Press releases, sometimes also known as news releases, are used to announce your business or organization and its activities to the media. The purpose is to catch the attention of editors and journalists who work for newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations with the result being a story about your organization.

While newspapers charge for ad space, if they produce a news story you will get much more coverage than you would with ad space and it will be free. The public naturally trusts and listens to news stories more than they do advertisements so this increases the perceived level of credibility of your organization.

Find Specific Media Outlets:

Many businesses would like to generate publicity in thier local city or regional area. Contact local media outlets such as television, newspapers and local radio stations. Their websites will often provide information about submitting press releases online. Many will accept press releases via email, but it is best to find out which method they prefer.

Online Press Release Distribution Services:

Online press release services will get your news item out to the widest possible audience. Some services charge a yearly fee and others per press release. However, there are several good sites that will let you submit your press release for free or a very low cost.

Bonus Online Publicity

When you submit a press release online your website and business will get extra publicity. How? Press release services automatically send their submissions to many websites including Google News and Yahoo News.

Widely distributing your press releases has several benefits:

* Gaining the interest of regional or national news media

* Getting incoming links to your organizations website

* Further increasing your businesss profile and credibility

* Reach web surfers on sites such as Google News who may be interested in your cause these could be potential donors or organizations with whom you can partner in the future