You have just finished writing a press release with a strong hook and contains important news which is ready for the world to see.
Now you face the most difficult question, where to send it for maximum impact?
Publishing a press release is not just about posting it on your own blog. That strategy limits your reach to people who already know you. To get real results, you must use external distribution platforms.
The right platform gets your news into Google News. It puts your brand in front of journalists. It creates valuable backlinks that strengthen your website.
This guide covers everything you need to know. Best places to submit your press release online, what submission is, how to choose the right one for your goals and more.
Let’s get started.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
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Publishing news solely on your own blog limits your reach to existing customers.
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Leveraging external submission platforms is the only way to tap into new audiences and secure legitimate media coverage.
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Strategic press release submission builds domain authority through high-quality backlinks.
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Free submission sites are useful for testing the format without risk. However, paid syndication is essential for guaranteeing placement.
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Text-only releases are often ignored by modern media outlets. Incorporating images and videos increases reader time-on-page and significantly boosts the likelihood of getting picked up.
What is Press Release Submission?
Press release submission is the process of sending your news to third-party websites. These websites are syndication networks. They take your content and broadcast it to a network of journalists, news outlets, and search engines.
It is different from social media marketing. It is different from guest posting.
When you submit a release, you are issuing an official statement. You are asking the media to pay attention.
The core definition is simple. You pay a service (or use a free one) to host and distribute your content.
The purpose is two-fold.
First, you want immediate eyes on your news. This is for brand awareness. You want potential customers to see that you launched a product or hired a new CEO.
Second, you want authority. When a reputable site publishes your release, it acts as a trust signal. Search engines see this. Investors see this. It proves your company is active and legitimate.
Why It Matters for Brand Visibility and SEO
Most people think PR is only for getting on TV.
That is an outdated view. Today, PR is a digital marketing tool.
Brand visibility comes from syndication. One submission can result in your content appearing on hundreds of news sites. This creates a "surround sound" effect. Everywhere a customer looks, they see your news.
Then there is SEO.
Press releases often contain links back to your website. These are backlinks. Google uses backlinks to determine if a site is trustworthy. A release on a high-authority domain transfers some of that authority to you.
It also helps you rank for your brand name. If someone Googles your company, you want to control the search results. A press release helps you dominate the first page.
Top 10 Best Places to Submit Your Press Release Online
There are hundreds of sites out there. Most are not worth your time or money. You need platforms that actually index your content. You need services that get your news in front of real people.
Here are the top 10 options for 2026. This list prioritizes ROI, SEO value, and distribution reach.
1. EasyPR
EasyPR has emerged as the smartest choice for modern businesses. It hits the sweet spot between high-end distribution and affordability. It's a smart choice for startups, small groups, and entrepreneurs who want visibility without sky-high costs.
Pros:
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Massive Reach: Syndicates to top-tier networks including Yahoo Finance, MSN, and Associated Press (AP) outlets.
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SEO Focused: Prioritizes indexing and high-quality backlinks to boost your domain authority.
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User Experience: The submission dashboard is intuitive. You can go from draft to distribution in minutes.
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Detailed Reporting: You get a comprehensive report showing exactly where your release was published.
Cons:
- It is strictly for business news, so they may reject low-quality or "spammy" content.
Best For:
- Small to medium businesses, tech startups, and marketers who want maximum impact for every dollar spent.
2. PR Newswire
PR Newswire is the grandfather of the industry. It is the gold standard for Fortune 500 companies. They have the largest distribution network in the world. When you publish here, your news goes to thousands of newsrooms. It is a powerful tool for investor relations.
Pros:
- Unmatched visibility among traditional journalists.
- High trust factor.
- Excellent multimedia hosting capabilities.
Cons:
- The cost is very high. A single release can cost over $1,000 depending on the options.
Best For:
- Large corporations with big budgets and regulatory disclosure needs.
3. Woohoo Web Technologies
For digital-first brands, this is a powerhouse. Woohoo Web Technologies focuses heavily on the tech and digital marketing sectors. It removes the friction found in legacy systems. It is designed to get your news online quickly and effectively.
Pros:
- Highly targeted audience interested in web services and technology.
- Streamlined submission process.
- Great for building niche authority in the tech space.
Cons:
- Reach is more specialized compared to general interest wires.
Best For:
- SaaS companies and tech startups looking for relevant industry backlinks.
4. Business Wire
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Business Wire is the primary competitor to PR Newswire. This platform is known for strict editorial standards. Being published here is a stamp of approval. It is the go-to network for financial news and earnings reports.
Pros:
- Direct feeds to financial terminals like Bloomberg.
- Extremely high credibility with investors.
- Global reach with translation options.
Cons:
- Strict formatting rules can be frustrating.
- Pricing is premium.
Best For:
- Public companies and financial institutions.
5. Lamphills Blog
Lamphills serve a unique role in your strategy. This is not a traditional wire. It is a high-quality content hub. Submitting here feels more like an editorial placement than a syndicated blast. This diversity is vital for a natural link profile.
Pros:
- Provides a natural, blog-style look to the content.
- Helps diversify your backlinks.
- Accessible for individual marketers and smaller brands.
Cons:
- It is a direct placement rather than a mass syndication tool.
Best For:
- Brands looking for organic search visibility and editorial coverage.
6. PRWeb
PRWeb is a strong middle-ground option focused on online visibility. Owned by Cision, PRWeb is designed for SEO rather than direct journalist outreach. It focuses on getting your release indexed by search engines and placed on news aggregators.
Pros:
- Permanent hosting of your press release.
- Good for keyword targeting.
Cons:
- Less direct reach to reporters than its sister company, PR Newswire.
Best For:
- Businesses that prioritize Google rankings over TV coverage.
7. IMC Wire
IMC Wire is a rising player in global distribution. If you need international reach on a budget, look here. IMC Wire offers competitive packages that send your news across borders.
Pros:
- Cost-effective for global distribution.
- Fast turnaround times.
- Broad network of affiliate sites.
Cons:
- The brand name is less recognized than the "Big Two."
Best For:
- Companies needing global reach without a massive budget.
8. WebMeTools
This platform creates distinct value for SEO professionals. WebMeTools caters to the webmaster and SEO community. Submitting here aligns your brand with technical topics. It is less about mass consumer awareness and more about technical signals.
Pros:
- Targeted to the web development community.
- Simple and fast submission.
- Helps increase domain authority through niche relevance.
Cons:
- Too niche for general consumer products.
Best For:
- B2B tech companies and agencies.
9. OpenPR
OpenPR is a favorite for those testing the waters. Based in Germany, OpenPR has a massive European following. It accepts English releases and offers a legitimate free tier. This makes it a great entry point.
Pros:
- Offers a usable free submission option.
- Strong European presence.
- Content tends to stay indexed for a long time.
Cons:
- The free version includes ads.
Best For:
- Startups with zero budget or European focus.
10. EIN Presswire
EIN Presswire markets itself as the budget-friendly alternative to the big guys. They own a network of proprietary news sites. When you submit, you are guaranteed placement on their network. It is reliable and fast.
Pros:
- One of the most affordable paid options.
- Guaranteed placement.
- Good for "As Seen On" social proof.
Cons:
- Links are often syndicated to lower-tier sites.
Best For:
- Small businesses needing quick visibility.
How to Submit a Press Release?
Knowing the platforms is step one. Step two is execution. You cannot just copy-paste and hope for the best. You need a process.
Here is how you can submit a press release:
1. Planning: Define Your Objective
Do not start writing until you know the goal.
Here are the questions that defines your objectives:
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Are you trying to impress investors?
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Are you trying to rank for a keyword?
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Are you trying to get local customers?
Your objective dictates your platform and your tone.
2. Writing: The Essential Elements
The structure of your release matters.
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The Headline: This is 80% of the work. It must be catchy but factual. Use active verbs. Keep it under 100 characters.
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The Dateline: City, State, and Date. This proves it is news.
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The Lead: The first paragraph must answer Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
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The Body: Add quotes from your CEO. Use bullet points for features.
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The Boilerplate: This is the "About Us" section at the bottom. Keep it consistent.
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Media Assets: Always include a high-res logo and at least one image.
3. Submission Process
Once the content is ready, you log in to your chosen platform.
You will need to select "industries" or "categories." Be specific. If you are a crypto app, select "Technology" and "Finance." Do not select "Lifestyle" just to get more views. Irrelevant views do not convert.
You will also schedule the time. The best time to send a release is usually Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Avoid Fridays. News dies on the weekend.
4. After Submission: Tracking and Follow-Up
Clicking "submit" is not the end.
Most platforms provide a report. Look at the metrics.
How many people clicked? Where did they come from?
If you targeted specific journalists, email them the link to your release. Say, "I just put this on the wire, thought it might interest your readers."
This personal touch creates real coverage.
How to Choose the Right Press Release Distribution Service Online?
You have ten great options above. Making the final decision can still be tough. You need to align the platform with your specific business goals.
Here is the framework for choosing the right service.
1. Define Your Primary Goal
Why are you writing this release?
Goal: SEO and Backlinks. You need a platform that provides "dofollow" links and high domain authority. EasyPR and PRWeb are excellent choices here. They ensure your content is indexed and passes value to your site.
Goal: Investor Attention. You need to reach financial terminals. You must use Business Wire or PR Newswire. These are the only two that serious investors monitor.
Goal: Niche Authority. You want to impress a specific industry. Use Woohoo Web Technologies or WebMeTools for tech. Use Lamphills for editorial credibility.
2. Analyze the Distribution Network
Reach is not just about numbers. It is about relevance.
Some cheap services claim to reach "500 sites." But if those sites are random spam blogs, it does not help you.
Look for names you recognize.
Does the service distribute to Yahoo Finance? Google News? AP News? MarketWatch? EasyPR is a strong contender here because it includes these major outlets without the premium markup.
3. Check the Reporting Features
You cannot manage what you do not measure. Before you pay, check what kind of report you get.
A good report shows:
- The exact URLs where your release is live.
- The number of views and clicks.
- Geographic data of the readers.
Avoid services that just send you a confirmation email. You need data to prove ROI to your stakeholders.
4. Consider the Pricing Structure
PR costs vary wildly.
- The "Pay Per Release" Model: This is standard. You pay $100 to $1,000 for one blast. The Subscription Model: Some services offer a monthly fee for unlimited submissions. This is good for agencies.
- The "Add-On" Trap: Be careful. Some services advertise a low price but charge extra for images, extra words, or faster review times.
5. Assess Customer Support
This is often overlooked.
If you make a mistake in your release, can you fix it?
If you submit on a Friday, will it go out on time?
Test their support. Send a question before you buy. If they take three days to answer, do not use them. PR moves fast. You need a partner that moves fast too.
Free Vs. Paid Press Release Distribution Sites
This is the most common debate in the industry. Should you pay, or can you get by for free?
1. Advantages of Free Platforms
The obvious advantage is cost. It is free.
Sites like OpenPR or Free-Press-Release allow you to publish without a credit card. This is good for experimentation. If you have never done PR before, start here. It helps you learn the format without financial risk.
2. Advantages of Paid Platforms
You get what you pay for.
Paid platforms guarantee syndication. When you pay for your press release distribution, they must send your news out. Free sites do not guarantee anything.
Paid platforms also offer better SEO. They usually provide "dofollow" links or at least links from reputable domains. Free sites often use "nofollow" links which pass less SEO value. They are also often cluttered with ads, which lowers credibility.
3. When to Prioritize One Over the Other
If the news is critical, pay for it.
If you are announcing a merger, a funding round, or a major product, use a paid service. You cannot risk the news not being seen.
If the news is minor, use a free service. Maybe you hired a new junior manager. Maybe you updated your website design. This is worth documenting, but not worth spending $500 on.
4. Hybrid Strategy: Using Both
The smartest marketers use both.
Use a premium service for your big quarterly announcement. Use free or low-cost services for monthly updates. This keeps a steady stream of news flowing without draining your budget.
Conclusion
Press release submission is a powerful lever for growth. It bridges the gap between your brand and the public. Now you have excellent options available.
The platform matters, but the strategy matters more. Define your goal. Write a killer story. Choose the distribution channel that aligns with your budget and audience. Do not let your news sit in silence.
Pick a platform from the given list today. Submit your first release. Measure the results. You will see the difference in your traffic and your brand authority. The world is waiting to hear your story.
FAQs
Can I submit press releases for free?
Yes, platforms like OpenPR allow free submission which is useful for testing the format without a budget. However, paid services deliver significantly better SEO value and guaranteed placement on premium news sites.
How often should I submit press releases?
Aim for once a month or whenever you have significant news like a product launch or new partnership. Quality matters more than quantity, so only submit when you have a genuine announcement.
How do I measure the success of my press release?
Track referral traffic in your analytics to see who clicked through to your website from the release. You should also review the distribution report for media pickup and monitor new backlinks to your domain.
What is the best day and time to send a press release?
The most effective time to send is Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM EST. Avoid Fridays and weekends, as news tends to get buried or ignored until the following week.
Why do press releases get rejected?
Releases are often rejected if they read like a direct sales advertisement rather than objective news. Ensure your content is factual, free of excessive hype, and contains valid contact information.



