Ever wonder how businesses get the word out in the press about special events like grand openings, key promotions, and new hires? They issue press releases and then use press release distribution services to reach key players in mainstream media, in social media, and on the internet. When I’ve consulted with small businesses about the power of press releases, it’s often difficult to convince owners that PR is worth the time and expense.
But the need is there, and if you use press releases and distribution services effectively, you can improve brand awareness among potential customers, boost your search engine optimization (SEO), and gain critical exposure for your business or event.
The best press release distribution services give your story wide exposure to help you reach your intended audience. Some even make your job easier and more effective with multilanguage releases, direct-to-journalist emails, and in-house writing. We analyzed dozens of press release services to find the best options for small businesses based on features, services, and value for the price.
- EIN Presswire: Best overall and for multi-release packages
- Newswire: Best for precise audience targeting
- eReleases: Best for wide distribution to US media
- PRWeb (Cision): Best for report analytics
- IssueWire: Best for inexpensive distribution and writing services
- Globe Newswire: Best for multilanguage distribution
- Prowly: Best for multiple releases and direct-to-journalist pitches
- Linking News: Best for white label press release distribution
- PR Distribution: Best for custom distribution services
EIN Presswire: Best Overall & for Multi-release Packages
Pros
- Affordable for small businesses
- Targeting by industry and by location
- Embed media for free
- High word count limit: 700-plus
- Multilanguage releases
- Send to US TV and radio on all plans
Cons
- No proofreading or writing services
- Only one embedded image on the cheapest plan (up to five with IssueWire)
- Only one embedded video on all plans
- For affordable press release distribution
- For announcements requiring same-day distribution
- If you want a distribution report showing placements and reprints
- If you have longer press releases—from 700 to 1,500-word count limits
- Video press releases, as multimedia embedding is included at no cost
With plans starting at $99.95 for a single press release, EIN Presswire is one of the most affordable PR distribution services on the market. Send your news out to various high-quality media channels worldwide, from print and TV to social media, and target distribution by industry or location, all in just a few hours. Turnaround is fast—you’ll get a report within two hours of submission.
Embedding media in your story is free with EIN Presswire, making it an excellent option for those wanting to send a video news release. You are limited to just one image in the Basic plan, so if you want to include multiple images, check out IssueWire instead, as you can include up to five images with any plan, including the free one.
Affordability, reach, and quick turnaround make EIN Presswire our best pick overall, but they don’t offer proofreading or press release writing services. For an all-in-one writing and distribution solution, choose eReleases, which tops our list of the best press release writing services.
EIN Presswire Pricing & Features
EIN Presswire offers plans ranging from $99.95 for a single press release to $399 to distribute ten press releases or $999 for 50 press releases. No matter which plan you purchase, you must use it within 365 days (one year) from subscription purchase. Learn more about what’s included in the tabs below.
Cost: $99.95
Number of releases: One
What’s included:
- One distribution channel
- 700 words
- Three keyword anchor text links
- One embedded image
- One embedded video
- Same-day distribution: EIN Presswire website, major news, network partner sites, US TV and radio outlets
- Direct-to-journalist email
- X (Twitter) post
Cost: $399
Number of releases: Five
What’s included:
- Five distribution channels
- 1,000 words
- Three keyword anchor text links
- Three embedded images
- One embedded video
- Same-day distribution: EIN Presswire, major news, network partner sites, US TV and radio outlets
- Direct-to-journalist email
- X (Twitter) post
Cost: $999
Number of releases: 25
What’s included:
- Five distribution channels
- 1,500 words
- Three keyword anchor text links
- Five embedded images
- One embedded video
- Same-day distribution: EIN Presswire, major news, network partner sites, US TV and radio outlets
- Direct-to-journalist email
- X (Twitter) post
Newswire: Best for Precise Audience Targeting
Pros
- Multilayer audience targeting
- Three-tier editing process
- Writing services ($350 add-on)
- Same-day or rush publishing
- International distribution options
- Finance-compliant distribution
Cons
- Low word count limit (500)
- Video embedding and social media distribution costs extra
- Only one image included
- Same-day distribution not guaranteed
- Multilayer targeting to reach a very precise audience
- Small businesses wanting an editorial process to avoid press release mistakes
- Distribution to major news outlets (Google News, Associated Press, Yahoo News)
- Professionals wanting detailed engagement analytics, integration with Google Analytics, and a report showing all placements
- Companies needing to comply with financial regulations
- International press release distributiona
Newswire is among the most well-known press release distribution services worldwide. Its best feature is its precise distribution targeting—you can distribute your news release regionally, state-wide, nationally, or internationally, or even target by industry via trade publications. This makes Newswire the best choice for businesses needing highly targeted distribution by geography or industry vertical.
Newswire also has a three-tier editorial process across all plans to ensure your story is well-written and error-free, plus separate press release writing services for $350. It also offers same-day distribution for press releases submitted during the company’s business hours. For rush publishing, you can expedite distribution for $175.
In addition to the US press release services detailed in the pricing section below, Newswire offers a distribution service specifically for financial institutions, starting at $899. It also has international press release distribution in a number of regions and globally:
- Canada (from $899)
- U.K. (from $899)
- Asia-Pacific (from $1,299)
- Latin America (from $1,299)
- Global (from $3,999)
Newswire Pricing & Features
On the whole, Newswire’s plans are costlier compared to others on this list, but they may be worth it for businesses seeking precise targeting options. Learn about each plan by clicking the tabs below, and keep in mind the word count limit for all plans is 500—you can go over the limit, but this will increase your costs.
Cost: $349
What’s included:
- 400-plus media outlets
- One targeted trade publication list
- One featured image (or pay more for extra images)
- Up to six hyperlinks in press release
- Detailed analytics
Add-ons available: Video embed, social NewsBuzz
- Three-release bundle: $994
- Six-release bundle: $1,884
- 12-release bundle: $3,559
- 24-release bundle: $6,700
Cost: $599
What’s included:
- 2,000-plus media outlets
- One targeted trade publication list
- One featured image (or pay more for extra images)
- Up to six hyperlinks in press release
- Detailed analytics
Add-ons available: Video embed, social NewsBuzz
- Three-release bundle: $1,707
- Six-release bundle: $3,234
- 12-release bundle: $6,109
- 24-release bundle: $11,500
Cost: $699
What’s included:
- 3,000-plus media outlets
- Two targeted trade publication lists
- Geo-targeted media
- One featured image (or pay more for extra images)
- Up to six hyperlinks in press release
- Detailed analytics
Add-ons available: Video embed, social NewsBuzz
- Three-release bundle: $1,992
- Six-release bundle: $3,774
- 12-release bundle: $7,129
- 24-release bundle: $13,420
Cost: $899
What’s included:
- 4,000-plus media outlets
- Three targeted trade publication list
- Geo-targeted media
- One featured image (or pay more for extra images)
- Up to six hyperlinks in press release
- Detailed analytics
Add-ons available: Video embed, social NewsBuzz
- Three-release bundle: $2,562
- Six-release bundle: $4,854
- 12-release bundle: $9,169
- 24-release bundle: $17,260
eReleases: Best for Wide Distribution to US Media
Pros
- Database of at least two million journalists, bloggers, and influencers
- 30,000-plus outlets for print, TV, radio, and digital distribution
- Direct-to-journalist email sends
- Writing services ($300 add-on)
- Optimization and PR SpamShield
- Two-tier editorial process
Cons
- International targeting, same-day distribution, media embedding cost extra
- Low word count (400 words) on base plan
- Services on the pricier side
- For an extensive reach of two million media contacts, including journalists, editors, and social media influencers and over 30,000 media outlets (TV, radio, print, and digital)
- For targeted distribution by industry, state, or audience interest
- Companies wanting announcements to be easily discoverable online as all plans have SEO included
- Concise press releases that can be covered in 400 words or less
- Those wanting highly experienced publicity and media professionals to write a press release for them ($300 writing services add-on)
- Stories that don’t require same-day distribution
When it comes to mass release distribution in the US, eReleases is hard to beat. With a track record of more than 20 years, they boast a database approaching two million media contacts, from major news websites and trade publications to regional news outlets and social media influencers. This makes it the best press release distribution service for businesses wanting the widest possible exposure for their story.
Besides the database of industry-specific publications, you can also target influencers and journalists based on their areas of interest and expertise. These contacts sign up to specifically receive these press releases, so you can rest assured that your story won’t just end up in their spam folders.
eReleases offers writing services as an add-on for $300, making it a good solution for anyone who doesn’t know how to write a press release. Writing is provided by experienced public relations (PR) experts, giving your story a better chance of getting additional coverage.
eReleases Pricing & Features
Like Newswire, eReleases doesn’t have the most budget-friendly entry-tier plan (for these, try EIN Presswire or IssueWire instead). However, you can send your release directly to a curated list of journalists and influencers who will most likely be interested in your story as an add-on for the first two plans. Learn more in the tabs below.
Cost: $399
What’s included:
- 400-word count limit
- Two images
- Unlimited hyperlinks
- One targeted industry list
- 100,000-plus outlets and journalists
- Newswire wire service distribution
- AP Newswire distribution
- SEO
- Two-tier editing to ensure quality and eliminate embarrassing mistakes
- $150 add-on for sending to a curated list of journalists and influencers
- $200 add-on for video embedding
Cost: $499
What’s included:
- 500-word count limit
- Two images
- Unlimited hyperlinks
- Two targeted industry lists
- 100,000-plus outlets and journalists
- Newswire wire service distribution
- AP newswire distribution
- SEO
- Two-tier editing to ensure quality and eliminate embarrassing mistakes
- $150 add-on for sending to curated list of journalists and influencers
- $200 add-on for video embedding
Cost: $699
What’s included:
- 600-word count limit
- Two images
- Unlimited hyperlinks
- Three targeted industry lists
- 100,000-plus outlets and journalists
- Newswire wire service distribution
- AP newswire distribution
- Send to curated list of journalists and influencers (included)
- SEO
- Two-tier editing to ensure quality and eliminate embarrassing mistakes
- $200 add-on for video embedding
PRWeb by Cision: Best for Detailed Report Analytics
Pros
- Real-time, detailed analytics
- Affordable; from $105 (PRWeb.com newswire only)
- Industry targeting add-on
- Unlimited media attachments
- Search engine-optimized press releases
Cons
- No same-day distribution, regional targeting, or writing services
- No syndication in the base plan Social posts and journalist emails cost more
- No same-day distribution
- Quite expensive compared to others
- For real-time analytics reporting for media pickups, potential audience size, press release views, search visibility, multimedia engagement, click-through rates, traffic sources, and social media shares
- For placement on PRWeb and PR Newswire industry feeds (both are Cision companies)
- For expert SEO tagging to increase your story’s visibility
- For announcements with multiple media attachments (no limits)
PRWeb stands out by offering comprehensive analytics and reporting of where your press releases are published, along with metrics for traffic, engagement, and audience data. It also offers reports in real-time, making it the best press release distribution service for analytics and reporting—a good fit for businesses with strong reporting needs.
It also offers targeted distribution, but it isn’t as comprehensive as those offered by EIN Presswire or Newswire. Also, while the base plan starts at $105, it doesn’t include any syndicated placements. Plus, industry-targeted distribution via emails to journalists is only available as an add-on or in the higher plans.
There is no regional or statewide targeting, and press releases are only distributed to digital media outlets. The fastest turnaround time (24 hours) is limited to its two highest-tier plans, so if time is of the essence and budget is an issue, EIN Presswire may be a better choice.
PRWeb has a top-shelf analytics and reporting system, but it isn’t a total solution for all-in-one press release writing and distribution like eReleases. Its specific feature set makes it best for digital-first businesses prioritizing data reporting and analytics.
PRWeb Pricing & Features
PRWeb pricing is not published on the website, but if you create a free account, you can see the plan pricing. Click on the tabs below to see the pricing plans. Social posts ($105) and additional direct-to-journalist emails ($215 per list) are available as add-ons with most plans.
Cost: $110 per release
What’s included:
- Publication on PRWeb.com only
- Unlimited media assets (but not embedding)
- SEO keyword tagging by experts
- 48-hour turnaround time
Cost: $230 per release
What’s included:
- Publication on PRWeb.com and syndication to 1,200-plus sites
- Unlimited media assets (but not embedding)
- SEO keyword tagging by experts
- 48-hour turnaround time
Cost: $340 per release
What’s included:
- Publication on PRWeb.com and syndication to 1,200-plus sites
- Email send to an industry-curated journalist list
- Unlimited media assets (but not embedding)
- SEO keyword tagging by experts
- 24-hour turnaround time
IssueWire: Best for Inexpensive Press Release Distribution & Writing Services
Pros
- Free plan available
- Least expensive distribution options
- Guaranteed placements from $21
- 4 hyperlinks, five images, embedded videos, SEO, and social media with all plans–even the free one
- Affordable SEO press release writing services: $30 for 700 words
Cons
- IssueWire ads in the first three plans
- Google indexing or any placements not guaranteed in the Free plan
- No targeting options
- Only English language press releases
- Same-day distribution not guaranteed
- For a free press release distribution service
- For startups and small businesses wanting cost controls to get the most reach on a limited budget
- For free video and image embeds if you have a visual story to tell
- For press releases that are easy to find online (SEO and social media blasts on all plans)
- Low cost bundles for multi-press release plans
- Super cheap press release writing services—from $10
IssueWire offers the most affordable press release distribution plans, including a free plan, and it’s one of the best free press release distribution services for small businesses. However, the free plan and first two paid tiers display ads and don’t include any media placements. Small businesses looking for the most credibility and reach should opt for either the Tier 2 or Tier 2 Pro plan—both are still comparably affordable at $45 and $65, respectively.
Like EIN Presswire, IssueWire’s plans for multiple press release distributions are more cost-effective than their single-release plans. All plans include SEO, four hyperlinks, five images, one video, and social media blasts for a high-impact press release. However, IssueWire can only guarantee up to 300-plus placements at most, so it may not be the best choice if maximum breadth of exposure is your top priority.
IssueWire offers inexpensive writing services, making our list of the best press release writing services. Prices start at $10 for 200 words optimized and tailored to your industry. They also offer same-day distribution for stories submitted during business hours, given that they also pass their editorial review within that time frame.
One thing lacking with IssueWire is targeted distribution for your release (although you can contact them about custom solutions). For more precise targeting by location or industry, Newswire or eReleases offer better solutions. However, if free PR distribution services are what you’re looking for, IssueWire is a more than capable candidate.
IssueWire Pricing & Features
IssueWire’s pricing is some of the most affordable, ranging from free to $65 at the highest tier. The first three plans, while affordable, display ads on press releases, so the Tier 2 or Tier 2 Pro plan is better for small businesses when budgets allow. Learn more in the tabs below.
Cost: $0
What’s included:
- Submission to Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and Apple News (but no guaranteed placements)
- Social media post
- Five images and one video embed
- Scheduled releases
- SEO
Cost: $21
What’s included:
- Submission to Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and Apple News
- 145-plus placements
- Social media post
- Five images and one video embed
- Scheduled releases
- SEO and Google indexing
Cost: $42
What’s included:
- Submission to Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and Apple News
- 225-plus placements
- Guaranteed reach of 9,000–16,000 journalists
- Social media post
- Five images and one video embed
- Scheduled releases
- SEO and Google indexing
Cost: $45
What’s included:
- Submission to Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and Apple News
- 195-plus placements
- Social media post
- Five images and one video embed
- Indefinite content hosting
- Scheduled releases
- SEO and Google indexing
Cost: $65
What’s included:
- Submission to Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and Apple News and premium news outlets
- IssueWire ads removed
- 300-plus placements
- Guaranteed reach of 9,000–16,000 journalists
- Social media post
- Five images and one video embed
- Indefinite content hosting
- Scheduled releases
- SEO and Google indexing
Globe Newswire: Best for Multilanguage Distribution
Pros
- Press release distribution to 150-plus countries and 35 local languages 24/7 editorial support
- 24/7 editorial support
- Free Newswire Analytics to measure performance
- Various media snippets such as photos, videos, audios, and live-streaming included
- Artificial intelligence (AI) press release generator
Cons
- No clear pricing, entirely dependent on your project and PR needs
- Low user ratings on third-party review sites like TrustRadius
- For news coverage in multiple countries and regions
- Full translation and editorial services available 24/7
- For media-heavy press releases including video, audio, and images
- For content writing help through its AI content writer
- Data-oriented businesses looking for post-distribution reports and performance analytics
Globe Newswire is one of the largest distribution networks among press release distribution services. Publishing in more than 150 countries, Globe Newswire is known for its global audience. An editorial support team available 24/7 will help you through copyediting and ensuring that nothing gets lost in translation, making Globe Newswire one of the most reliable multilanguage distribution services for press releases.
Globe Newswire offers custom, industry-specific distribution lists. After distribution, the service also includes performance analytics to measure the return on investment (ROI) and other KPIs. Some of the services that Globe Newswire highlights on their platform include disclosure and regulatory filing experts, a solid range of media snippets for press releases, and full-service translation services.
Some of Globe Newswire’s other services that you can purchase include social listening and media monitoring, media analysis, online newsrooms, and access to their media contacts database. An exciting new feature made available this past year for Globe Newswire customers is the AI press release generator, which allows users to craft press releases in a matter of minutes.
Globe Newswire Pricing & Features
One issue with Globe Newswire is its lack of transparency in pricing. Although some businesses prefer custom prices, it is difficult to gauge a starting cost since it will depend on the industry, press release content, time range, and more. For businesses with stricter budgets and the need for fixed pricing, try EIN Presswire or IssueWire instead.
Prowly: Best for Multiple Releases & Direct-to-Journalist Pitches
Pros
- All-in-one media relations platform
- Ability to curate your own list from over one million media contacts
- Press release generator, media mentions tracker
- No limits on the number of press releases or word count
- Free to add photos and attachments
- Online newsroom with SEO and social media integrations
Cons
- Increasing costs based on the number of contacts in your account
- No writing services
- Limits on monthly email sends
- First paid plan still with Prowly branding
- For identifying journalists who would be interested in your press release and getting their contact info
- For reaching out to journalists and media professionals directly by email
- For crafting pitches that increase the odds of gaining coverage
- For small businesses wanting to build brand credibility with an online newsroom
- For publicity and marketing professionals wanting to track media mentions for brands
Prowly is unique for being an all-in-one media management software platform—it has features for everything from press release creation and media contact management to PR analytics and reporting, plus a host of other helpful tools. While they don’t offer writing services, Prowly does have a drag-and-drop press release generator tool with helpful templates for multiple types of press releases.
You’ll also have the option to add photos and attachments at no extra cost, and there are no word count limits on press releases. Finally, with unlimited press release sends, Prowly’s a great choice for businesses planning on sending multiple press releases each month—just be sure not to exceed its monthly email caps.
Beyond its press release tool, Prowly also has a database of over one million local and international media contacts and journalists. It also has filters that help target the right journalists for each press release and a unique integrated contact relationship management (CRM) tool for easy organization and management of media contacts.
Finally, Prowly also offers a smart media pitching tool that lets you distribute your press releases directly to journalists’ inboxes and gain insight into your email responses. Alternatively, you can also publish in your online newsroom—this acts as an all-in-one resource center about your company for journalists, which you can customize with your own domain, branding, and social media integrations.
Prowly Pricing & Features
Pricing for Prowly starts as low as $293 per month with annual billing and a 7-day free trial. This gives you access to all of Prowly’s tools and press release analytics, but with an email limit of 3,000 emails per month for up to two users. An additional $100 lets you access 1,000 Prowly contacts, while $150 lets you access 3,000. See what’s included in each plan below.
Cost: $369 per month with monthly billing
What’s included:
- Access to Prowly’s contact database (over one million)
- Curate your own list of 500 contacts (or pay more to increase limits)
- 3,000 sends per month
- Online media mention tracking for five search queries
- Create and share coverage reports
- Two user seats
- AI Assistant
Cost: $258 per month with annual billing
What’s included:
- Access to Prowly’s contact database (over one million)
- Curate your own list of 500 contacts (or pay more to increase limits)
- 3,000 sends per month
- Online media mention tracking for five search queries
- Create and share coverage reports
- Two user seats
- AI Assistant
Cost: $589 per month with monthly billing
What’s included:
- Access to Prowly’s contact database (over one million)
- Curate your own list of 1,500 contacts (or pay more to increase limits)
- 15,000 sends per month
- Online media mention tracking for five search queries
- Personalized follow-ups
- Create and share coverage reports
- Unlimited support and training
- Six user seats
- AI Assistant
Cost: $416 per month with monthly billing
What’s included:
- Access to Prowly’s contact database (over one million)
- Curate your own list of 2,000 contacts (or pay more to increase limits)
- 15,000 sends per month
- Online media mention tracking for five search queries
- Personalized follow-ups
- Create and share coverage reports
- Unlimited support and training
- 10 user seats
- AI Assistant
A custom-priced Enterprise plan is also available (contact sales).
Linking News: Best for White Label Press Release Distribution
Pros
- White label releases showcasing your brand
- Cheaper than many on this list
- Large database (330,000-plus sites, 900,000 journalists, and 90 million social influencers)
- Simple and intuitive submission editor
- International distribution via Yahoo plus a China-specific plan
Cons
- No options for targeting, unlike EIN Presswire and Newswire
- No writing services, unlike IssueWire and eReleases
- Distribution in one–two days, no same-day services offered
- Startups, small businesses, and companies that want maximum brand exposure through white label, unbranded press releases or PR agencies looking to brand their own services
- Those wanting to fine-tune the look and structure of their press release in app using an easy-to-use, word processor-like press release submission tool
- Stories that don’t require immediate distribution (24- to 48-hour turnaround time)
- Brands looking for wide national and international distribution—330,000-plus media outlets
Linking News is the best white label press release distribution company on our list. White labeling removes the distribution company’s branding from your press release, placing your brand front and center and making your story look more credible and professional. It’s an excellent option for building brand presence, especially for small businesses or startups looking for aggressive growth or trying to get funding via a strong PR strategy.
While great for sending unbranded press releases, Linking News doesn’t offer a strong feature set compared to the other providers reviewed here. For example, there aren’t targeting options, so your story isn’t guaranteed to reach a specific audience. Nor do they offer press release writing services. Finally, Linking News lacks a quick turnaround. They do have post-distribution reports, but the website is unclear about the specific metrics included.
Linking News Pricing & Features
At $159, it’s not the least expensive option for publishing a media release, but it is still more affordable than many on this list. Plus, it’s significantly less costly than adding white labeling to an equivalent plan on PR Distribution, which costs upwards of $220. Browse the tabs below to find out what comes with each plan.
Cost: $159
What’s included:
- White label press release
- 100-plus news sites
- US networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox
Cost: $369
What’s included:
- White label press release
- 400-plus news sites
- US networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and MarketWatch
Cost: $669
What’s included:
- White label press release
- 500-plus news sites
- US networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and MarketWatch
- Eight international Yahoo sites
Cost: $1,380
What’s included:
- White label press release
- 500-plus news sites
- US Networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Bloomberg, Benzinga, Street Insider, Associated Press, Yahoo Network, and MarketWatch
- 50-plus international sites
PR Distribution: Best for Custom Distribution Services
Pros
- Distribution to multiple wires, from digital outlets to international networks
- Target by industry or media outlet
- Cheaper plans for bulk distribution
- White label and expedited releases available
- All-in-one plans for writing, distribution, and management
Cons
- No hyperlocal targeting
- Distribution to 125-plus websites at most
- Same-day turnaround only for Google News
- No guarantees on release schedules Added cost for analytics
- For building custom distribution plans for targeting, placements, network types, or multi-release bundles
- For an affordable press release plan starting cost ($99) with guaranteed placements
- For extensive (national, regional, local, and industry) targeting options
- Plans that include no-limit word counts, performance reports, multimedia embedding, and social media syndication
- International placements and distribution to broadcast and cable TV networks on higher tier plans—good option for those wanting to get a story on the news
PR Distribution’s best feature is its wide variety of solutions that suit nearly any business PR objective. It offers small-scale plans that distribute to 50-plus websites up to larger Multi-Wire plans that send to major global media outlets. You can also choose specific plans to add to your cart to create custom bundles that best serve your needs. All plans include sharing on social media, Google News, and the Digital Journal.
PR Distribution also stands out for being an all-in-one press release service. You can purchase writing services starting at $149 or bundled plans for press release writing, distribution, and management at $199. There’s also no word limit on your press release, which few other services offer. You can also opt for white-labeling as an add-on for a completely unbranded press release that puts your brand front and center, similar to Linking News.
However, the biggest drawback with PR Distribution is the lack of regional or state-wide targeting—you’ll only have the option to target by industry.
PR Distribution Pricing & Features
Below, you’ll find a sampling of the many types of packages you can build for yourself with PR Distribution. Get guaranteed website distribution for $99–$399 and wire placements from $799 up. Create custom options with multi-release bundling, the types of networks you want to target, and more. We included representative examples, but you’ll have a ton more options to choose from on the platform.
Cost: $99
What’s included:
- 50-plus guaranteed website placements
- The Buffalo News, The Chronicle Journal, My Motherlode, The Post & Mail
- Digital Journal
- Google News
- iPhone, iPad, and Android apps
- Social media syndication
- Unlimited word count
- Multimedia embedding
- $74.25 each for six press releases
- $64.35 each for 12 press releases
Web Plus plan ($199) for 75-plus website placements, NBC, Fox, CBS, ABC, and Google News, News Talk (radio), and The Podcast Park
Cost: $199
What’s included:
- 75-plus guaranteed website placements
- All outlets in Web tier as well as NBC, Fox, CBS, ABC, AZ Central by USA Today, and Google News
- News Talk and 107.7 The Lake (radio)
- The Podcast Park
- iPhone, iPad, and Android apps
- Social media syndication
- Unlimited word count
- Multimedia embedding
- $149.25 each for six press releases
- $129.35 each for 12 press releases
- $99.50 each for 24 press releases
Cost: $399
What’s included:
- 125-plus guaranteed website placements
- All outlets in Web Plus tier as well as Century Link, Cable ONE, WOW! Communications, MediaCom, Windstream, Suddenlink, GVTC, Grande, and Synacor
- iPhone, iPad, and Android apps
- Social media syndication
- Unlimited word count
- Multimedia embedding
- $299.25 each for six press releases
- $259.53 each for 12 press releases
- $199.50 each for 24 press releases
Cost: $799
What’s included:
- All features from Web Pro as well as Globe Newswire, EIN Newswire, Yahoo News (US, Español, U.K., Canada, Australia), ChineseWire, Benzinga and MarketWatch
- $599.25 each for six press releases
- $519.35 each for 12 press releases
- $399.50 each for 24 press releases
Cost: $1,999
What’s included:
- All features from Web Pro and Multi-Wire Pro as well as AP Newswire, Yahoo Finance (US, U.K., Canada, Australia)
- $1,499.25 each for six press releases
- $1,299.35 each for 12 press releases
- $999.50 each for 24 press releases
Cost: $4,999
- Maximum reach with all placements available from PR Distribution
- All features from Web Pro and Multi-Wire Pro as well as Yahoo Sports, Morningstar, Street Insider, TMCnet, StockIQ, MENAFN, and User Walls
- $3749.25 each for 6 press releases
- $3249.35 each for 12 press releases
- $2499.50 each for 24 press releases
How We Evaluated the Best Press Release Service
The best press release distribution companies make it easy and affordable for small businesses to send out professional media announcements that reach their desired target audience. To evaluate the best press release distribution services, we compared prices, features, and services to determine which services provide the best value for small businesses.
Here are the criteria used to evaluate the best press release services:
- Budget-friendliness for small businesses and startups
- Number of syndication outlets
- Ability to send to journalists and editorial staff by email
- Audience targeting capabilities and options
- Minimum and maximum press release word count
- Allowed multimedia asset inclusions
- Extra services like proofreading, editing, and writing
- Publishing, tracking, and analytics reporting
The do-it-yourself (DIY) route with press releases can be more affordable, but press release distribution services have more than their fair share of benefits that make them better for PR. From a wider reach to better credibility, choosing to work with a press release distribution service can amplify the impact of your press releases.
- Wider reach: Paid distribution services already have established networks and partnerships with media outlets, journalists, influencers, news aggregators, and more. Purchasing their services will allow you to tap into their extensive reach and gain exposure to a larger number of potential readers or viewers.
- Targeted distribution: Since PR distribution services are commonly handled by PR experts, they often offer advanced targeting options right off the bat to reach specific industries or demographics. Making sure your press releases are being seen by the right people increases the chances of getting your story on the news and generating audience engagement.
- Improved credibility: Journalists and media professionals often look to trusted distribution channels as a source for their content. This means that not only does paid distribution help lend legitimacy to your press release, but it also improves your chances of gaining media attention.
- Analytics and tracking: The best PR distribution services offer post-distribution reports and analytics that give insights into how well your press release performed. The metrics in these reports can help you refine your PR strategy to improve campaign performance in the future.
- Resource efficiency: Looking for and reaching media contacts and outlets are not only time-consuming, they can also lead to multiple dead ends. A press release service for small businesses can handle the logistics of finding and contacting outlets, making it possible to redirect PR efforts into other channels as well.
For more detailed instructions on how to prep your announcement and sift through distribution options, read through our guide on how to send a press release.
Cost is usually a top consideration, especially for small businesses and startups that want to issue press releases to build brand awareness, publicity, and sales. However, other key factors would make one press release service better for your needs vs others, such as:
- Distribution speed: If time is of the essence (like with a crisis management press release), then look for press release companies that offer same-day distribution options.
- Targeting capabilities: Being able to target your distribution geographically, by audience interest, or by industry makes it more likely to reach your intended audience and intrigue journalists who cover stories for that audience.
- Placement guarantees: It’s important to consider the types of newswires, networks, and media outlets you want your press release to be published on and look for services with plans that provide guaranteed placements. In addition, note whether your press release will only be online for a short period or in perpetuity.
- Ability to add hyperlinks: Usually, backlinks to your website will be set to “no follow” when published on a newswire or media outlet, which limits SEO value. However, they still facilitate web traffic to your site, which brings interested readers your way (and the extra traffic positively impacts your website’s SEO).
- Ability to embed multimedia: Images and video assets add interest and engagement to press releases and increase press release visibility by 92% to over 552% (PR Daily study).
- Direct-to-journalist emails: Journalists are always looking for stories to cover, so many subscribe to general or industry-specific emails from platforms like EIN Presswire and eReleases. Look for distribution services that send your story directly to their subscribers in addition to mass distribution.
- Editorial support: No one wants to send an announcement to the public sphere only to find that their press release was published with typos, grammatical errors, or less-than-stellar formatting, headlines, and structure. To ensure a good press release stands out, tap into services that come with professional editing and reviews.
Learn more about how to set your press release up for success with these press release best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The average cost to distribute a press release starts at around $100 with leading services, but depending on the features you want, it could be over a thousand dollars. Alternatively, you can issue a press release for free on your own or with a free service like PRLog. However, for precise audience targeting, extensive reach, and guaranteed placements, it’s best to opt for paid distribution.
The best way to distribute a press release is to use a professional service offering mass placements and targeting to reach your audience. However, you can also build a media contact list and pitch your story directly to journalists by email. You can amplify your story further by sending it out in email newsletters to customers, posting a link to it on social media, and reaching out to bloggers and influencers who might want to share it with their audience.
You can use a free service like IssueWire for distribution at no cost. However, remember that free distribution services are feature-limited and might not get your news in front of the right audience. Other free ways to distribute press releases are to submit them to journalists and media outlets via web forms or email, post them on your website, and link them on social media. Just remember, distribution through known services can increase your credibility with a journalistic audience.
Bottom Line
When your business has a story to tell, finding the best way to get your news out to your desired audience in a timely and affordable way is critical. Determining which distribution platform to use depends on your specific business needs, and there are a number of great options covered in this review.
However, our top pick overall for the best press release distribution company for small businesses is EIN Presswire. They offer the best mix of guaranteed syndicated placements, industry and journalist targeting, and value for speed, word count, and media inclusions, all starting under $100.
