How I Ranked in 5 Of The Top 10 Search Results in Google
By Christine OKelly | February 11, 2008
My job is to help companies get better rankings on search engines via content. One of the ways that I do this is by writing and submitting search engine optimized press releases. Take a look at this image that shows how one SEO press release I wrote for a client took over 5 of the first 10 results in Google (half the page) for one of their top keywords. Best of all, it cost me a total of $2.99 in press release submission fees and about an hour and half worth of time to get this result. In comparison, take a look at the 7 companies that are paying for PPC ads on this same page!
(I’m also giving away a free SEO press release and submission to one reader - so be sure to get down to the bottom of this post!)
Gettin’ Real
This is an extreme example of results - not all press releases get this kind of exposure on the front page of Google!
Taking over half of the Google’s first page for your keywords doesn’t happen every time you submit an SEO press release. Sometimes a search engine optimized press release will appear once or twice on the first page of Google. Sometimes it won’t appear on the first page at all! Sometimes it will show on the homepage for few weeks and disappear. Sometimes it will take months for it to get a first page ranking. Sometimes, it will never appear in the search results.
After writing tons of press releases for various client’s over the past 2 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that the positioning depends on the competitiveness of the keyword and the SEO strength of the other sites that are ranking for that keyword. However, there are many other reasons to publish press releases that are well-optimized for search engines.
The Many Benefits of SEO Press Releases
There are plenty of benefits that come with submitting SEO press releases aside from Google search results if you do them correctly:
- Backlinks from news sites
- Ranking in Google News and Yahoo News for your keywords
- Tens of thousands of headline impressions across hundreds of blogs, websites, and news sites that run RSS headlines (with some PR publishers)
- Increases the ranking of your website or blog for your keywords
- Can help your new website escape from the “Google Sandbox” quickly
SEO press releases are just one part of a well-balanced online marketing strategy. With the low cost and high benefit associated with producing optimized press releases, it just makes sense to incorporate press releases into your marketing strategy.
How to Write SEO Press Releases
I started to write this “how to” as a post, but it became so huge (15 pages) that I decided to turn it into a download. This download is completely free. All I ask for in exchange is that you subscribe to my RSS feed - not because you have to in order to get it, but because you think the information here is valuable. (I thought about using Michael Martine’s great idea about offering this e-book as a link only visible in the RSS reader, but then I realized that it wouldn’t be available until I posted next. Because I only post once a week, I didn’t want to make you wait for it.)
Get Your Free Copy
Update! In addition to the e-book download, I’ve published the content of the majority of ebook - plus more on HubPages. You can read the whole thing online plus watch how to videos about press release writing on my HubPages article: SEO Press Releases: How to Write them and Where to Submit Them.
If you still have questions, I encourage you to bring them to the discussion here on the blog or send me an email so that I can give you as much info as I can to help you fill in the blanks.
In this free e-book, I’ll explain:
- How and why to write optimized titles and summaries
- How to optimize the body of the press release for your target keywords
- Where to position links
- Acceptable writing styles of press releases
- The 5 critical elements of a press release
- How to “sell” while being objective
I’ve also included lots of screenshots and visuals to help illustrate the points.
You’ll also find a few of these icons:
This is where you get to avoid making some of the dumb mistakes that I made when writing press releases. I’ve spent years writing optimized press releases, making mistakes, and pushing the limits to find the balance between self-promotion and news. I’ve made plenty of mistakes and hope to show you how to avoid them while getting the most out of your press releases.
Distributing Press Releases for Maximum SEO Effectiveness at the Minimum Cost
There are two critical parts to getting results with press releases:
- Writing the Press Release
- Submitting the Press Release
This e-book covers the first part - writing an optimized press release. I’ll be creating another entire download just about submitting them that will be filled with lots more dumb mistakes and valuable lessons learned - because this is where you can really screw things up! Every press release submission service has its own little quirks and oddities that you’ll want to be aware of before submitting.
Update! The second part of this tutorial “How and Where to Submit SEO Press Releases” is now available on Slideshare.
Who Can Benefit from SEO Press Releases?
Whether you’re a blogger, run a business, or have a product or service to offer, you can use press releases for self promotion. If you’re a writer, you can use this information to begin offering SEO press release writing services. If you’re an SEO, you can use this information to add more link building and promotional tools to your suite of services. If you run a business or are a blogger, you can use this info to promote your own company.
A Free PR Optimization and Submission For One Reader
Just for fun, I’m going to randomly select one commenter next Sunday to receive a free press release optimization and submission to the 9 sources that I use to submit press releases. You write the release, I’ll give it an optimization once-over and send it out for you! This is something that I normally charge for, but am always looking for ways to give back to the wonderful people that visit here 
Topics: Marketing |
111 Comments »
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Christine, it’s very generous of you to offer such valuable information so comprehensively in your eBook.
My pleasure Mark! There was a time when I was hesitant to give away my ‘best secrets’ - at first it seems kind of counterintuitive! But now I’ve changed my mind about this. This is a major shift in thinking from when I started my first (lame) blog to when I started this one.
Those who are just starting out and on a budget can use these techniques to grow their business - and those who have marketing budgets and no time can call me to get their results!
I hope you find lots of success with these ideas!
i was learned more information from this.. thank you…
Christine,
I already subscribe, so I felt happy and proud to download your ebook. I love writing, so I am sure this will help me.
May I have the honor to be considered for your offer, please? I just launched my new blog, Yes to Me to help people who dream to have their own business and yet find it hard to make the leap. It is hard because the transition to entrepreneurship is not just about learning how to write business plan and a bit about accounting — it takes mental and emotional change. I know that, if I had this kind of help myself earlier, I could have saved at least 5 years of my life time.
Thank you, and keep up with your great work!
What an awesome “job” you have Akemi! Coaching entrepreneurs must be extremely rewarding. Your a chick after my own heart!
Hi Christine! I agree with Mark above and like Akemi, I enjoy your writing and style too.
Your posts are somewhat akin to those of Maki at DoshDosh in that you present not only valuable information, but the methods and tools that enable people to immediately go to work using their newfound knowledge. Your style encourages their success!
Thank you for sharing your brilliance. Keep up the great work!
<p>Wow Daniel - what a compliment to be compared to Maki! I linked to one of his posts on long tail keywords in the e-book - as you might imagine, he explains the concept beautifully and thoroughly.</p>
<p>Thanks Daniel ~<br />
Christine</p>
Wow, Christine, this is some GOOD stuff! Thanks for putting it together. Can’t wait to try some of it out.
I was already a subscriber anyway
Thanks Ron - love your latest series post on what you DIDN’T learn in college…. I bet you can continue that series for a long, long time… If I only knew now what I knew then… I would have spent that $30,000 to hire a top-notch success coach or something rather than get a degree!
Giving away free stuff is always a very good way to market yourself, because people are like magnets when they hear the “FREE” word.
I agree Michael, FREE is a beautiful word! BTW - you’re blog is awesome! I’m hooked and subscribed
Hi Christine:
It’s a pleasure to have your ebook; and I look forward to reviewing it my site.
Keep up the great work; I love your been-there-done-that examples and writing style.
Adios,
Michael Werner
Thanks Michael - I try to only share information gathered through first-hand experience here on this blog. Our experiences are really the only thing we can speak about with true authenticity!
Thanks Christine. Always had this stuff in the back of my head but never really implemented it.
Hi hear ya Glun… Now hopefully you won’t have to climb the learning curve when you are ready to implement your ideas
This is unbelievably great, thank you for all the time you put into writing this up Christine.
I have been looking into doing a few press releases for some of my websites, but didn’t really have any expert knowledge on how to go about it. Now I do.
That’s awesome Tanner - I’m so glad I could help you to promote your websites. You’re blog is awesome (just Stumbled a couple of posts) and I assume your other websites are just as deserving of some increased exposure.
~ Christine
Thanks for the stumbles and compliments Christine.
Thanks for the press release guide Christine!
Hi Christine,
I’ve co-founded a website, www.ifoods.tv and having people like yourself give valuable tips and help like this make it all the less daunting. It’s absolutely appreciated on my part and I will definitely be using your knowledge to good effect, i hope!!
Thanks again,
Sean
This is a really unique site Sean! I love the ironed stuffed tortilla - that’s my kind of cooking! If it came frozen, that would be even better! I think you’ve got TONS of material for some great press releases. Best of luck to you!
Christine, that’s an awesome result. Of course, I don’t know that it’s very competitive, given only 5 results in Google for an intitle: search on those keywords, but nonetheless you do a good job showing the utility of the technique.
BTW, how do you put together an ebook like that? I’ve got some interviews and other research I want to package that way, but I’ve yet to figure out how to do it. Also, I want the whole thing to look good and have my logo on it, so that’s an important issue. On a related note, do you know how to make the giveaway restricted to RSS subscribers (i.e. get the feed to get the book)?
Exactly Gab - the competitiveness of the keywords makes a big difference. I love this example because there are 7 PPC ads appearing - indicating that these keywords are being targeted by competitors.
I didn’t want to make it too confusing for everyone, but these press releases are also showing up under some of their other keywords as well - there are about 5 terms that this press release is optimized for and these press releases are showing up for some of those keywords as well!
Hmm… 2 words (repeated over and over), “Pick me, pick me, pick me….”
Always appreciate your insight. Thanks for helping make us better at what we do, Christine.
My pleasure Ryan! You may have just optimized this page for the keyword “pick me!”
Christine you are awesome. And also very gracious even to some posts that have a tinge of backward compliments. I love your ebook. Its on my desk now and could have been worth twice the price even with the length.
Tiffany - I’m so glad you enjoyed the ebook
I hope to see a URL in an upcoming comment linking to your new business!
I’ve been trying to find good online info about writing press releases and haven’t been satisfied with what I’ve found so far. I’m excited to read this download!
Thanks so much.
That’s great to hear Catherine! I did a lot of searching online for info at first too and had similar results so just tried experimenting on my own. I hope that you can learn from my trials and errors!
Christine - I’m just downloading the eBook and can’t wait to read what you’ve written.
It’s funny, because normally people don’t really look at using Press Releases anymore (I know I havn’t really considered writing one before). I think it’s because these PR’s are considered old media, rather than the attractive blogs which you can get a mention of. It’s good to see you advocating the use of these (and with such amazing results).
Adnan - I agree, press releases are not something that most people think about today! I do think blogging is the most exciting and effective promotional tool available today so it’s no wonder they have gotten forgotten in the excitement of so many social media opportunities. Press releases are just one more way to get more exposure, links, and visibility.
Cool! It even includes a Microsoft Word template. Thank you!
Yep Justin - I stuck a template in with the download because I always find it difficult to start with a completely blank Word doc. The template is pretty basic, but it gives me (and hopefully you) a place to start!
Already a subscriber
Thanks for the book! I’ve always meant to look into press releases some more and this is the kick I need.
Wow Ross - You’ve got lots of great projects that you’re working on. I’m sure you’ve got plenty of material for press releases. It might also be a great service to offer to your web marketing clients!
Thank you for the ebook, Christine — I look forward to reading it! My blog has only been around four months and I’m always looking foward to ways to increase my traffic. (www.bookclubclassics.com) I am also very impressed by how often you respond to your commenters — well done!
GREAT blog Kristen - I’m definitely subscribing. You’ve done an amazing job in just 4 months. I’m going to go in and edit your link so that it’s live because I hope people visit and enjoy
Thanks, Christine! I really appreciate your support!
Well done, woman!
May your growth continue.
Great job, Christine. Good call on just giving it away anyhow. It will still increase your subscribers. I look forward to reading it.
Good post. However, I will say it’s not to hard to own the first page of Google with a press release when there’s only 120,000 results. A single PRWeb/PR.com distribution can do that easily.
I run a PR firm (www.subnixus.net) and specialize in this stuff.
It’s also funny that you are giving away a free press release. My site www.PRunderground.com just finished a press release contest.
I’m looking forward to your results. Keep up the good work.
Christine -
This is a great little ebook. I’ve passed it onto our SEO press release writers, as this is a great refresher and does give a few nuggets that every SEO press release writer should be aware of, if they’re not.
People like you make the web great - offering free content!
I just downloaded your ebook - can’t wait to read it. You are quite an inspiration to the rest of us!
I can’t believe that you released these amazing tips for free! This is perhaps my fourth visit to your site and I am already inspired to make my first dollar on the web from you. I thought you might have just sold these gems for some money. = p
Press releases is one of my intended strategies when I upload my site which is still under construction.
I hope to launch my newly minted site in time to take advantage of your free offer. Pretty upset at this point with the progress.
Thank you for being such a blessing to all of us doing SEO!
Hi Christine,
Thank you for your generous gift. I just downloaded the ebook and look forward to reading it later tonight. While I used free press releases before in the past, I never knew about the concept of SEO press releases so I shall look forward top discovering your tips.
Monika
Yoohoo! Exactly what I’ve been looking for!
Thank you very, very much!
[…] SelfMakeChick shares her secrets on How to Write SEO Press Releases. Not only that, she also offers a free ebook with all the […]
Your PDF made for good reading this morning. A couple of things I noticed… I think you’ve inadvertently used “words” instead of “characters” when describing the length of titles and summaries e.g. title should be 100 words or less.
If you end up updating the PDF let me know so I can download it!
Good catch Marios! Yes - headlines should be less than 100 characters, not 100 words! Thanks for pointing that out - I’ll make that change right away
I just downloaded your pdf after reading your article. It’s very generous of you to release something like this.. especially for people like me who don’t know that much about seo. I’ve been gaining more interest in it and would like to properly utilize it with my site. Thanks!
Hi Christine,
your report rox! Didn’t expect that level of details from a freeby. I’m launching my first product now, therefore composing my first press-release. After I read yout report I started feeling that I could do this:).
Thank you so much!
P.S.: Can’t wait for the second part with downloading tips.
I downloaded the ebook also (since I already subscribe), and am hoping it’s as informative as your last one.
It’s great that you offer your knowledge for free. It really helps people like myself, who are just starting out and are trying to get a handle on business on the web!
Thanks again!!
[…] Advice for increase search engine rankings by using press releases. […]
Already a subscriber and the weekly posts are extremely valuable, but you’ve outdone yourself with this guide. I can’t wait for the next installment to find out what dumb mistakes I’ve made in the past submitting press releases.
Christine, I could marry you right now!
Your other post, with the $12 ebook, basically re-defined my life.
And I loved that ebook, BTW!
Since reading that ebook I have basically immersed myself in finding out more about SEO and SEO copywriting.
My focus now has changed from wanting to make it big all at once - while still maintaining a day job (or night job in my case) - to first of all getting out of the rat race by becoming self employed and then working on my big ideas later.
You, Christine, have changed my life in that aspect. And for that, I cannot thank you enough.
I actually feel now, that I can be able to quit my job by the end of this year.
My mindset is now totally set on that one goal.
Replace my income by freelancing copywriting.
More specifically, to quit my job and become self employed as a freelance SEO copywriter.
Now my main question was, and still is, how do you write an SEO article for your clients?
Do you use the same style as the press release download included in this post?
Many SEO and marketing blogs all say pretty much the same thing about SEO:
Use the keywords in the title, first paragraph and last paragraph of your post/article.
Then use long tail keywords within the article itself.
Is this how you do it for your clients?
Another question (observation, really) that I have is:
I was perusing via elance and getafreelance and saw that the pay for copywriters is peanuts there.
Most of the jobs there pay a maximum of $10.00 per article.
With that kind of pay, I’d have to write 20 articles a day, everyday, to replace my current income.
That is not a problem, only that, I don’t know that I can get that much work everyday.
Is there any way you can shine a little bit of light on this?
Is it that the copywriters finding work on this sites don’t know about SEO copywriting, do it differently than you do or what’s up?
I’m sorry for the long comment but I would gladly buy another ebook from you on this topic if you do decide to write about it.
My knee hurts, BTW, since I was down on my knees proposing to you! LOL!
Oh Robert! wow - this may be my first real marriage proposal! The events leading up to my actual marriage went something like “hey wanna get married?” “sure!”
I’m glad you liked this info on press releases! I hope to have a lot more on the nitty gritty of SEO copywriting in the near future
Christine,
Thank you for your generosity in offering this ebook at no charge. I downloaded it and can’t wait to read it. Writing a press release has been on my list of things to do for a while and now I may have the motivation to do something about it!
I’ve really enjoyed your blog for the short few weeks I’ve been a subscriber. Thank you!
Stacey
Christine - this is great stuff, practical, timely, to the point, but still fun to read!
Thanks for doing this - I will be doing what I can to drive some subscribers your way.
Shawn
Christine, this ebook was great! Very often the free stuff isn’t that good, just a sales pitch for the real stuff. This ebook has lots of useful tips clearly explained.
Ok, now I reeeaaally have to get my portfolio site up and get that press release out!
Thanks for all you do Christine!
Hey Christine, good post!
This is a very relevant topic that I don’t see written about often….I learned alot in this post.
Great job with everything!
Conrad
Hi Christine,
Very noble of you to offer the ebook for free. It contained a loads of worthy information. I like the way you used several screen shots and examples to get the point across.
I was wondering whether you could do a post on a bit about making a blog post, “keyword attractive” . I suppose principles similar to a press release apply?
Thank you
Shamelle
Thanks for the eBook! Some really great advice. Looking forward to the next one.
I’m off to write my first press release
Hey Christine, you have just given the SEO trade a great name by not keeping this a trade secret like most do. Thanks again.
Christine,
Wow, what a response! I have been watching the comments for a few days now and once again you have created such a positive atmosphere. You are really one of the premier experts in your field. I think you should consider focusing your business more on consulting and business marketing strategies. I know I would pay for your expertise and ideas a thousand times over!
Looking forward to reading the ebook Christine!
Glad I came here. Found you via Sphinn, submitted by Maki - nicely done!
Thanks.
Thank you Christine for such a great post and for the free e-book. I have it downloaded and will be reading it shortly. I skimmed through it and there’s a lot to take in. As always, you give such valuable information. Just want you to know how much I honor you for what you do. I believe that is why you are so successful.
I’ve stumbled your post so others can benefit if they stop by.
Thank you for the great information. I’m going to be working on a project next month that I wanted to do a press release for so perfect timing for me. Btw… you are so right. This information is invaluable for those of us just starting out…. and if I ever have a real marketing budget I know where to look to spend it.
Great Post. I recently discovered your site and just finished reading the majority of them a week ago.
Love the blog! And I will be picking up the ebook for sure. Keep it up =)
You the man Christine! Thanks for the ebook!
Also, I’ll take that press release!
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It’s amazing how few people know about this Christine–looks like you’re doing your bit to change that, lol.
Yet again another great post. I continually find your blog posts inspirational and informative. Keep you the good work.
I’ve downloaded the eBook and will be giving this a thorough read later today. As an SEO forever dreaming of ‘pulling that trigger’ I’m always on the look out for ways in which I can further develop my skills and product offering. One of these areas is content development. I’m a web designer/developer by trade and quite technically minded which, unfortunately in this case, means I’m more at home with code rather than structuring good, consistent, quality content or at getting the right angle on things (although I have had my moments). I’m therefore always on the look out for any tips and advice I can pick up from professionals in the field.
Once again Christine thanks for the post, you’ve really set a standard to aim for.
[…] Want to know the SEO benefits of Press Releases? Check out this free ebook. […]
[…] How to Write SEO Press Releases, Christine, O’Kelly, 16 pages […]
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[…] How to Write Search Engine Optimized Press Releases from selfmadechick […]
Interesting E-book. I enjoyed reading it as I wasn’t really aware of the whole “press-release” thing. I’ll visiting you back to get the next part!
I subscribed, and I´m now reading the How to…
You are obviously very professional.
Cheers!
Thank you so much, Kristine! I’d actually already subscribed to your feed (which is how I happened upon this entry), so getting your ebook is an added bonus! I’m enjoying going through your archives - each one has at least one “take-away keeper” for me. I’m looking forward to future posts. - Faryl
Christine, I’m already a subscriber (and very interested in ebooks in general). i was able to download the book just fine, but it won’t unstuff for me as I keep getting Stuff-It errors. Any idea what I might be doing wrong? Is it because I’m using a Mac?
Hi Kat! I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble! I just send you the e-book as an attachment by email. And here’s the link to the second part about where and how to submit SEO press releases
.
Thanks a milionfor the great ebook, I can’t wait to read the submission book.
Keep up the fantastic work
Thanks for this great information. So many blogs post so often while saying so little. You are a nice change from that routine! I’m looking forward to the next part.
Thanks for this free ebook, Christine! I also just bought your ebook on freelancing. I’m excited to read it and implement your ideas!
Thanks so much Kris
BTW - Love the new look on your blog!
Glad you like it! Thanks for saying so!
[…] SEO Benefits of Press Releases - optimizing your web page with good […]
[…] How To Write Search Engine Optimized Press Releases by Christine O’Kelly […]
Great article. Have you heard about PRNewsExpress.com? It is a news press release distribution site that offers SEO optimized press release distribution service. We deliver SEO-optimized press and news releases via news sites, search engines, social media sites and blogs.
Check it out and let us know what you think.
http://www.PRNewsExpress.com
thanks much for the article, lots of good things to learn from it
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I found this at the perfect time. I plan to write a press release to promote my seminar, and although I’m familiar with using press releases, every extra tip helps. Thanks.
Yes very good tips in there. It worth. I have started a Free Press Release site also.
Good luck you all
Christine,
What an excellent ebook. Just goes to show, you can always learn something new.
FYI, I just posted a review of your ebook on my blog, http://dynamiccopywriting.blogspot.com with a link back to this site. Hope it gives you even more traffic. You deserve it.
Charles Brown
Excellent ebook. Thanks.
[…] for a search engine optimized press release is different than any other type of online copy. The first thing of course is the headline. As you […]
Christine,
Just thought you might want to read a related article that appeared in Marketing Profs. The link is http://www.marketingprofs.com/8/writing-search-engine-optimized-press-releases-cornwall-malseed.asp?sp=1.
CB
I haven’t tried press releases yet, but it’s on the list. Doing a lot of social bookmarking currently.
Christine OKelly is correct. You can try http://www.wiredprnews.coma $10 press release and you will get awesome ranking.
I never though of press releases. I will definately look into this. Do you offer the service of actually writing the release?
Hi Christine,
I just found your Hub page and http://www.onlineprnews.com/user/login?submit=seopr yesterday (is onlineprnews.com your site?) as I was looking for an alternative to the high prices of PRweb’s SEO package (having anchor text in the PR) at $200 a pop. I lost my job three weeks ago and am the sole supporter for my family (wife and 6 yr. daughter) and I think a couple of well written Press Releases to drive traffic to my blog that has some affiliate links in it could help kick start things for me.
I was drawn to your copy because of the way you so freely offer information to people for no cost and yet offer services for those who would prefer to have a professional do it for them. A nice balance indeed. Looking forward to reading your e-book.
-Stephen
That’s great Stephen! Glad you found the hubpage and Online PR News useful! PR Web is tough to justify sometimes - especially if the news isn’t earth shattering and not likely to get picked up by the media anyway! They do have a very large network of places that display their headline - so it can be a good value.
I like to submit to multiple places that allow anchor text links, then personally send the press release to a handful of targeted media contacts at related trade journals, magazines, and if relevant, local papers. That’s a cost effective way to get your news out there and build backlinks!
Sorry to hear about your job… I was there once! Though I quit my job to throw myself into my own business without a life preserver, I understand how scary it can be nonetheless! Sometimes, a job loss is a great opportunity for new and better things to happen!
Wishing you the best,
Christine
I’ve paid for some products that didn’t provide as much value as your free ebook. Much appreciated.
MP
me too
I really enjoyed your eBook on the 7 deadly mistakes! I, for one, am going to start including at least 1 image inside press releases that I write from now on.
[…] How to Write SEO Press Releases http://selfmadechick.com/2008/02/11/press-release/ […]
I ton of people thing that the way to get high spots on google is just to spam the entire internet until it works. If you build the site, and network it correctly, (can be read as make and promote a legitimate site) with a little time you’ll be there. When your top 10 material you find yourself there.
Very informative article, I will start using the principles immediately.