Using Press Release For Promoting Linkbait?

[AdamThompson]

We all know that a thinly-veiled ad masquerading as a press release is not a good link building tactic. Of course, if the press release is newsworthy, then it can generate some real publicity and honest backlinks. My question is a bit more specific - are press releases an effective way to promote linkbait to niche websites/bloggers?

Has anyone had success using press releases to promote linkbait to relevant bloggers and websites in their niche?

My gut tells me that most niche bloggers are not reading press releases on a daily basis to find story ideas. I know that outlets like the Huffington Post and TechCrunch pay attention to press releases, but I'm guessing most blogs not run by professional journalists do not. Anyone know if this is a generally true assumption?

Anyone know of a way to get a better feel for the type of bloggers that are signed up to get press releases from PRNewswire or similar services? (In other words, how do you figure out if bloggers in your target groups are signed up to get press releases?)

[BlueprintMarketing]

I could not have put it better myself you that the nail on the head. The quality press releases are the backbone of what most quality journalists write about. If I'm in the plastics business and looking for release liner and flexible packaging happens to post a story about W & H upside down building a new water cooled extruder I will most likely see it is sourced from a press release that was put out by W&H without those press releases that journalists don't really have a reliable source to base their story on.

The example I gave is a real thing that happened to me when looking at blown film extrusion lines a niche business.

I think press releases are a fantastic way to get links and source material. Check out PRWeb and pit them against newswire for pricing.

Sincerely,

Tom

[AdamThompson]

So, you're saying press releases are a good way to reach niche bloggers, if the journalists and bigger publications pick up the press release and the bloggers see it there?

[BlueprintMarketing]

I do agree with you I have seen mixed results when it comes to press releases being ranked at the top. However I have seen many press releases reworded or spoken about over and over again in well-known blogs or Google News. For instance I do some VC work I have found if you are really looking for an answer you will take the time to look.

I believe many of the things that we read in the big Huffington Post style sites are collected from press releases and then combined with journalistic knowledge.

I can tell you for a fact I believe press releases are a great way to get links. I use them I use guest blogging, link bait  infographics & press releases to get most of my links.

Check out skyrocketSCO.co.uk Link For link bait , copyblogger for excellent blogging info. kiss metrics does an excellent job of showing what infographics can do.

Of course I'm forgetting one other big thing video Remember to only use Pro quality video like wistia or Viddler when trying to attain links.

To answer your question directly if it's niche enough yes definitely I have seen press releases rank in the top 3.

Sincerely,

Thomas

[AdamThompson]

"I would strongly disagree with you on the idea that niche bloggers are not reading press releases that are related to their niche. They are constantly googling their niche whatever is there they will read."

In my experience, though, press releases on press release sites are not usually ranked well on Google, even on Google News. For example, I rarely see releases on PRWeb or PrNewswire ranked at the top of Google or Google News - I usually see articles from blogs, newspapers, etc. Has your experience been different?

[BlueprintMarketing]

1st of Hi yes Presley sues are an excellent way of getting links. But only if you have quality content. I would recommend PRWeb or PRNewswire I would strongly disagree with you on the idea that niche bloggers are not reading press releases that are related to their niche. They are constantly googling their niche whatever is there they will read. The idea that most blogs are not run by professional journalists is probably correct. However most blogs that you care to have links from our run by people who either are professional journalists or they are authorities in their fields. Regardless there are not going to only get their news from one source and anything related to a niche they will hear about. If they are a quality blogger. Copybloger.com and tell me Brian is not going to search for every thing related to what he's doing.

The short answer is of course they are excellent ways of getting links but you must have the outstanding content that engages people in order for them to read it. I have used newswire and PRWeb PRWeb is little but less money but I could not tell the difference between the 2  Each did a fantastic job.

Sincerely,

Thomas