by Claudia Bruemmer

As most wholesalers know, press releases should be optimized for good rankings and to make them easy to find in search engines. Proper optimization will result in new traffic and brand recognition for your company and products. Below are 10 tips for creating an optimized press release, followed by a list of 8 press release distribution sites.

1. Keyword Research: You need Google News specific keywords, and the best resource for that is Ubersuggest. That’s because traditional keyword research tools such as WordTracker and Keyword Discovery focus on general search engines rather than Google News.

2. Single Keyword Focus: Narrow down to the focus of your release with one keyword phrase and use that phrase in several variations. Use this keyword phrase first in the title if possible, unless it makes the title awkward because the title must be compelling and user friendly.

3. Images: Always submit an image with keywords in the file name. You can attach additional images as well.

4. Video: If you have a video, include it as an embedded element of the release. Video can create a lot more engagement with your release.

5. Distribution Service: It’s wise to use a PR distribution service for wide distribution and exposure. These services are indispensible, and we provide a list below for your consideration.

6. RSS Feed: If you publish an RSS feed, use it to syndicate and promote your release. Tools include Twitter Feed and Pingomatic. Post a short or summary version of your release with a link to Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.

7. Articles: You can create a timely, newsworthy article about your release to post on your site, blog or other publications for more links and editorial attention.

8. Multiple Releases: You can build more awareness by creating a series of sequential press releases over time.

9. Press Release Archives: Use keyword categories rather than chronological organization in archiving your press releases. This is more useful because they can be tagged with keywords and associated with topical categories relevant to your business, media interest and customer interest.

10. Links to Other Content: If you publish white papers, reports, ebooks or case studies, consider linking to a relevant press release. Just embed links within that content that can be found by search engines.

Press Release Distribution Sites

As advertising costs rise and organic visibility gets more competitive, a press release can achieve good rankings in the SERPs. Finding a quality press distribution site is essential. The better sites will get more link juice and will likely to get into Google News and be syndicated elsewhere, giving you exposure at the top. Below is a review of 8 press distribution sites to consider.

1. PR Web: One of the best and most well-known of all press release distribution sites, PR Web is the distribution network of choice for many leading businesses.

2. SEO-PR: Another well-known PR distribution site that also offers SEO services, video marketing and social media marketing services headed by Greg Jarobe and Jamie ODonnell.

3. PR.com: Provides the option of paid and free press release distribution, as well as a company profile page. Both paid and free accounts get distribution to online news sites.

4. Online PR Media: Free and paid press release distribution with traditional press releases augmented with multimedia, social media and search engine optimization.

5. I-Newswire: Used by a number of Fortune 500 companies, as well as small to medium sized businesses, I-Newswire offers small-business-specific packages.

6. SB Wire: Offers free (ad supported) or paid press distribution. Pro membership based on a monthly fee with free 30 day trial for premium membership.

7. Press Method: Free and paid press distribution with basic feedback including next day distribution and number of times the release has been viewed.

8. Free Press Release Center: An online news and press release distribution service for small and medium-sized businesses.

In conclusion, press releases must be optimized for good rankings and top search engine exposure. Following the above tips for creating optimized press releases should result in new traffic and brand recognition for your wholesale business.