A press release is an announcement that alerts the media of news. Traditionally, press releases were submitted to newspapers, and an editor determined whether to run the release. Today, however, press releases are also important, valuable tools for online marketing, even for dentists. Your release will be subject to review, but it will probably be approved for publication if it’s well written and newsworthy.
- A press release is one of the best ways to kick off an Internet marketing campaign or contest
At least temporarily, a press release accepted by two or three Internet press release companies can get your site a nice, high rank. Press releases (like blogs, but more so) are considered news by Google and other search engines. The backlinks to your website in the release are good for your site’s rankings more long term. - It’s also great way to get free advertising in your local paper
A press release about your new website, an event you’re hosting, or a charitable event your office participated in can be a wonderful way to get your dental practice into the local news. Most newspapers have a website, as well, so the hyperlinks from the newspaper’s website to your site will be great for your SEO. To submit a press release to your local news, simply call the editor and ask how to submit. You’ll probably need to email or fax the release. Be sure to include the editor’s name in your correspondence so that it gets into the right hands. - Press releases are good for blog posts and the news page of your website
Press releases are often posted on multiple websites by more than one press engine. This means that the duplicate copy rule (Google hates the same content posted in more than one location on the web) does not apply. So use the press release as often as you like. Put it on your blog as a post after it goes out in your paper and on the press engines. Also include it on your news page as an archive.
Keep in mind, your press release must be formatted correctly, and the information in it has to be newsworthy. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you probably won’t have much success.
Over the next week, you can learn more about creating and promoting press releases for your dental practice. Just stay tuned to the Words for Dentists site for these upcoming blogs:
- Dentist Press Release Part Two: How to Write a Dentist’s Press Release
- Dentist Press Release Part Three: How to Title a Dental Office Press Release
- Dentist Press Release Part Four: How Dentists Can Use Press Releases Online
And remember, if you don’t have the time or resources to write your own press release, the Identiwrite Creative dental writers will be happy to help. Just call us at 972-781-8861.
