Using a Press Release Distribution Agency vs Doing It Yourself

A press release is a written communication that announces an important event or news item. It is typically distributed to journalists, bloggers, and other media outlets in order to generate coverage. There are two main ways to distribute press releases: by using a press release distribution agency or by doing it yourself.

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Using a Press Release Distribution Agency

A press release distribution agency is a company that will distribute your press release to a variety of media outlets on your behalf. This can save you time and effort, as you will not have to manually submit your press release to each media outlet. Additionally, a press release distribution agency will typically have a larger reach than you would be able to achieve on your own.

Benefits of Using a Press Release Distribution Agency

There are several benefits to using a press release distribution agency:

• Saves time: A press release distribution agency will take care of the entire distribution process for you, so you can focus on other aspects of your business.
• Reaches a wider audience: A press release distribution agency will have a larger reach than you would be able to achieve on your own.
• Increases your chances of getting coverage: A press release distribution agency will have relationships with journalists and media outlets, which can increase your chances of getting coverage for your press release.

Drawbacks of Using a Press Release Distribution Agency

There are a few drawbacks to using a press release distribution agency:

• Cost: Press release distribution agencies can be expensive, especially if you want to distribute your press release to a large number of media outlets.
• Limited control: You will have less control over the distribution process when you use a press release distribution agency.
• Not all agencies are created equal: Not all press release distribution agencies are created equal. Some agencies have a better track record of getting press coverage than others.

Doing It Yourself

If you are on a tight budget or if you want to have more control over the distribution process, you can distribute your press release yourself. This can be done by manually submitting your press release to media outlets or by using a free press release distribution service.

Benefits of Doing It Yourself

There are a few benefits to doing it yourself:

• Cost: It is free to submit your press release to media outlets yourself.
• Control: You will have more control over the distribution process when you do it yourself.
• Personal touch: You can add a personal touch to your press release when you submit it yourself.

Drawbacks of Doing It Yourself

There are a few drawbacks to doing it yourself:

• Time: It can be time-consuming to manually submit your press release to media outlets.
• Reach: You will not be able to reach as many media outlets when you do it yourself.
• Expertise: You may not have the expertise to distribute your press release effectively.

Which Is Better?

Ultimately, the best way to distribute your press release depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are on a tight budget or if you want to have more control over the distribution process, you can distribute your press release yourself. However, if you want to save time and reach a wider audience, you may want to use a press release distribution agency. You may also want to consider working with a PR professional in-house or hiring a PR agency to do the press release distribution process for you.

Here are some additional tips for deciding whether to use a press release distribution agency or do it yourself:

• Consider your budget: If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider doing it yourself. However, if you have the budget, using a press release distribution agency can save you time and effort.
• Consider your goals: If you want to reach a wide audience, you may want to use a press release distribution agency. However, if you are only interested in reaching a few specific media outlets, you may want to do it yourself.
• Consider your expertise: If you are not familiar with the press release distribution process, you may want to use a press release distribution agency. However, if you are familiar with the process, you may be able to do it yourself.

By considering these factors, you can decide whether to use a press release distribution agency or do it yourself.

Further reading

Check out some of our recommended books to give you an edge in PR:

• Propaganda by Edward Bernays
• How to Write Perfect Press Releases by Steven Lewis
• Is It News?: Writing press releases that really work by Peter Labrow
• The DIY Guide to FREE Publicity by Christina Daves
• A Modern Guide to Public Relations by Amy Rosenberg
• The Art and Craft of PR by Sandra Stahl

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