When you write a press release, what’s your goal? You probably want to tell your story and reach the right audience. But have you ever wondered if a press release could help boost your SEO? How exactly does it work? Let’s walk through why press releases are good for SEO, what benefits they offer, and how to make the most of them.
What Is an SEO-Focused Press Release?
An SEO-focused press release has two main goals:
- Sharing your news with media outlets.
- Improving your visibility in search engines.
A regular press release tells a story, but an SEO press release is written with search engines in mind. It includes keywords (the terms people search for), is well-structured, and includes links that make it easy for readers to explore more. This helps your press release show up higher in search results, driving more traffic to your site.
How Press Releases Help with SEO
So, do press releases actually improve SEO? Yes, if you use them strategically. Here’s how they help:
✅ Backlinks from Other Websites
A backlink is when another website links to your press release. When journalists or bloggers write about your press release and link to it (or your website), search engines see this as a sign that your content is credible and relevant. This boosts your search rankings.
✅ Better Online Visibility
Press releases are often picked up by multiple websites and news platforms. This means your press release — and the keywords you target — could show up in search results across different platforms. Sometimes, your content may even appear in Google News or a featured snippet, increasing visibility and engagement.
Also Read: How to Build Links on a Budget?
✅ Increased Brand Authority
Press releases also help build your brand’s credibility. Google values signals like expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) when ranking content. If your press release is picked up by credible media outlets, it signals to Google that your brand is trustworthy — improving your search rankings.
How to Write an SEO-Friendly Press Release
Press releases can improve SEO — but only if they’re done right. Here’s how to create one that performs well:
1. Write a Strong Headline
Your headline is the first thing people (and search engines) see. It should be clear, engaging, and include a target keyword naturally. Keep it under 56 characters so it doesn’t get cut off in search results. For example:
✅ Good: “5 Proven SEO Benefits of Press Releases”
❌ Bad: “This Is Why You Need to Write a Press Release Now!!!”
Also Read: How to Audit a Backlink Profile?
2. Structure Your Content Clearly
Start with a strong opening that explains why your story matters. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to make the content easy to scan. Focus on providing value, not stuffing it with keywords.
3. Use Keywords Naturally
Add target keywords in the headline, subheadings, and body — but don’t overdo it. If it sounds forced, it’ll hurt your rankings. Instead, use keywords where they fit naturally.
4. Add Visuals
Include images, infographics, or videos to make your press release more engaging. Optimize them by adding descriptive alt text (4–7 words) that includes a relevant keyword. For example:
✅ Alt text: “SEO press release example infographic”
Images should be at least 1200 pixels wide for the best results in Google Discover. Also, keep file sizes small to avoid slowing down your site.
5. Use Strategic Links
Add one or two links to your website, ideally directing readers to a landing page with more information. Journalists might follow these links and create additional backlinks, boosting your site’s authority.
Example: If your press release is about a new product, link to the product page. This increases the chances that journalists will include a link when they cover the story.
Also Read: How can Influencer Outreach Help?
6. Promote It
Once your press release is published, promote it on social media, in industry newsletters, and through outreach to journalists and bloggers. The more exposure it gets, the more likely it is to earn backlinks and boost SEO.
How to Measure Press Release Success
Once you’ve published your press release, you’ll want to track its impact. Here’s how to measure success:
📌 Backlinks – Use tools like Ahrefs or Majestic to see how many backlinks your press release earned and where they came from.
📌 Search Rankings – Check where your press release ranks for target keywords using tools like Google Search Console or SEMrush.
📌 Referral Traffic – Use Google Analytics to see how much traffic the press release is driving to your site.
📌 Brand Mentions – Track how often your brand is mentioned online and the sentiment behind it. More positive mentions = better brand authority.
