?
A: I always include my main keyword in the headline and first paragraph. I also make sure to include a link to my website using relevant anchor text. The content needs to be newsworthy and well-written so journalists will want to publish it.
Q3: How often should I send out a press release?
A: I send a press release only when I have something genuinely newsworthy to announce. It is not something I do every week. I focus on quality news rather than spamming news outlets with minor updates.
Q4: Can I use press releases for local SEO?
A: Yes, press releases are excellent for local SEO. I make sure to include my city, state, and other local landmarks in the content. I also send it to local news outlets and community websites to get relevant local links.
