Why Press Releases are Effective for Small Businesses
Operating a small business can be difficult. Whether there’s a team behind-the-scenes or a one-man job, running an up-and-coming business is hard work. Thinking about how to grow the business, planning out a marketing strategy, is thrown in the mix. With everything being laid out, using a press release is often overlooked.
We get it. There are a million other things to think of.
But, press releases should not be overlooked…at all. Small businesses can achieve phenomenal growth with the proper use of a press release. Any business is capable of creating a newsworthy story. An up-and-coming small business has a new story to contribute to the news cycle, why not put it out there?
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages press releases have on small businesses:
Increase Brand Awareness + Traffic:
As a small business, getting the word out there is critical. You want everyone to know you are open for business, ready to take in new customers. So, why not do it through a press release?
Brand awareness is an important aspect of seeing a small business succeed. Get the word out and let people know who, what, when, where and why –the basic 5Ws. Tackle all the questions people have in one release. Give people answers and get people in the door!
Once your release is sent out on the wire, you’ll have something tangible on the internet. When people search your business online, your most recent PR will appear, and hopefully news stories. Press releases are a great way of cementing your brand online. It gets the buzz going about your business. Since the information is coming directly from you, people know how reliable it is. Potential customers get to learn about your brand and understand your business better.
Great Return on Marketing Spend:
Are press releases free? Yes.
You can put out a press release for free, no questions asked. But, if you want to get a little extra boost, putting it out on the wire will require some cash.
As mentioned before, small businesses often overlook press releases as part of their marketing strategy. Why? Prices to put out a release can be steep. There are cheaper options, but as always, the better ones come with a higher price. Having a press release on AP, Businesswire, Yahoo! Business, etc. will cost a lot more than having it on local sites. Where your release is published matters. Would it make sense to have your release blanket published, showing up on a fashion blog if your business is a new grocery store? No.
Yes, small businesses have to adhere to a budget, but including press releases in that budget will greatly impact their ROI.
Investing in a good press release distribution package will get a release published on relevant wires. It’s almost like investing in real estate. Location, location, location is everything. People who visit the websites or look up your business will be redirected to one of your press releases. Seeing your release on big-name sites interests them to learn more or visit your business. It’ll get people talking and in the door!
Competitive Advantage:
As a small business, it’s hard to stay ahead or get in the same waters as the competition. Utilizing the power of a press release can help any small business succeed.
Your business story is unique to any of your competitors. When you put your PR out there, make sure to stand out. Yes, everyone has a story of their own, but how your small business’s story is conveyed impacts people who read it. Make your story the competitive edge you need to place your business ahead of the competition.
Press releases are a great way to convey that story and get it out online and to the press. Once a release is out, it is fair game for anyone to read. If a media contact notices your release or business, they can go through the previous press releases you have published to gain a better understanding of your business.
Press releases can be extremely powerful for small business owners. The key is to include them in your marketing strategy, plan ahead, and create a story that will greatly impact your audience. Every small business can benefit from a press release. Who wouldn’t want to increase brand and traffic awareness, see a greater return on marketing spend, and gain a competitive advantage?
