When I first started my digital marketing career in 2015, I was also working on my B.A. degree in communications. The first five years of my career were spent doing graphic design, social media, blog writing, and public relations (PR) work for various companies. I loved my work, but I always felt like something was missing until I earned web development certifications in 2020 that catapulted my career into a brave new world (for me) – the world of SEO.

As soon as I got into SEO, I realized it had a lot of parallels to the PR world I had just left. A strong focus on long-form content? Check. The goal of increasing a brand’s and website’s visibility? Check. Supports other digital marketing efforts? Check.

When you marry SEO and PR efforts at the launch of your brand, you’re almost guaranteed to succeed. This is especially true when you optimize your press releases for SEO.

Why SEO and Press Releases are a Match Made in Digital Heaven

• Enhanced Visibility: Press releases are a fantastic way to get your news out there. But when you infuse them with SEO best practices, you’re not just reaching journalists and media houses; you’re also directly connecting with your audience through search engines. It’s like knocking out two birds with one stone, especially if you distribute your press release to hundreds of different domains.
• Quality Backlinks: One of the most important reasons to combine SEO and press releases is the potential to earn high-quality backlinks. When a reputable news outlet publishes your press release and includes a link to your website, you’re getting a virtual thumbs up from the digital bigwigs. This not only improves your site’s authority but also boosts your search engine rankings.
• Targeted Keywords: Press releases allow you to incorporate your targeted keywords in a natural, informative context. When you include keywords that correlate with your big news, you’re laying down a breadcrumb trail for search engines and users alike, leading them right to your virtual doorstep.
• Brand Credibility and Authority: When your press release gets picked up by well-known news outlets, it adds a layer of credibility to your brand. It’s like having a badge of honor that shouts, “Hey, we’re trustworthy and authoritative in our niche!”

How to Make the Most Out of This Alliance

• Keyword Optimization: Before drafting your press release, research keywords that resonate with your brand and news. Weave these keywords seamlessly into your content. Remember, it’s not just about stuffing keywords; it’s about making them a natural part of your narrative.
• Value-Driven Content: Your press release should offer value to your audience. You don’t post a press release just to announce that your brand is still in existence. You need to make sure you’re announcing something that matters and also taking it a step further: explaining why it matters. What’s in it for the reader? How does it impact them or the industry?
• Strategic Distribution: Don’t just blast your press release into the digital void. Target platforms and news outlets that are frequented by your audience and industry influencers. This targeted approach ensures your news reaches the right eyes and ears.
• Follow-up Content: After your press release has done its initial rounds, follow up with detailed blog posts or articles on your website. This not only keeps the conversation going but also drives traffic back to your site, giving you more control over the narrative.
• Monitor and Analyze: Like any good SEO strategy, monitoring and analyzing the performance of your press releases is key. Use tools to track the backlinks you earn, the traffic driven to your site, and the overall impact on your search engine rankings.

Examples of Newsworthy Topics for Press Releases

1. Product or Service Launches

• Announce the introduction of a new product or service, detailing its features and the value it brings to customers. Highlight any innovative aspects or how it differs from existing offerings in the market.

2. Significant Business Milestones

• Celebrate key milestones like anniversaries, reaching a significant number of customers, or achieving a noteworthy sales goal. This not only showcases business success but also builds trust and credibility.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations

• Share news about partnerships with other companies or collaborations with influencers in your industry. Explain how these partnerships benefit your customers and what they can expect from this collaboration.

4. Awards and Recognitions

• Publicize any awards or recognitions your business has received. This can enhance your brand’s reputation and showcase your commitment to excellence in your field.

5. Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

• Highlight any CSR activities or community engagement programs your company is involved in. This demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility and can resonate well with socially conscious consumers.

6. Major Company Updates

• Announce significant changes in the company, like leadership changes, rebranding, or shifts in business strategy. This keeps the public and your customers informed about important developments in your business.

7. Research Findings or Industry Reports

• Release findings from any research conducted by your company or insights from industry reports. This positions your business as a thought leader and a credible source of information in your field.

8. Hosting or Participating in Major Events

• If your company is hosting a webinar, workshop, or conference, or participating in a major industry event, use a press release to invite participants and highlight the value of the event.

9. Special Promotions or Sales

• Announce any special promotions, sales, or exclusive offers. This can attract both media attention and customers looking for deals.

10. Customer Success Stories or Case Studies

• Share compelling customer success stories or case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of your products or services. Real-life examples can be very persuasive in showcasing the value of your offerings.

11. Expansion Plans or New Ventures

• Inform the public about expansion plans, be it entering new markets, opening new locations, or launching new ventures. This indicates growth and forward momentum.

12. Charitable Contributions or Community Involvement

• Discuss any charitable contributions or community service initiatives your company is involved in. This can foster a positive public image and show your business’s dedication to giving back.

13. Welcoming New Team Members

• Announce the arrival of new key team members, especially if they are filling significant roles or bringing unique expertise to your company. This can include their background, what they bring to the team, and why their addition is important for your company’s future.