5 Reasons You Should Be Creating Press Releases

Are you creating press releases for your business? I'm talking to you, MLS leadership, – and you, brokers, – and you too, agents. If you're not already, it's time to incorporate press releases into your web marketing strategy.

Why Do It?
I've got a very compelling list of reasons.

1) Press releases drive awareness and interest in your business.
In today's competitive market, people are being bombarded with info on a daily basis. With so much content flooding in, it's easy for your business to get lost in the shuffle. The antidote: keeping yourself at the forefront. Press releases are a great way to do that. They can go out on sites like PRWeb, but it's also appropriate to send them out to your newsletter subscribers.

Clearly, a press release is a great way to share good news from your business. However, it is possible to publish a release when it seems like there really isn't any news at all. No kidding. Consistency is key with any marketing tactic, and sometimes that means getting a little creative with "news." Flex some imaginative muscle and get your name out there!

Another hidden benefit is team pride. Friends and families of employees take note and it gives the team an opportunity to enjoy a ray of sunlight.

2) Press releases can generate traffic for your website.
The great thing about press releases is that, like little virtual ambassadors, they go out into the web and spread your message. Publish them on press release sites like PRWeb.com or PRNewsWire.com, on your own site, and then they're very likely to get picked up by other sources such as:

• Industry bloggers
• Media sites (like RE Technology)

3) Press releases are an excellent link-building opportunity.
And what does link building do? Improves your rank in search engines – that's what.

Alright, now you're convinced. Okay, so here's how to do it.

How It's Done
Here are a few key tips.

1) Use keywords. Choose your keywords carefully and include them in the title as well as the body of the release.

2) "Just the facts ma'am." Avoid exaggeration. State only facts that you can substantiate if asked. In fact, under many circumstances, citing sources isn't a bad idea.

3) Include images, if possible. Charts, graphs, and other informational images are very helpful.

4) Break up your text. Too many people fall into the trap of formatting their press releases as a series of long paragraphs. Rise above! Include subheadings, bulleted lists, numbered lists, and shorter paragraphs.

5) Finish up with an "About" section. After the body of your press release, add on a section that provides background on your company. In this section, give people a way to get in touch with you. Designate a contact person and give their email address and/or telephone number.

Do you have a press release you'd like RE Technology to publish? Send it to [email protected].