Effective communication is crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their visibility and engage with their target audience. Press releases play a vital role in this communication strategy, serving as formal announcements of newsworthy events, product launches, or significant company updates.
eReleases is a leading press release distribution service that simplifies the process for businesses of all sizes.
This article delves into the features, benefits, pricing structure, and alternatives to eReleases, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering this service.
What is eReleases?
Founded by Mickie Kennedy in 2000, eReleases specializes in distributing press releases to a vast network of journalists and media outlets.
The platform is designed to help businesses gain media coverage and improve their public relations efforts.
By partnering with Cision PR Newswire, eReleases ensures that its clients’ announcements reach over 100,000 journalists and 4,500 online news sites.
This targeted approach allows businesses to connect with journalists who are genuinely interested in their news.
Key Features of eReleases
eReleases offers several key features that distinguish it from other press release services:
1. Comprehensive Distribution
eReleases provides national distribution through major newswires, ensuring extensive reach across various media outlets. This includes syndication to Google News, Bing News, and Yahoo News, maximizing the chances of media pickup.
2. WireWatch™ Report
After distribution, clients receive a detailed report that tracks where their press release was published and how many views it garnered. This feature allows businesses to evaluate the effectiveness of their press release and adjust future strategies accordingly.
3. Editorial Review
To ensure high-quality submissions, eReleases includes an editorial review feature that helps catch errors and improve the overall quality of the press release before it goes live. This service is particularly beneficial for businesses that may not have dedicated PR staff.
4. User-Friendly Interface
The eReleases platform is designed for ease of use, allowing businesses to create and upload their press releases quickly and efficiently. The straightforward ordering process helps users navigate through the necessary steps without confusion.
5. Targeted Distribution Lists
Clients can select specific industry target lists to ensure their press releases reach the most relevant journalists. This hyper-targeting feature increases the likelihood of coverage by connecting businesses with journalists who cover their specific industry or niche.
6. Writing Services
For an additional fee, eReleases offers professional writing services to help craft compelling press releases. This option is ideal for companies that may lack the expertise or resources to write effective announcements.
Benefits of Using eReleases
Utilizing eReleases can provide numerous advantages for businesses:
1. Increased Visibility
By leveraging a vast network of journalists and media outlets, businesses can significantly enhance their visibility and reach. This increased exposure can lead to higher website traffic and improved brand recognition.
2. Cost-Effective Marketing
Compared to hiring traditional PR firms that may charge upwards of $6,000 per month, eReleases offers more affordable packages starting at $399. This cost-effectiveness makes it accessible for small to medium-sized businesses looking to make an impact without breaking the bank.
3. Enhanced SEO
Press releases distributed through eReleases are optimized for search engines, helping improve online visibility. Including relevant keywords in press releases can enhance search engine rankings and drive organic traffic to company websites.
4. Performance Tracking
The WireWatch™ report provides valuable insights into how well a press release is received by the media and public. Businesses can track metrics such as views, clicks, and social media shares to assess the effectiveness of their announcements.
5. Expert Support
eReleases offers responsive customer support through phone, email, and live chat. This level of support ensures that clients can get assistance when needed, enhancing the overall user experience.
Pricing and Packages
eReleases offers three main pricing tiers designed to cater to various business needs for press release distribution:
| Package | Price | Features Included |
|---|---|---|
| Buzz Builder | $399 | 400-word limit; one industry target list; national distribution via PR Newswire; editorial review; WireWatch™ report |
| Newsmaker | $499 | 500-word limit; two industry target lists; same features as Buzz Builder with expanded reach |
| PR Pro | $699 | 600-word limit; three industry target lists; includes direct emails to journalists; enhanced analytics |
Each package includes distribution via major news outlets such as Cision PR Newswire and Google News. Businesses can also opt for additional features at an extra cost:
- Additional Words: $150 per block of 100 words
- Local Saturation: $150
- Cision Influencer List: $150
- Press Release Writing Services: $300
This tiered pricing structure allows businesses to select a package that aligns with their marketing goals and budget constraints while ensuring they receive adequate exposure.
For more information on eReleases’ pricing and plans, check their official site here.
Common Pitfalls of Using eReleases
While eReleases has many advantages, there are also potential pitfalls to consider:
Cost Considerations
Although more affordable than traditional PR firms, the cost may still be prohibitive for small startups or businesses with very tight budgets. Companies should weigh the potential return on investment against the expenditure involved in using the service.
Expectation Management
eReleases emphasizes that not all press releases will result in media coverage. The success of a press release depends on factors such as newsworthiness, timing, and even luck. Businesses must manage their expectations accordingly.
Limited Control Over Content Placement
Once a press release is distributed, companies have limited control over how or where it will be picked up by media outlets. This unpredictability can lead to frustrations if desired coverage does not materialize.
Potential Over-Reliance on Press Releases
Some businesses may fall into the trap of relying solely on press releases for marketing efforts rather than integrating them into a broader strategy that includes social media engagement and content marketing.
Alternatives to eReleases
For those considering options beyond eReleases, several alternatives offer similar services:
NewswireJet
NewswireJet provides affordable press release distribution starting at $99 per release. It offers national distribution through various channels but lacks some advanced features found in eReleases like detailed performance analytics.
EIN Presswire
EIN Presswire starts at $99.95 per release and offers comprehensive distribution options along with an AI-driven press release generator. It provides solid performance tracking but may not have as extensive a journalist network as eReleases.
Prowly
Prowly combines press release distribution with public relations software tools starting at around $258 per month when billed annually. It focuses on building media relations but does not offer as wide-reaching distribution options as eReleases or other dedicated services.
Conclusion
eReleases presents an effective solution for businesses seeking to enhance their public relations efforts through strategic press release distribution.
With its user-friendly platform, comprehensive distribution network, and valuable reporting tools, it offers significant advantages for organizations looking to gain visibility in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
However, potential users should remain aware of the associated costs and manage expectations regarding media coverage outcomes. But generally speaking, eReleases is a great investment for what you get.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of businesses can benefit from eReleases?
Businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from eReleases, especially those looking to announce product launches, events, or significant company news.
Are there any hidden fees?
No, eReleases does not have hidden fees; all costs are clearly outlined in their pricing packages.
Can I include multimedia elements in my press release?
Yes, eReleases allows users to include images with their press releases. You can add up to two images per release, with the option to include additional multimedia elements for an extra fee.