Jocelyn Dimaculangan

Aside from conveying announcements, different types of press releases can help your small business build thought leadership, drive web traffic, generate leads, and boost sales. From press releases to announce new products or breakthroughs to events, book releases, new hires, business launches, rebranding, new partnerships, awards, and more, below here are a dozen of the most effective types of press releases for small businesses. For maximum coverage and a multi-tiered editorial process that ensures the quality of any type of press release, use for press release distribution. They offer advanced targeting and guaranteed placements to get your announcement into the hands of media outlets and journalists most likely to want to cover your news. 1. New Business Press Release (Grand Opening) A new business announcement or grand opening press release for a business launch should explain why the opening is newsworthy. Some reasons why it might be worthy of press coverage are how the new business fills gaps in a location or industry, or how it stands out from competitors. In the end, it should convince readers the new business will benefit them in a way the current marketplace cannot. In your new business press release, detail the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your new business opening. Give the location and date of your opening and your company name. In the body of the press release, provide an overview of what your business does, why it differs from competitors, and its benefits to readers. To add a human touch and additional perspective for journalists’ stories, include executive quotes that showcase the company’s vision. Finally, don’t forget to hyperlink your company’s name to your website or landing page so readers can learn more. Remember as well that some journalists may simply copy and paste your press release to their publishing medium. So if you only hyperlink your URL, it may not transfer over. To ensure your website address is always published, also include your website URL in its full written form (e.g., www.yourbusinessname.com) in the press release boilerplate. 2. New or Upgraded Product Press Release A product press release should be used to announce a product launch or upgrade that constitutes something new in your industry. The release should point out why it is different from products offered by competitors. If you’re not sure what makes your product release or upgrade newsworthy, create a list of all its noteworthy features, then cross out all of those your product shares with competitors. Whatever is left should be the focus of your press release, as this is what most likely earns you additional media and journalist coverage. A product press release should include the features that set it apart and its benefits. By highlighting the benefit to customers, you give journalists a reason to cover your product announcement and identify the audience. In addition, don’t miss the opportunity to include a value-add to entice readers to purchase. You can do this by offering a discount code for people who buy your product when it launches. Using a specific code also allows you to track how many people take advantage of it. By extension, these trends reveal how effective your release is at spreading awareness and enticing conversions. 3. New Service Press Release If you've recently launched a new service, you'll want to let your customers and the media know about it. The best way to do this is to write a public relations (PR) statement in the form of a new service press release and send it to the media to generate press coverage for your new offering. Writing a new service press release can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Start with a catchy headline and then give a brief overview of your new service. Include quotes from company representatives explaining your service’s benefits and the types of customers it's best for. Provide background information on your company in the boilerplate, and include a call to action (CTA) inviting prospects to access the new service. Make sure that you also include contact information from the perspective of both the customers and the media. For example, customers might be most interested in booking an appointment or signing up. In contrast, journalists would want to know who to contact for more details about the service or your company. Small businesses can tap freelancers for press release writing for as little as $5. However, if you want to work with top PR professionals, we recommend . You’ll get expert help writing your press release along with distribution to the largest U.S.-based media list. 4. Event Press Release Event announcements are a type of press release businesses use to inform the media of an event the business plans to host or sponsor. These could include things like a VIP customer event, a charity initiative (like a 5K race), or a community-related event, like an open house. Download our free event press release template and follow along step-by-step in writing your announcement. Many businesses also plan buzz-building publicity stunts to draw mass attention to their brand from journalists and the public alike. These are preceded by a heads-up to the media with a press release. The announcement serves as an invitation for the press to cover the event, making it easy for them to attend and understand its relevance to their audience. Your story should cover the event’s what, when, where, why, who, and how. For example, describe what it is all about, where it will take place and when, who will be involved, and how media representatives can gain admission to cover it. If the public is also welcome to attend, provide information on how they can do so. 5. New Hire Press Release A new hire press release is a type of press release used to announce that your company has made an essential new hire. It builds credibility by positioning your brand as a sought-after employer and increases trust in your company’s expertise. To be newsworthy, your new hire should be someone taking a fairly high-profile position (such as an executive C-suite role). You must also clearly explain how the expertise or experience they bring is expected to improve your offering and industry position. Your press release should answer what made this person stand out among other candidates, their expertise, former companies worked for, and career accomplishments and awards. Include a quote from one of your executives stating the company’s excitement about this news and a similar quote from the new hire. Finally, discuss what their role and key responsibilities will be, and how their contribution benefits the stakeholders. 6. Crisis Management Press Release A crisis press release, or crisis management press release, is a type of media statement issued by an organization in response to a significant event or problem. These types of press releases are typically issued by businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations as part of an overall crisis communications plan. They are also often used in the case of disasters or other emergencies. The media statement should provide timely and accurate information about the event, who is affected, and your response or plan to address or mitigate the problem. If your company is at fault in some way, acknowledge the blame as openly and transparently as possible, express regret, and say what your company will do next. For more tips and a free template, read our guide on how to write a crisis press release. 7. Joint / Partnership Press Release A joint press release, or partnership press release, can be a great way to generate publicity for all parties involved when two or more companies are partnering together on a special project. Both companies can gain increased exposure through the partner’s distribution channels, including gaining access to new leads and additional credibility through the association. A joint press release may double the PR value of the announcement because of the buzz it may generate. When writing a joint press release, highlight the “what” as in what the project or topic is, who is involved, and the objective. Explain the alignment of the two companies and how the project fits with the mission and goals of each. Detail what will occur and the specific actions that will result. End with a boilerplate that includes information about all the companies involved. Unlike acquisition press releases, which are usually generated by the parent company, it’s a good idea to clarify the division of labor beforehand with these types of press releases. Decide which company will come up with the first draft and which individuals in both companies will share editing responsibilities. Ensure that both companies have a chance to provide final approval and determine which company will oversee distribution. Begin your release by addressing the who, what, when, why, and how details in the lead paragraph. Follow that with supplemental information, such as the problems the partnership solves for stakeholders and the positive changes they can anticipate. Next, include a quote from executives of both partnering companies that explains the partnership’s value. Finally, conclude with a boilerplate that includes the information of both companies. Not sure what to include in your boilerplate section? Get all the details in our article on how to write a press release boilerplate in five steps. 8. Rebranding Press Release A rebranding press release announces a company’s change to its corporate image. These changes can cause unrest among stakeholders. But during rebranding, companies can reduce the fear of the unknown among employees and customers by clarifying what changes to expect and when the changes will happen. To do this, tell a compelling rebranding story outlining the changes and the rationale behind them, turning the unknown into the known. When writing a rebranding press release, tell a positive story about your process to create excitement around it. For example, your business may be rebranding to align with a new green initiative. Then, explain how it will benefit customers (product improvements, for example). Also, anticipate questions from your customers, and reduce their uneasiness by addressing things like changes in pricing or your company’s vision or direction. 9. Award Press Release Winning a prestigious award positions your company as a leader, but only if stakeholders and your industry know about it. As one of the most positive types of press releases, an award press release showcases an accolade your company or an employee has won based on a business accomplishment. The first paragraph of your award press release should explain when and why the award was issued in an objective, humble tone. It should explain what this award means for your company, such as how it positions you as an industry leader or helps you accomplish your company mission. Include quotes from executives and the organization that issued the award (if possible) to express your company’s excitement without losing objectivity. 10. Book Press Release A book press release is used to promote the launch of a new book with an enticing explanation as to why the media should cover it. A published book isn’t uncommon; in fact, Statista’s Worldometers site notes that 2.2 million books were published in 2021. However, not all book launches are inherently newsworthy. For example, the release of a new cookbook might not warrant a press release unless it fills a gap in the marketplace. Likewise, a book’s launch may be newsworthy if it’s written by a known author who has won a prestigious award, is endorsed by a celebrity, or covers a currently trending news topic. Your book launch press release should start with a summary of the book and its benefits to readers. Your next paragraph must detail some captivating points that would entice someone to buy it. Next, include a quote from an attention-grabbing book review (like from an influencer or celebrity), include a high-resolution image of your book’s cover, and then list where it can be purchased. Instead of a corporate boilerplate, close with a one-paragraph author bio that describes why he or she is credible and includes media contact information. 11. Company Merger or Acquisition Press Release Merger and acquisition press releases are used to announce when one company acquires another or when two companies merge. These types of press releases are usually issued by the acquiring company or the company that is taking the lead in the merger. An acquisition press release typically contains information about the terms of the deal, the parties involved, and the benefits of the acquisition. It is also common for an acquisition press release to include quotes from the leaders of both companies. It should also answer why the deal was made and how the acquisition or merger fits into the strategy and mission of the parent company. It’s also a good idea to mention the value that it brings to the parent company and the impact it will have on the customers, employees, and potentially the local community of both entities, such as whether it will generate new jobs. This is a great example of a press release type that should not only be distributed to the media in general, but should also be sent to industry and location-targeted journalists. is the best press release distribution service to use if you want to access multi-layer targeting with your announcement to reach the journalists who will most likely cover your story. 12. Business Closing Press Release If your business is closing its doors, you'll want to inform the public clearly and concisely. In this case, a business closing press release is ideal to let the public know about the company’s closure. It can help to lessen the impact on your community by offering alternative recommendations for customers. A business closing press release should include the name and nature of the business (e.g., a florist, dental practice, boutique, or some other type of entity) and the official date it will be closed. In addition, it should offer a brief explanation of why the business is closing, and should include contact information for those with questions. These types of press releases also provide an opportunity to thank customers, employees, and the community for their support while the business was open. Make the most of it by informing customers about reduced prices or liquidation sales. The business closing announcement can also highlight how the company served the industry. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are press releases used for? Ultimately, a press release is for gaining positive media coverage around an announcement or responding to a potentially negative event. It is written in a way that makes the job of covering your story easy for journalists, bloggers, and influencers. As a result, it increases the chance of getting additional PR for your brand. Learn how to write a press release that will get picked up, including step-by-step instructions and a free template. What is the format of a press release? The heading of a press release often has the company logo, centered at the top, and below that, a left-aligned release date, city, and person to contact. Below that is a centered, bold headline followed by a centered, italicized subheading. The rest of the content is left-aligned, including a lead paragraph with the most essential details, additional paragraphs with more details to highlight the angle, and lastly, a boilerplate with company information. Find out more about the best press release format to use and get a free template for writing your own. How do I send a press release? For maximum coverage, use a top press release distribution service like to target and send your release to the media, industries, and locations you most want to reach. To send a press release on your own, make a list of journalists, news outlets, and influential bloggers whose audiences align with yours. Adapt your release to conform to the submission guidelines of each outlet, then follow their instructions for submitting your release. Bottom Line Press releases should be part of your marketing toolkit for generating positive publicity and building a strong brand presence. While we’ve covered more than a dozen different types of press releases above, the truth is, any critical business announcement could warrant issuing a press release. Press releases should be written in a specific style and format to increase the odds of getting more coverage of your story. If you have little experience writing them, offers professional press release writing, editing, and distribution to give your announcement the best chance at coverage. Visit eReleases to get started today. You Might Also Like… Improve your chances of media coverage by following press release best practices. Writing press releases is both an art and a science—see who tops our list of the best press release writing services. Learn how to create a video news release that can earn a higher engagement rate for your small business than text-based announcements.

Local citations are online listings or mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) that improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO). You can get local citations by creating a Google business page, being listed in online directories, and using managed services and platforms. In this article, we explain seven ways you can build local SEO citations to improve your rankings in local searches online. Read the tips below to learn how to build local SEO citations that increase your rankings on Google and other search engines: 1. Create & Optimize Your Google Business Profile Google’s business pages are one of the most important places to have your business info (other than your own website). Claiming or creating your profile is free, and you can update your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) whenever you like. First, learn step by step how to create a Google Business Profile. Then, ask customers to leave Google reviews for your business and interact with them by responding to reviews and answering any questions they ask. These steps can help improve the online visibility of your profile since engagement is also a potential ranking factor. Next, optimize and manage your Google business page on an ongoing basis: Include all the relevant information about your business, such as your operating hours, website, and contact information. Update your profile at least quarterly with any special events, holiday hours, and any other temporary changes. Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase your business, and frequently add new images to your page. Use location-specific keywords in your profile to help customers find your business. Develop a strategy for getting more Google reviews regularly. Respond to customer reviews and questions on your profile. Take advantage of Google's features, such as Google Posts, to promote your business and attract customers. 2. Add Your Business to Online Directories It’s free and easy to add (or claim) business listings online. Start by finding the best business directories to add listings to, and determine which are the most relevant to your business. For example, a restaurant needs to add a local citation on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and . A lawn service likely wants to add listings to these as well as to . Conversely, if you own a coffee house, your business probably wouldn’t benefit from a listing on Zillow or Care.com. So, focus your efforts on the directories where someone is bound to look for a business like yours. Here are some of the most essential online directories for local businesses: (formerly Google My Business) (read our Yelp for business guide) (see how to use Bing for business) Facebook (learn how to create a Facebook business page) (find out how to become BBB-accredited) In addition to these general business directories, it’s probable that there are industry- and location-specific listings to which you could also add your company information. In fact, the sheer number of potential directories to list your business in could be overwhelming. Start with a manageable list and work to add new listings each month, or consider using some of the platforms or outsourced services we discuss below to help. 3. Submit & Manage Local SEO Citations Using Aggregators As mentioned, the sheer number of places you could potentially list your business information is enough to put anyone off of adding local citations manually. There are lists of hundreds and thousands—and a Google search shows millions—of results. It’s virtually impossible to submit listings to all the existing directories, but data aggregators can do this for you. Data aggregators are online platforms that collect and compile data from various sources into a single database. The top three data aggregators in the U.S. are (formerly Infogroup), (now part of location-based data provider ), and . It’s free or super-affordable to claim or add your business to these sites and manage your business’ profile as things change. Similar to Google and other business directories, you can search on these sites to find your business listing, claim it, and modify any incorrect data. If your business isn’t there, you can submit your information, and these sites will automatically send out your listing to search engines, public data sources (like libraries), and newer search tools (such as car navigation systems and virtual assistants). Alternatively, you can fast-track your efforts to build local SEO citations using data aggregator service. You can submit your business listing to five major data aggregators for $25 each or to all five for $100 per year. This makes it simple to manage your listings in one place, allowing your customers to do business with you easily and ensuring you have hundreds of online citations to help boost your website’s SEO. 4. Use Managed Services & Tools to Build Local SEO Citations Using managed services allows you to stay focused on your core business, freeing up valuable resources that can be used to grow your small business. For example, top digital marketing agency Hibu helps produce a far higher return on investment. can obtain and respond to reviews, add your site to directory listings, do social listening, and conduct local SEO citation building. Another excellent option for those who want to outsource is . WebFX offers affordable, comprehensive local SEO services starting at $425 a month for one location. This includes data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to fast-track your return on local search. Additionally, your custom plan will consist of continual data-driven SEO improvements and ranking monitoring for keywords that drive conversions. Suppose you don’t have the budget to outsource, but you still need an easy way to add and manage your local citations and listings. You can use the leading local SEO platform, , for $29 a month. With BrightLocal, you can add listings manually for $2 each, and make sure your business information stays consistent across thousands of online directories with automated reports and monitoring. If you’re a user, you can automate local listings by adding Listings Management to any plan for just $20 more a month. For more self-managed tools and resources, read our list of the best local SEO tools for small businesses. 5. Reach Out to Bloggers, Journalists & Local Media Getting a citation in the form of a mention in a blogger’s roundup or a review will help your local SEO and can make a lasting impression on audiences. This form of influencer marketing can potentially generate website traffic, lead generation, and new customers and sales. Start by reaching out to bloggers that focus on your industry. For example, if you run a bed and breakfast in Sedona, California, search for travel bloggers who love bed and breakfasts or local bloggers who highlight spots in their neighborhood. Then, reach out to these bloggers and, in this case, offer them a free night at your hotel so they can experience it, and if they like it, they may write about it. You can also get local citations by contacting local (or national) media outlets with a newsworthy pitch about your business. If you’re unsure where to pitch a story or worried journalists might ignore your email, you can use a press release service. Some even offer guaranteed placements in certain publications, including a high-quality link back to your website and your business NAP. 6. Use Online Ads Using Google or Facebook ads can significantly increase brand awareness. As a proven search engine marketing (SEM) tactic, digital ad campaigns target your ideal audience. They also put your brand’s ads into search results and social media feeds, and display ad networks when your target audience is likely to be most interested. You can purchase various Google ads, including those that position your business at the top of the map listings in local search results. As you can see in the image above, Wawa is positioned in the top spot, above the organic local results, because it’s deploying Google local ads. Read our guide to learn how to advertise on Google in a few simple steps. 7. Get a Citation From Your Local Chamber of Commerce Local Chamber of Commerce organizations offer membership to local businesses, and it’s a great way to get a local citation for SEO. Your listing is usually added to the Chamber’s website, giving you a high-quality backlink and more exposure. Chamber of Commerce sites are often a go-to for people new in the community, offering a good way to connect with prospects and customers before your competitors do. Similarly, many networking groups have local chapters that include the business listings of members. One example of this is Business Network International (BNI). Local chapters limit membership to one business for each type (e.g., only one dental practice per chapter). Additionally, members are encouraged to share recommendations of member businesses on social media, adding yet another way for your business’ NAP to be mentioned online. Statistics on Local SEO Citations As local SEO continues to evolve, so do the strategies and tactics that local businesses need to use to rise to the top of the search results. One area that has seen a lot of change in recent years is local SEO citations, since they can help improve your business' click-through rate (CTR) and overall visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). If you're looking to improve your local SEO, here are some statistics you need to know about citations: The average return on investment (ROI) for a local SEO campaign is over 500% after three years. (Source: FirstPageSage) Most local searches are conducted through mobile browsers—57% of local search queries done in 2021 were submitted using a mobile device or tablet. (Source: ReviewTrackers) More consumers are reading online reviews than ever before. In 2021, 77% of consumers "always" or "regularly" read online reviews when browsing for local businesses. This figure is up from 60% in 2020. (Source: BrightLocal) Four review sites are responsible for the distribution of over 84% of all online reviews: Google (73%), Yelp (6%), Facebook (3%), and Tripadvisor (3%). (Source: ReviewTrackers) Local search contributed 22.6% of website traffic for location-based businesses. This was based on a study conducted among 500 location-based websites from January 2020 to June 2021. (Source: Milestone Research) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How do local citations help my SEO? Citations help search engines verify that your company is real and that your listing is up to date. They also improve your search visibility and build trust with potential customers. Local citations are one of the many signals search engines use to determine the ranking of a business in local search results. So, the more SEO citations you have, the higher your chances of increasing Google rankings in local search results. How many local citations is good for SEO? It is generally beneficial to have as many business citations as possible. The more local search citations you have, the more likely you rank high in local search results. According to a study by BrightLocal, the median number of citations a local business has is 108. Local businesses ranked in positions one to three in Google have an average of 85 citations. What else can I do to improve my local SEO rankings? There are many things that can improve local SEO rankings, such as optimizing your content with local keywords and using location-specific references in headings and URLs. Getting more Google reviews is also a key to increasing rankings. Local SEO is one aspect of search engine marketing (SEM), so read our article on search engine marketing for more ways to rank higher in local online searches. Bottom Line Local citations are one of the many ways to help improve local SEO. They help your business rank higher in Google searches, drive more traffic to your site, and generate more sales. While it’s relatively easy, building them can be time-consuming, as is monitoring and managing them over time. For this reason, many choose to add and monitor online listings using . The platform makes it easy and affordable to build citations for SEO and manage them across thousands of listings, starting from $29 per month. You Might Also Like… Looking to boost your sales and position in search results? Try these local SEO tools. Get to the top of Google search results by learning how to rank higher on Google. Learn how to make a small business website in seven steps and start building your brand’s online presence.

At $6 a month or even free, the best cheap email hosting providers are reliable, secure, and provide solid features to add value for small businesses. In fact, some of the cheapest email hosting services include email forwarding, free domains, team-friendly tools, and advanced features to save you time and money. We reviewed dozens of platforms to find the absolute best cheap email hosting for small businesses. : Overall best cheap email hosting for small businesses, and best free email provider : Best low-cost email hosting services for collaborative teams : Cheapest email hosting plans for those wanting a free domain included : Affordable email hosting for businesses needing robust storage or advanced features and automations : Top choice for companies wanting cheap email hosting with a high level of security : Cheapest way to get unlimited emails, a domain, and web hosting for startups and small businesses on a budget : Most affordable email hosting plan for teams wanting an app with integrated video and audio calling Best Cheap Email Hosting Providers at a Glance See fullscreen table × *Cost of base-tier paid plan with annual billing; some providers also offer monthly billing at a higher rate Zoho Mail: Best Cheap Email Hosting Provider Overall is one of the cheapest email hosting services available. It offers free business email hosting for up to five ad-free email accounts, has powerful privacy features, and offers high image attachment sizes in Workplace plans. It also comes with extras, like the ability to integrate the free Zoho CRM plan, which is great for sales teams and ecommerce businesses. To learn more about its features or how to set it up, check out our article showing how to use Zoho email for free. Zoho Mail’s business email plans (Workplace plans) scale up based on the amount of storage included, so you only pay for what you need. However, the free plan is the ideal solution if you want a professional email address but do not depend heavily on email (and you already own a domain). The storage limit is low at just 5GB per email address, but it’s still higher than the 2GB included in $1 per month plans (though IONOS plans come with a free email domain). Those needing a lot of storage should consider (and Outlook), which comes with 1TB per user, or entry plan with 30GB and Gmail business email—both start at $6 per month. Zoho Mail has two Workplace plans meant explicitly for businesses. Like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, they come with productivity software (documents, spreadsheets, and slide-based presentations), collaboration tools, backup and restoration, eDiscovery, and even video conferencing. Unlike Google or Microsoft, however, Zoho Mail’s $6 per month Professional plan also includes a free domain name. Zoho Mail Pricing & Features *With annual billing; all plans offer monthly billing at a higher cost has a Free Forever plan for up to five users, each with 5GB of storage. If you need more than five email addresses, you can get cheap email hosting plans starting at $1 per month (per user) via the Mail Lite plan (5GB) or $1.25 for Mail Premium (10GB). If you need more than 5GB of storage, upgrade to the Zoho Mail Workplace Standard plan at $3 per month. It includes 30GB storage, 30MB attachments, and access to Zoho’s suite of productivity tools. Or get robust tools for video conferencing and collaboration in the Workplace Professional plan for $6, including 100GB of storage plus another 100GB of shared storage. If security is a concern, the two Workplace plans are your best option. They come with business-class secure email, including encryption to protect your accounts and the content of your emails. The Professional plan also includes archiving, eDiscovery, backup, and restoration for even more peace of mind. Learn more about what’s included for the cost in each plan using the drop-downs below: Zoho Mail Ease of Use is widely known as one of the most user-friendly, cheap email hosts. There are detailed, step-by-step instructions for everything from registering for a plan to connecting your domain. Should you get stuck, live chat and email ticket support are there to help. Zoho also has many other tools, such as a customer relationship management (CRM) system that integrates easily so you can streamline your business workflows in one place. Google Workspace: Best Email Service for Collaborative Teams (formerly G Suite) is an industry-leading email hosting and business software provider. Its Gmail business email hosting package is extremely intuitive, packed with added value, and affordably priced, starting at $6 per user, per month. In fact, Gmail made our list of the best email apps for small businesses. With an uncluttered interface, straightforward navigation, and built-in collaboration tools, Gmail business email setup and customization are simple. This, along with the inclusion of Google’s productivity suite, make Google Workspace an ideal email and collaboration solution for non-tech-savvy businesses that don’t want to spend a lot of time on email setup or maintenance. Notably, collaborative teams can work on documents, spreadsheets, and slides at the same time, unlike with the software of its chief rival, . In addition, users get all of the available features in Google Workspace apps starting from $6, whereas getting some advanced features and downloaded desktop apps requires upgrading to a more expensive Microsoft 365 plan. Learn more in our article comparing Gmail vs Outlook email side by side. Google Workspace Email Pricing & Features *Pooled storage used between Google Drive, Gmail, Chat, Docs, and other Google Workspace services Google Workspace plans are billed monthly, starting at $6 for secure business email on your domain. You can set up as many as 30 email aliases, and your plan includes productivity tools and 30GB of storage. While it’s possible to get cheaper email hosting that connects to Gmail, the real selling point is access to Google Workspace. With every plan, you get Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, as well as calendars, Chat for team messaging, and Meet for video conferencing—making it the best cheap email hosting service for collaborative teams. Wondering how Microsoft Office 365 compares? Check out the in-depth look at Google Workspace vs Office 365. Learn more about what’s included for the cost in each plan using the drop-downs below: Google Workspace Ease of Use The registration process is straightforward, but the admin console can be confusing for beginners. While there are well-documented articles about how to set up services, such as your domain, Google doesn’t provide live customer support (unlike Microsoft). Gmail, on the other hand, is very intuitive and easy to use for business email. The Gmail business email interface feels modern, and users can customize their views in many different ways. You can even add other email accounts to Gmail to view all your emails in one place rather than jumping back and forth between apps. Third-party integrations are also easy with Gmail, making it a great option for sales, marketing, finance, and other business teams. With Google Workspace comes more apps, like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. When working collaboratively, you’ll automatically get email notifications when teammates tag you in a document, allowing you to quickly respond, make changes to the document, and so on. Chat and Meet are accessed right from your email dashboard on the left side menu, making it easy to communicate in any format with colleagues, prospects, and customers. IONOS: Cheapest Email Hosting Provider With a Free Domain (formerly known as 1&1 or IONOS by 1&1) is a web host and domain registrar that offers affordable email hosting with a free domain name. It stands out by offering secure email hosting for only $1 per month, including spam protection, modest storage, a free domain name, and live customer support. Alternatively, you can purchase a domain for $1 for the first year and get a free business email address in the process. IONOS also has cheap website builder plans from $1 per month, inclusive of email hosting and a domain, which could save your business even more as you build your brand presence online. If you’re a freelancer, startup, or small business with a limited budget, any of these plans could be right for you. Granted, the 2GB of storage included in IONOS cheap email hosting plans is paltry compared to the other providers on this list. Even free plan and comparably priced Mail Lite come with more. However, IONOS security features are more advanced, and encryption is cheaper on its Business plan at $5 per month vs Zoho Mail’s Professional plan at $6. IONOS Email Pricing & Features *Billed annually plans start at $1 per month for 2GB of storage (about 10,000 emails) and a maximum attachment size of 100MB. Given the comparatively low storage included, those working with large files or sending lots of emails might want to use or upgrade to the Business plan. There are no plans with productivity software or video conferencing. For these, it might be better to purchase a domain through IONOS ($1 the first year) and get a or plan to get the productivity, collaboration, and communication software your small business needs. Learn more about what’s included for the cost in each plan using the drop-downs below: IONOS Ease of Use makes it easy to choose an email plan, get a domain for business email, and create business email addresses. The web-based email interface is also intuitive, adding to the simplicity of using a cheap email provider without a learning curve. You’ll find basic business email features like the ability to create custom email signatures and set up auto-responders. There’s also a calendar and address book for your contact list and tasks to keep you on track. In addition, you can configure rules to filter emails, such as automatically forwarding emails from specific senders or domains somewhere else or sending them to the spam folder (or to trash). You can connect your email account to top email apps like using IMAP and SMTP or POP settings should you prefer to use another interface over IONOS’ webmail app. Alternatively, it’s also easy to add other email addresses to your IONOS web app to see all your emails in one place. Microsoft 365: Best for Businesses Wanting Outlook’s Advanced Email Features There are many benefits to using and Outlook business email. It offers the most advanced security, has the solid collaboration, chat, and video conferencing features of Microsoft Teams, and provides the ability to automate tasks and workflows. For example, when a new email arrives, it could serve as a trigger that starts an automated workflow. Outlook can be programmed to automate email management, has a built-in appointment booking tool, and allows users to manage multiple calendars. Want to know more about what you can do in Outlook? See our list of 10 Outlook email features for small business users. The OneDrive integration with Microsoft 365 makes file sharing very easy and eliminates the problem of sending huge email attachments (although you can send large attachments with Outlook). However, users can’t work on documents simultaneously as they can with Google Workspace. Like , you’ll have to purchase a domain to create a custom email address to use in Outlook. Microsoft 365 Email Pricing & Features The Business Basic plan of costs $6 for 1TB of cloud storage as well as web and mobile versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users can also access OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Exchange, and SharePoint. Users can host online meetings and video calls for up to 300 participants with Microsoft Teams. The Business Standard comes with desktop versions of apps with premium features and additional apps (Access and Publisher). Meanwhile, the Business Premium plan comes with advanced cyberthreat, phishing, and ransomware protection, as well as device management and billing support. All three plans (Business Basic, Business Standard, and Business Premium) all come with email hosting and a 50GB mailbox. Learn more about what’s included for the cost in each plan using the drop-downs below: Microsoft 365 Ease of Use (and Outlook) provide a comprehensive email interface with various features and tools to help you manage business email. One of the main benefits of using Microsoft 365 is that Office 365 integrates very well with Outlook applications. This makes the experience very easy from start to finish when using Microsoft applications. While it comes with advanced features not matched by other providers, Outlook also makes it easy for you to organize emails. Its interface is still fairly intuitive and easy to navigate. You can even configure Outlook to create rules for each incoming email so that it can be automatically sorted into a folder you create for each message category. Proton Mail: Best Security in a Cheap Email Hosting Service Like Zoho, offers one of the best ways to get a free business email for freelancers and entrepreneurs as long as you don’t mind not being able to use a custom domain. In addition to being affordable, it’s highly secure as it adheres to super-strict standards for encryption and Swiss privacy laws. With the upgrade to one of Proton Mail’s affordable paid plans, you can use your own domain names (from three to 10 different domains) to create email addresses that reflect your brand. You can also create up to 20 different calendars, send unlimited emails (vs 150 per day on the free plan), and get priority support. Business plans for teams start at $6.99 per month. However, unless email security is your primary concern, offers far better value for the money if you’re looking for a full-scale business software suite at $3 or $6. Alternatively, IceWarp provides the cheapest email solution for collaborative teams at just $2.80. Proton Mail Pricing & Features *With annual billing; all plans offer monthly billing at a higher cost The main reason to choose is its advanced email privacy and security. Email encryption is applied end to end, beginning in the free plan. They’re also the only cheap email service offering zero-access encryption, meaning even they can’t decrypt your data. Learn more about what’s included for the cost in each plan using the drop-downs below: Proton Mail Ease of Use When you sign up for a free account, you’ll be asked to create a username and password, input a phone number, and add a separate email address for account recovery. From here, you can start using the apps right away. Click on any app and let the built-in guide walk you through the tools available. Click on the grid icon in the top left to access the other apps available. The email interface is reminiscent of Outlook, though far more simplified as it doesn’t come with the advanced tools and features users enjoy. You can choose the theme you prefer, import contacts or emails from other platforms, quickly send a message, or download the mobile app. It’s worth noting that you must import contacts, send a message, and download the app within 30 days to enjoy the 1GB of storage promised in the free email service. DreamHost: Cheapest Way to Get Unlimited Emails & a Domain is a leading web hosting provider that offers cheap email hosting as a standalone product or included with web hosting plans that have monthly billing options. With 25GB per email account included with either option, it’s a good value for small businesses that need large storage at a low cost and don't want a long-term contract. You can learn more about its commitment-free plans in our expert DreamHost review. As with Bluehost, DreamHost’s WordPress web hosting plans include a free domain for your email and website and a free, no-code WordPress page builder. The Shared Unlimited and WordPress Unlimited hosting plans provide unlimited emails on your domain with first-year pricing at $2.95 per month. You can access your DreamHost email account on other apps through IMAP/SMTP or POP settings. Alternatively, you can purchase DreamHost’s email hosting service as a standalone product. Your email account comes with 25GB of storage at $1.99 per mailbox each month on a month-to-month basis, or just $1.67 when billed annually. While this costs more than or $1 per month (billed annually), it also includes far more storage. DreamHost Pricing & Features *Billed annually; renews at $12.99 per month after the first year **Monthly paid hosting plans don’t include a free domain offers business email hosting with 25GB of storage. The standalone plan costs $1.99 when billed monthly ($1.67 a month with annual billing). Businesses needing multiple emails will find DreamHost’s Unlimited WordPress and Shared Unlimited hosting plans to have the most cost-effective, cheap email hosting service. They also come with a free domain and unlimited email accounts with the same high 25GB of storage per user. Learn more about what’s included for the cost in each plan using the drop-downs below: DreamHost Ease of Use makes it easy to sign up for whatever product you want. Like Bluehost, its webmail is accessed using the Roundcube app, which is very easy to set up and use. It’s also easy to add your DreamHost email account to Gmail, Outlook, or the email client you prefer to use, and you can change some of the basic settings, including the look of your email interface. IceWarp: Best Cheap Email With Integrated Video & Audio Calls is an affordable alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 for teams. For example, all plans come with the ability to share contacts and calendars, video calls with screen sharing, audio calling, and instant messaging. It also allows for online and collaborative document editing, document opening and editing in Microsoft Office, and document versioning. Built-in communication tools make it easy for teams to collaborate from anywhere or instantly reach out to customers and prospects. Your team can share their screen during video conferences or allow people outside your organization to access files via URL sharing. However, to get IceWarp’s productivity software requires a subscription to the highest-tier Professional plan at $8. While it’s more expensive than , it’s significantly less than the $12.50 you would need to spend to get desktop apps for Office suite products. Plus, your team can sync items from Microsoft Outlook and Exchange to their IceWarp emails, and the storage included at this tier is comparable to both Google and Microsoft. Like , you can use multiple domains in IceWarp. There’s no free version, but you can test out IceWarp free for two hours with a demo account and continue using it for free for 14 days. Unlike Proton Mail, security is not advanced with any IceWarp plan, and no plan features end-to-end encryption. For this reason, it’s not recommended for organizations handling highly confidential or protected information, such as patient information. IceWarp Pricing & Features Learn more about what’s included for the cost in each plan using the drop-downs below: IceWarp Ease of Use You’ll need to get a domain and email address separately to use , just as you would Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. However, with that set, the app itself is modern and easy to navigate. Plus, there are short video guides you can watch to make learning the app even easier. IceWarp automatically syncs with Microsoft Exchange and Outlook from the second-tier plan, so no matter where you access emails, they’ll always be up to date. Teams will find it easier to share and work on documents collaboratively with IceWarp than with Microsoft Outlook. Access and share documents with a couple of clicks instead of searching files and folders, attaching documents, and so on. Plus, you can share documents, slides, and presentations with people outside of your company via URLs or jump into a chat or call to share your screen and walk people through a proposal or project update. How We Evaluated the Best Cheap Email Hosting Services Small businesses and startups need safe, reliable, and affordable communication tools to connect with customers and communicate among their teams. To determine which are the best options for businesses on a budget, we researched low-cost business email providers with plans ranging from free to $6 a month based on the following criteria: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How do I get a free email address? You can get a free email address at no cost with gmail.com or outlook.com domains. However, for businesses, the best option for getting free email addresses is from other products you need, like a domain or web hosting, that come with free email addresses. Some are free for the first year, some give you a short trial, and some are completely free—see all the ways you can get a free business email account. How do I set up a professional email address? Setting up a professional email address starts by choosing which email service provider you wish to use. Then get a domain name, choose an email format, and connect your email to a third-party service provider (e.g., Gmail or Outlook). For more information, check out the step-by-step instructions on how to create a professional email address. What are the best email apps for business? Busy entrepreneurs on the go need to use the best email apps for business. Our top picks include Edison, which serves as an email assistant, Proton Mail for advanced email security, Gmail for collaborative teams, Apple for advanced privacy, and myMail for managing multiple inboxes. Get the full list of the best email apps for businesses. Bottom Line Going with a low-cost email hosting provider doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sacrifice many features. The best providers give you more than cheap (or even free) email hosting. But they also provide tools businesses need, from email security and administrative controls to ample storage, tools for team chat and video conferencing, and productivity software. Based on our comparison, you can’t go wrong with a free or cheap email plan from . If you have a domain, you can set up as many as five email addresses completely free or get the advanced email security, business apps, team collaboration, and communication tools your business needs in Workplace plans as low as $3 per month. You May Also Like… Choose the right email username by checking out these professional email address ideas. Rev up your business email by adding one of the best professional email tools. Get nine effective business introduction email templates to generate leads and sales.

A new hire press release is a media announcement about a new team member, typically for executive, C-level positions. Crafting a good press release for a new hire involves choosing a compelling headline and developing an informative lead paragraph. Next, summarize the hire’s top qualifications and expected impact in the role. Add a quote and a headshot, and then end with your company’s boilerplate before distributing your press release. Getting your story into the hands of journalists and media outlets can be challenging if you don’t have press contacts. To mitigate this, use a press release distribution service like , which offers the most advanced targeting options to reach your audience and industry. Visit Newswire today to get 10% off. Download Our Free New Hire Press Release Template Using a template can save you a considerable amount of time and guesswork in terms of learning how to write a new hire press release. Download our free template, which includes sections required in the standard press release. Use it as you follow the steps below to create an engaging new hire press release. 1. Follow the Standard Press Release Format Like other types of press releases, new hire announcements should follow the standard press release format. It must include your logo and contact information, the release date, headline, location, the body of the press release, and a boilerplate with details about your company. Here are each of the elements in a new hire press release: Company logo: Add your company logo in the header area Release date information: Either “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” or “HELD FOR EMBARGO” followed by the desired release date Headline: The subject of your press release Subheadline: This line develops the headline further City, state: The location of your business Date: The actual date you publish the press release Summary paragraph: A brief description of the complete story Body: Develop the details in the body Quote: Add a quote to enhance the article Boilerplate company information: A description of the business affixed to the end Three pound signs: ### to signify the conclusion of the press release Contact information: Include other details for further inquiry (name, email, phone) While its content is specific to your new hire, following the standard format layout ensures that journalists effectively review your press release and is syndicated by media agencies. If you haven’t written a press release before, reading the basics of what a press release is can be a great jumping-off point. 2. Craft an Attention-getting Headline The headline of your new hire press release should include your business name, the new hire’s name, and their position in about 10 to 20 words. Including all these elements ensures that readers and journalists know immediately what is under discussion. If you’re not certain where to start, follow this headline convention: [Business Name] Hires [New Hire Name] for/as [Job Title or Role]. Some examples of headlines used in actual press releases for new hires include: Roku’s Splashy Hire Of Veteran TV Exec Charlie Collier Highlights Company’s Bet On Original Programming (Source: Deadline.com) Scholastic Names Jeffrey Mathews Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations (Source: PRNewswire.com) PayPal Appoints John Kim as Chief Product Officer (Source: FinanceFeeds.com) 3. Develop Your Lead Paragraph The lead paragraph is the first paragraph in the body of your story and the most important one. It’s your chance to entice the reader and communicate everything they need to know about the new employee, their responsibilities, and how it will benefit the business and community. The five questions your lead paragraph needs to answer are: Who: The new hire’s name What: What the new hire will be doing, their position, and title Where: Where the new hire is from, their background, and education When: The new hire’s first day on the job Why: The positive impact the new hire will have on the business and in the community 4. Discuss the New Hire’s Background & Qualifications The next few paragraphs build on the lead and should be anywhere from 50 to 200 words (in total). This section of your new hire press release sheds a positive light on the new team member by describing their expertise and accomplishments. Additionally, it references your company and how the new hire expands or strengthens your business. Here are some features of the new employee that could be useful to include in your supporting paragraphs: Previous company/companies Previous position(s) held Years of experience Degree, advanced degree(s) and/or honorific titles Recognition (Forbes lists, 40 under 40, etc.) Certifications (e.g., P.E., PMI-ACP®) Veteran status Minority status Notable accomplishments Type of role (e.g., executive, management) Scope of role (e.g., oversaw a merger, managed a $29 million budget) 5. Add a Quote To make the press release as effective and interesting as possible, include a quote from a company representative, such as the CEO or the new hire, in the second or third paragraph. Quotes can range from 50 words to 150 words. With a quote, you add vibrancy to the release and convey more of the new hire’s personality. Here are some different ways quotes could be incorporated based on the source of the quote: Quote by a company CEO: “We are very excited to welcome Stacy to our team at NLE. He brings a tighter focus on customer relationship quality to our sales team and will be a great role model for our employees and vendors who come into contact with him.” Quote by the new hire: “I am thrilled to be part of the NLE team. My entire career has been spent in the technology industry, and I look forward to continuing that tradition by providing 'best of breed' network solutions to NLE’s current and future customers.” Quote by the new hire: “I intend to apply my green building project experience and communication skills to teaching and developing curriculum that will help Everblue’s students get jobs, change the economy, and improve the environment.” Keep in mind that you can add more than one quote, which can make your press release more interesting to readers and give journalists more to work with. You can also include a link in your new hire press release back to a landing page on your website that features your full press release and additional quotes, images, and resources. This makes it easier for journalists to cover your story, in turn giving your business additional exposure. 6. Describe the Impact of the New Hire’s Role The final paragraph should explain what the team member will do, their goals, and how the hire contributes to the business’ objectives. Since this is the concluding paragraph, make sure to broaden the press release to indicate that the new hire is a positive step forward for the company and the community. Here are a couple of sample concluding paragraphs for a new hire press release: “Mark joins ABC as National Account Manager to continue ABC’s recent success providing business services to many of the top companies in America and Europe. Mark comments, 'I am excited to start a new challenge within ABC Company and look forward to working with the team to further develop their already extensive product and service suite. I am fortunate to be joining such a respected company that prides itself on top quality service.' “Goldman will be developing and implementing an overall corporate marketing strategy, directly engaging and managing the marketing team, and translating the company’s business objectives into marketing strategies that drive revenue. In addition, he will determine and administer the marketing budget, identify and track key metrics, and establish pricing and positioning for a wide range of Windward products.” 7. Add a Headshot It’s ideal to include a photo of the new hire in your press release to add personality and visual interest. Most press release services allow you to embed at least one image, and local news agencies will be able to include the picture in a write-up or a new hire section. Make sure to use a more editorial or candid photo than the classic yearbook-style headshot—ideally, one that aligns with your brand. 8. Conclude With Your Company’s Boilerplate New employee announcements introduce the new hire to the world—but they also inform readers about your company in the body and boilerplate. The final section of the press release is the boilerplate—a standard section included with any press release made up of a 30- to 100-word description of your business. The boilerplate that concludes your new hire press release should describe the nature of your business. It should also mention the key products or services, awards, and background information, such as years in business or names of founders. For more details, check out our article on how to write a boilerplate. End the announcement by including a link to your website, indicating any downloadable content, and listing a dedicated media contact or a link to your corporate press kit. You can also add company contact information like the contact person, official company address, and phone number. 9. Distribute Your New Employee Announcement After writing your new hire press release, it’s time to send it out. To maximize the coverage of your announcement and ensure it reaches your desired audience, follow our step-by-step instructions on how to send a press release. In addition to sending it to media outlets and journalists, send your new hire press release to as many relevant organizations as possible. It would be best to send the press release to local TV, radio, and newspaper outlets. When possible, you can also target industry-specific organizations like trade publications, your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce office, and other civic and business organizations. For mass distribution, syndicate your release using a press release distribution service like . This will ensure that your news reaches your intended audience through industry and journalist targeting in order to earn the most publicity and backlinks. Another option is to use , one of the most affordable press release distribution services in the market, starting at $99.95. For additional guidance, read our list of press release distribution tips. After distributing your press release, monitor and track its performance to gauge its effectiveness and estimate your return on investment (ROI). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How do you announce a new hire on social media? Announce your new hire as part of your brand’s social media marketing in conjunction with a press release to spark engagement about your news. Create a post that summarizes your release and add a link to your press release below. To ensure this benefits your website, publish the press release on your blog or a media page of your site, and link to that page in your social post. Where can I get help with writing or editing my press release? There are a number of ways to get assistance with writing and editing your new employee press release. You could ask a colleague or friend or hire a freelance professional on to write or edit your press release. Many press release distribution services also offer press release writing while others, like , include free editing. Learn more about the top press release writing services. How do you write a press release for an employee promotion? Writing a press release for an employee promotion is the same as for a new hire. Start with a template and develop the body of your content to showcase the employee being promoted. Discuss what the promotion means for your business, how it impacts the local community, and what they bring to your industry. Learn more about what makes a good press release. Bottom Line A press release is an excellent way to gain media coverage of a new hire, curate goodwill toward your company, and boost employee and customer trust in your business. When preparing a new employee announcement, follow the customary format, craft an enticing story around your new hire, and hone in on why that matters to the general public. Read our list of press release best practices to boost PR for even more guidance. Struggling to write a good press release? Leave it to the experts. You can hire a freelancer for as little as $5 to $10. However, to maximize your release’s chances of landing additional coverage, we recommend , which offers writing services in addition to comprehensive distribution. You Might Also Like… Learn how to create a press kit and give the media the info they need to craft a story. Check out these common press release mistakes to ensure you’re not making any. Get inspiration for writing a winning press release by checking out real-world business press release examples that work.

A custom email address uses your domain name (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com). It looks professional and builds credibility and trust with prospects and clients. It’s also surprisingly easy and affordable to make one. First, get a domain name and choose a hosting solution. Then decide on a format, create your email address, and connect it to the software of your choice (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and so on). Ready to set up your custom email address? Follow these simple steps: 1. Get a Domain & Hosting Solution To make a custom, branded email address to use for work, you need a business domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Registering a domain is simple and can be done in just a few steps, and you can get one from a variety of sources. It’s also affordable, with options starting from $1 per month. Here’s a quick overview of the best places to get a domain for email hosting based on different use cases: Best Places to Get a Domain by Hosting Solution Which domain provider is right for you depends on which email hosting service you plan to use, and whether or not you also plan to build a website that uses your domain name. Here is more information about the best ways to get a domain name, based on how you want to use it: Domain registration only: If you only need a domain name, get it through one of the best domain name registrars, such as , for around $10 to 15 per year. Though you’ll have to connect it manually, it’s easy to do so in Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and other email apps. Plus, if you need to save money, you can purchase a domain from a registrar and set up as many as five free business email accounts with . Email hosting with free domain: Get an email account to use for work in email hosting plans that come with a free domain from for $1 to $5 a month. You’ll then be able to access it via webmail from any browser or easily add it to your preferred email client. (IONOS also offers you the option to get a free 2GB email account with the purchase of a domain, which costs $1 the first year.) Office productivity software: Register a domain directly from office software (e.g., email, documents, spreadsheets, presentations) providers like during account setup to reap the benefits of having your domain automatically connected to your email host. Business email and a website builder: For most small businesses, all-in-one site builders are the best way to build a website and an online brand presence. If you need a website, start with one of the best website builders for small businesses, like , which includes a free domain and Google Workspace account for the first year in annual plans from the second tier and up. Business email with WordPress hosting: If you also plan to build a website, your best option is to get a free domain directly through a web hosting provider like . For as little as $2.95 per month, you get web hosting, a free domain, and up to five free custom email addresses. This eliminates the need to manually connect your domain to your web host, making it a faster, easier option for small teams. Still not sure which option is right for you? Get step-by-step instructions for business domain name registration. 2. Choose a Format Before setting up your email account, decide how you would like your email address formatted. This is an important consideration, as choosing a format is key to maintaining branding consistency with emails as your business grows. Some of the most popular formats for business email addresses are as follows: Common Business Email Formats For help deciding which is right for your business, learn more about choosing a professional email address. 3. Connect to Your Provider & Create Your Email Address Once you’ve settled on a format, create your customized email address within your chosen email hosting solution. How you connect your domain to your email host depends on where you registered your domain name. If you registered a domain name through , for example, you’ll simply follow the remaining prompts, and the work is done for you. On the other hand, if you registered your domain through a website or email hosting plan (e.g., or ), a site builder like or , or another third-party service, you may need to take additional steps. Most business email providers have detailed instructions available to help you connect your domain and email accounts, if not live support to assist you. If you got your domain as part of a web hosting plan, navigate to your web hosting provider’s instructions on how to set up your new business email address. For most, you will see an option labeled “Email” from within your account dashboard. Follow the prompts to set up your custom email account. 4. Add Your Account to Your Favorite Email App (Optional) No matter which solution you choose, it should be fairly easy to connect your email to your preferred email client, including Outlook, Gmail, and Apple Mail. The exact process for doing this differs with each email software platform, so we’ve added steps for connecting your custom email address to Gmail as well as Microsoft Outlook below. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Where can I get help setting up a custom email address? The best source for help with email setup is through the provider where you purchased your domain or email hosting services. For example, web and email hosting company and WordPress web hosting company both offer free live support by online chat or phone if you need help setting up your account. If you want someone to set up an email account on your behalf, you can hire a technical support freelancer on for as little as $5. Why do I need a personalized email address? An email address personalized with your domain and business name gives your small business professionalism and credibility. Aside from improving your business' credibility, it also serves as a cost-effective marketing tool. For example, a personalized email address increases the legitimacy of your company when you send out emails patterned after these business email examples. How much does a custom email account cost? For $2.95 per month, you get five free business emails from as well as a free domain name, SSL certificate, and web hosting. Alternatively, provides standalone email hosting services that cost $12 a year. If you already have a domain, you can use free for up to five free addresses, or for $6 per month, you can get business-class email and all the productivity tools your business needs from . On a budget and in need of the best free option? See how to use Zoho free for email. Bottom Line An email address personalized with your business’ domain name is essential for maintaining a professional appearance for you and your team. There are several easy ways to make a custom email address, including with the leading business email provider, . They make it simple to create a business email address, and it comes with the productivity and collaboration tools your business needs. You Might Also Like… Find out which are the best business email providers for small businesses. Supercharge your productivity using one of the best email apps for business. Wondering which office software suite offers the best email client? Read our review of Gmail vs Outlook to learn more.

In addition to writing a release, you need to know how to send a press release to get your news published and earn additional coverage. First, build a media contact list and create an email template to send with each submission. Email your press release and pitch to your list directly, distribute it for maximum media through a press release distribution service, share it on your website and social media, and track performance metrics to measure its success. 1. Build a Media Contact List Compile a media contact list of press contacts who might be interested in your announcement. These could be local journalists, publications that write for your niche or industry, or journalists who regularly cover stories like yours, whose audiences align with your target audience. An easy way to do this is to create a table or spreadsheet with the following columns: Media outlet name Name of journalist or press contact Contact information (email address or URL of web form for submitting a story) Information about their audience Submission guidelines To find the names of media contacts, visit the agency’s website to find out who to contact for a press release submission. If that doesn’t work, try LinkedIn or call the agency to get the contact info of the journalist or reporter you should send your release to. You can also use an email finder tool like to locate the email addresses of journalists and press contacts you think are most likely to be interested in your story. For more options, check out our list of the best email finder tools. In terms of where to send press releases, here are some sources to use for building your media contact list: Traditional news outlets: A traditional news agency is a newspaper, magazine, television channel, radio station, and associated websites. Many list the names of the editorial staff, including email addresses, or offer web forms for online submissions. Trade publications: Many industries have digital and print trade publication magazines that regularly cover industry-related news. You can search for a list of relevant trade publications on Google and then research their submission guidelines and writers. Journalists: Many journalists have their own websites, publish to sites like , or monetize their articles on platforms like . You can search on these platforms to find journalists who cover stories on your industry or write for audiences similar to yours. Non-traditional news sources: These can include Facebook groups, bloggers, business networking organizations, social media influencers, and other digital groups. While these may not be official news outlets, they are often very effective at getting the word out about business news. Alternatively, if you don’t have the time to build a media list, you can use a service like . They will distribute your release to thousands of media outlets for $99, including sending it to subscribing journalists by email. 2. Write an Email Template With Your Pitch The next step in how to send a press release is to create an email template with your pitch to send to journalists. It should explain who you are, what business you’re associated with, that you’re submitting a press release, and that you’d like the journalist to consider writing about it. When writing your email template, it's crucial not to assume the reporter knows why their audience wants to learn about your announcement. Make sure that your pitch includes your story’s angle (i.e., the reason they should cover the story). Your angle should make it clear how your news impacts their audience and why it matters to the audience you want to reach. For help getting started, use this press release email template: Dear [Journalist’s Name], My name is [Your Name], and I am sending this email on behalf of [Company]. I am writing to share a press release with you regarding [topic of press release] to be released on [release date]. You can read the release below. This news is important to your audience because [offer a compelling statistic or reason why this would directly affect the journalist’s audience]. Would you share this news with your audience so they can [include an action like attending the event you’re hosting or buying your book, or how they can benefit from learning about your story]? Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have further questions about this story. Thank you for your consideration. [Your Full Name] and [Professional Title] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Your Press Release] 3. Submit & Share Your Press Release Once your press release is written, your contact list is built, and your email template is ready, it’s time to issue your press release directly to your media contacts. Send an email to journalists with your pitch and press release as well as multimedia images, videos, and graphics a journalist can use to cover your news. For guidance on how to send a press release that earns additional coverage, follow our top tips for distributing press releases. It provides more details on how to craft a pitch and how (and when) to follow up with journalists after sending a pitch. Here are some general recommendations for how far in advance to send a press release based on media outlet as well as press release type: Traditional media outlets: Send your press release about a week in advance, if possible. Trade publications: Send your announcement three to six months ahead (if possible), as editorial calendars for magazine-style publications are planned long in advance. Journalists, bloggers, and social influencers: Send your press release a week in advance. Send a media advisory two to three weeks ahead of an event to invite them to attend, and follow up with a press release post-event. Awards: Send as soon as the award is announced publicly. Book release: Publish your release from a few weeks to one to two months in advance, with a media advisory sent in advance of any book release launch events and a post-launch follow-up press release. Crisis release or trending topics: Send immediately. Events: Depending on the event, you might want to publish a press release months, weeks, or days in advance (such as for a flash sale). New business opening or a new product or service launch: Send two to three weeks in advance. New hire press release: Send one to four weeks before the new hire’s start date, or just after a prominent new hire has been made. Partnerships, acquisitions, and mergers: Send a week in advance to the media with a “HOLD FOR EMBARGO” release date timed to when you want your news to go public For more information about what to include and how to submit a press release for various types of announcements, read our article detailing different types of press releases. 4. Send Your Release en Masse With a Distribution Platform Sending out your release manually via email and web forms can be effective in helping get the attention of specific journalists, but it’s time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee placements. You’ll get far more media placements by syndicating your story to thousands of news wire sites, journalists, and media outlets at once using a media distribution platform like . A distribution platform instantly syndicates or sends your press release to thousands of reporters, journalists, blogs, influencers, and news outlets. Some also enable you to email your story directly to editors and reporters who may be interested in covering your news. Upon syndication, your media release is automatically published to news wires, and sent by direct emails to journalists or influencers and targeted social media accounts. They generally include distribution to a set number of news sites and include the ability to add multimedia and links. In addition, many services include or give you the option to have your announcement proofed and edited by an expert, provide direct-to-journalist email services, and nearly all include post-distribution analytics reports. Find the right press release distribution service for you by checking out the best press release distribution services. To syndicate your release, select a provider and plan, a release date, and a target audience (an industry, location, or demographic, for example). Then, upload your release and multimedia, select any additional services you want (e.g., direct-to-journalist emails) and complete the checkout process. To help you save time in choosing a service, here are our three top-recommended distribution platforms, including best use case: 5. Republish on Your Website & Share on Social Media Republish your release on your website as a blog article or on a press page with social sharing buttons. This makes it easy for site visitors to share the article or page on their own social networks. Once you’ve sent your press release and it has been published, follow up to ensure these placements boost your credibility with social followers and your target markets. To do so, share the link to your press release, or links to articles that have been published on high-profile sites about your story, and advertise them on social media. 6. Track Performance Using Analytics & Reports After distributing your announcement, monitor its performance to gauge its effectiveness. If you emailed your announcement directly to journalists, you may have received responses or be able to see how many recipients opened your email, visited a page on your website, or clicked a link in your story. If you submitted a press release on a distribution platform, you would usually get a performance report detailing the coverage it received. If not, performance can be a bit trickier to assess. However, if you included trackable links in your press release, you can track metrics like backlinks earned, which websites linked back to yours, website traffic produced, and observable conversion rate changes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What common press release distribution mistakes do businesses make? The biggest mistake you can make when sending a press release is failing to provide a newsworthy or interesting angle cover. Learn the basics by reading our article explaining what a press release is. Other common mistakes include not targeting distribution correctly, spamming journalists, and failing to provide the information or multimedia journalists need to cover your story. Check out the complete list of common press release mistakes. How do I send a free press release? If you want to send a free press release, you can start by building your own media distribution list. There are a number of free PR distribution platforms, such as PRLog, 1888 Press Release, and PR.com. Although the options, quality, and distribution aren’t as robust as a paid service, a free service can still be a good option. If your budget is super-tight, consider using one of the best free press release distribution services. Are professional distribution services worth it? Paying to syndicate a release can be a worthwhile investment. If you’re simply installing a new awning on your storefront, it’s probably not necessary. But if you’re opening four new offices in your region, it may be worth the cost as new foot traffic alone may offset syndication costs. Get the full breakdown of the best press release distribution services for small businesses. Bottom Line With some time and know-how, you can learn how to send a press release that earns media coverage. It’s not complicated, but it can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to building a media contact list. Likewise, crafting a pitch email to send to journalists can be intimidating. To save time and make the process easier, investing in paid media targeting through a distribution service could be well worth the price. For an affordable option, send your press release through . They top our list of the best press release services for offering same-day turnaround, a high word count limit, and media targeting. They have affordable plans starting from $99.95 per 700-word release to get your announcement onto thousands of news sites and emailed to their media subscribers. You Might Also Like… Improve your chances of getting additional media coverage by following our press release best practices. Writing press releases is both an art and a science—see who tops our list of the best press release writing services. Need to create a newsworthy story? Get inspiration in our list of crazy publicity stunts that actually worked.

Using a professional email address on your domain sets you and your business apart from competitors. The process of how to create a professional email might seem technical, but it’s quite simple. First, pick an email service provider and get a business domain name. Next, decide on the format you want to use for your company’s email addresses, and then create one or more to use for business purposes. 1. Choose a Provider To create a professional email address, you’ll need an email service provider. There are several services available, but your best choice depends on your budget and business needs. For example, consider if you want to access business emails mainly from desktop computers or if you will also need mobile and web-based access, and which email client you plan to use (e.g., Gmail or Outlook). To help you determine the best way to set up a business email, we narrowed it down to top options based on features small businesses need as well as the best value for the money: : Suited for businesses that need productivity tools or want to use Gmail for business email : Great option for businesses wanting free email addresses with their existing domain : Best for those wanting Outlook business email with advanced tools, and those using Office 365 : Top choice for businesses looking for cheap email hosting with a free domain starting at $1 a month : Great for businesses wanting an email, hosting, and a WordPress website builder at $2.95 per month To find the best email hosting option for your small business, click on the drop-down to learn more about each of the providers. 2. Get a Domain After choosing a provider, the next step is getting a domain name (if you don’t already have one). As with email providers, you have many options for getting a domain, including getting a free domain through your preferred web host or email hosting plan. Free domain with hosting: Web hosts like and , and all-in-one site builders like and , include a free domain for the first year in paid plans. Before buying a domain name separately, check to see if a free domain name comes in the plan you subscribe to (or plan to use) for hosting and building your website. Domain with email client or hosting: If you go for , you can get a domain name when registering for an account. However, if you plan to use the Outlook email client through or take advantage of free professional emails through , you must purchase a domain separately. Alternatively, you can get a free domain with IONOS email hosting plans. Buy from a domain name registrar: You can purchase a domain name directly from a domain name registrar like or . Then, connect your domain to your email client and web hosting service. To choose one, see our list of the best domain name registrars. 3. Choose a Professional Email Address Format When you create a professional email address to use for work, you’ll need to choose a format for the email’s username and display name. The username is the first portion of an email address, such as the “JDoe” of “JDoe@dowlaw.com.” The display name is what the recipient sees, such as “John Doe.” It’s important since you want to be consistent in using a standard email format for all company email accounts for branding and organization. Common Business Email Formats When choosing an email username format, consider your company’s size and the perception you want to make. For example, using only a first name is nearly impossible for large companies and may give the impression that a business is small. On the other hand, the longer and more complex your email address format is, the harder it will be for prospects and customers to remember. Common Email Display Name Formats Outside of generic inboxes (e.g., support@yourdomain.com), we recommend businesses use an email format variation that includes the first and last name of the sender, or first initial and last name. For more guidance, check out our article on professional email address ideas. 4. Create Email Addresses for Employee, Team & Website Use Now that you have all the tools and know how to make a professional email address, it’s time to get to the next level. In addition to creating custom email addresses for employees, you may also want to create generic or shared email accounts for teams or departments. Examples include email addresses for customer support, sales, recruiting, public relations, media contacts, and more, such as: General inquiries: e.g., contact@, info@, questions@, inquiries@, hello@ Customer service: e.g., support@, returns@, billing@, service@ Sales: e.g., sales@, demo@, team@, members@ Marketing: e.g., press@, media@, pr@ Human resources: e.g., jobs@, careers@, hr@ When displaying an email address on your website, use a generic email address like “support@yoursite.com” or “info@yoursite.com.” It looks more professional and helps reduce spam to individual inboxes by keeping them private. Once you have created a generic email address, set up email forwarding or access to a shared inbox so that incoming emails from prospects and customers aren’t missed. Email forwarding automatically sends emails sent to the generic inbox to a specific person or a group of people, such as a department. It will be set up directly through your email provider, so the steps will vary. Alternatively, managing a shared inbox is made easier when you use business email tools like Spike to delegate incoming mail. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How can I make a professional email for free? It is uncommon to find a truly free business email option if you want a professional email address on a custom domain (e.g., not a gmail.com, outlook.com, or similar generic domain). However, you can get business email accounts and a domain free in web hosting plans through and , starting under $3 per month the first year. If you already have a domain, you can set up five free professional email accounts on it using . Alternatively, you can get your domain free with an email hosting plan through at $1 per month or get a free email account when you purchase a domain through IONOS. What should I include in my business email signature? A professional email signature should have your first and last name, job title, company, website, and contact information. As it is used to close out emails you send to colleagues, prospects, vendors, and more, these should be the minimum. You can also include a company logo, photo, motivational quote, company tagline, links to social media accounts, and a call to action, such as “Watch the demo” or “Start your free trial.” Get ideas on what to include and how to design your signature by looking at email signature examples. Is Gmail a professional email address? Personal Gmail email addresses, which are free and use the domain gmail.com, are inappropriate for business use. However, (and thus, Gmail) is used by more U.S. businesses than (and Outlook). Find out how to use Gmail for business email in our guide, including an easy, four-step setup process. Bottom Line Every business needs email accounts that can be set up quickly, easily, and affordably. For the cheapest email hosting on a custom domain, try . If you already have a domain, set up five free accounts on . If you’re planning to build your small business website on WordPress, plans have all you need: a free domain, site builder, hosting, and free email accounts on your domain. Alternatively, if you want seamless integration of business email with productivity and collaboration tools, Google Workspace is a great option. You can register your business domain during the checkout process and set up your professional email address in a few simple steps. You May Also Like… Improve lead generation and sales using these business introduction emails and free templates. Ramp up your team’s bulk and individual email campaigns using the best email tools for business. Leverage email as a marketing channel and grow your business with email marketing.

Blogging is a content marketing tactic that helps business websites gain online visibility to increase brand awareness, website traffic, and sales. To help you blog more effectively, we compiled a list of over 30 business blogging statistics. The blog statistics below will not only open your eyes as to the potential return on investment (ROI) of blogging, but will also give you the insights needed to build and launch a successful blog. Here are the business blogging statistics you need to know, including how a blog can help you grow your business more quickly. You can also download an infographic of all these statistics for easy reference—no email sign-up required. General Business Blogging Statistics 1. 81% of consumers trust blog content Trust in public information sources is at an all-time low in many categories (13% for government, 10% for media reports, and just 8% for advertisements), but blogs are still a trusted source of information. In fact, based on blogging statistics by BlogHer, 81% of U.S. consumers say they trust the information and advice they read on blogs. 2. 90% of businesses use some kind of content marketing Blogging statistics published on HubSpot show that of the 90% of businesses engaged in content marketing, blogging is the third-most popular tactic being used. The other top tactics include creating videos and e-books. It’s worth noting that blogging is arguably easier to execute than video and e-books as well since both can be significantly more costly in terms of both time and money. 3. Nearly 80% of businesses use blogs for marketing A total of 78.9% of bloggers report that their blog delivers marketing results. The biggest response was “some” results (54.2%), followed by “strong” results (24.7%). These blogging stats tell us that blogging is an effective way of growing your business and that it is not difficult to make your blog produce results. 4. 77% of Fortune 500 companies have blogs Blogging statistics demonstrate that smaller companies can benefit from using a blog to drive web traffic and establish themselves as industry experts. But how about large and established companies? Before 2019, about half of the top 200 Fortune 500 companies had a blog. As of 2020, the number of Fortune 500 companies with blogs increased to 77%. Even when you’re already at the top, stats show that blogging is an essential marketing tool. 5. 62% of companies outsource content marketing Producing content is not a universal skill, even for marketers. Sixty-two percent of companies outsource content marketing. This includes content writing and applies to things like social media marketing, email marketing, graphic design, search engine optimization (SEO), and content planning. In small businesses, marketers, and sometimes even the business owner, have to wear all these hats in addition to others. Even on a small budget, you can get help with your blog and content marketing efforts. Turn to to find affordable freelance professionals skilled in one or multiple aspects of small business content marketing, with per-project pricing from $5. ROI of Business Blogging Statistics 6. Business blogs can increase web traffic by 55% Companies that use blogs have 55% more website visitors and get 97% more inbound links. These blog statistics are based on a study conducted among 1,531 HubSpot customers (mostly small- and medium-sized businesses). Getting more visitors to your website is more beneficial to you since it means more people to convert to leads and sales. 7. A blog can increase your conversion rate by 6x Blogging is the cornerstone of a search engine optimized content marketing plan. Businesses that don’t have a blog can expect their standard website conversion rate (purchases compared to site visits) to be about 0.5%. With a blog, statistics show that your conversion rate is likely to rise to around 2.9% on average. 8. Content marketing generates 3x the return of traditional tactics Business blogging statistics aside—wondering if the time and money needed to succeed with a blog are worth it? Overall, content marketing costs 62% less than other forms of marketing and produces three times the return on investment for every dollar spent. 9. Content increases brand affinity among eight out of 10 consumers Eighty-one percent of consumers said they felt more positive about a business as a result of reading a brand’s custom content online, and 70% said they felt closer to the brand. Blog content is an ideal way to offer expert advice and even assistance (such as “how to” articles) to your target audience, in turn building trust and making your brand their preferred resource. Business Blogging Statistics About Blog Content 10. Bloggers who spend 6+ hours writing a post report 31% better results The better the content is, the better your results are likely to be. But is there a point of diminishing returns? Not according to Orbit Media Studios—at least, not below the benchmark of 6-plus hours. Most bloggers spend about four hours on average writing posts, but bloggers who spend six or more hours writing a post report 31% better results. Readers are looking for high-quality content, and Google prioritizes search results based on quality content and the user experience. That means the bar keeps getting higher for content creators who want to be competitive in this space. 11. Top-earning bloggers are 6x more likely to do their own research Bloggers who make over $50,000 a year are 5.8 times more likely to conduct independent research and publish case studies than less successful bloggers. They are also five times as likely to have a podcast, 4.5 times as likely to publish videos, and 3.7 times as likely to publish interviews. 12. Most people read blog articles to learn something new A leader in the world of content marketing, HubSpot research found that 33% of people read blog posts to learn something new, 20% do so to be entertained, 12% are looking for news or trends in their industry, and 9% want all three. What does this blogging statistic mean for you? The content on your blog needs to be developed with these motivations in mind. First and foremost, don’t write an article just because you want to rank for a keyword. Your article needs to say something that isn’t already well-covered in related articles online to deserve space on the internet. If the information isn’t new, how can you present it in a new light or from a fresh perspective? Second, write conversationally and with engagement in mind. Be thought-provoking and passionate about your topic or point of view. If you can, be funny—especially when stating the obvious. Not everyone can write like a stand-up comedian, but bloggers have to be successful in delivering information in an entertaining way, free of jargon and technicalities. Lastly, think outside of the box of your brand and its products and services. How can you educate your reader about your industry on new developments and trends (including trends that just happen to point to your business as a great solution?) 13. Seven out of 10 people prefer articles to ads Ads probably won’t ever go away, but they are a lot less important for customers than content. Seventy percent of customers say they prefer to learn about a company through an article rather than an ad. Consumers like to feel like they understand what they are getting and have a relationship with the company they are buying from, and blog content does this for you. Eighty-two percent of customers find that reading custom content makes them feel more positive about the company, and 90% of customers feel that custom content is useful. These business blogging statistics show that blogs don’t just help you show up on Google. They also make you more interesting and useful to your customers. 14. Visuals produce 94% more views Incorporating relevant visuals can increase views of your content by 94%. Images are a staggeringly effective tool in boosting engagement with campaigns on nearly every digital marketing channel. Visual content also helps you get clicks and shares on social media, and can make your content easier to understand. 15. Top-performing posts have more than 7 images Articles with more than seven images generate 116% more organic traffic than those with none, based on the State of Content Marketing 2022 Global Report of Semrush. Nor does it have to be hard (or expensive) to come up with many high-quality, relevant images for your blog posts. For example, you can subscribe to for $16.50 a month and get unlimited downloads of images, videos, and graphics for your blog. Even more affordable, you can access thousands of free images and edit them to perfection on sites like and . Both platforms also allow you to upload your logo, custom fonts, and choose default colors to make designing images for your website and blog a breeze. 16. Articles with videos get 83% more traffic As far as business blogging statistics, the Semrush report cited above also shows that articles with videos get 83% more traffic than those without. This blog statistic is based on a study conducted by Semrush on 500,000 top-performing articles. Want to get starting with a video blog? Our comprehensive guide can help you start a vlog (video blog) in eight steps. 17. Listicles get shared 2x as much Listicles (articles of lists, like statistics articles, examples articles, and tip lists) are shared twice as frequently as other blog post formats. Listicles break information down into small, easy-to-digest bites, and keep readers’ attention by giving a lot of helpful information in a concentrated format. If you’re looking for content ideas based on proven business blogging statistics, listicles are a great place to start. Plus, should you need help coming up with content ideas, you can turn to the HubSpot blog ideas generator for inspiration. 18. 59% will share an article without even reading it People share content on social media for many reasons: to entertain or educate others, to define themselves, to build relationships, and to spark engagement, to name a few. But of all the blogging statistics you read here, this one might surprise you: 59% of people will share an article link on social media without having read the article beforehand (or reading it afterward). The takeaway? Make sure you are hitting search intent on the head with your title, URL, and optimization, so that your articles get found when people are looking for something helpful to share online. And join the 69% of bloggers who have social share buttons on their site to make it even easier for their content to go viral. Business Blog Statistics on How Often to Blog 19. Blogging 4 times a week drives 3.5x more traffic Posting regularly is important based on several business blogging statistics. If you’re wondering how many blogs per week to post, you should know that blogs that post four times or more per week get three-and-a-half times more traffic than blogs that only post once per week. If four (or more) seems daunting, aim for two to four posts per week, per Rock Content. For small business owners and one-person marketing teams, writing even one blog post a week can be a challenge time-wise. In this case, the best option to grow your business through blogging could be to hire a freelance search engine optimization (SEO) copywriter through . For as little as $5 to $25 per article, you can get blog content written by professional writers with expertise in your industry and target audience. Even if you are already blogging, this can be a great way to supplement your efforts and increase your blog posting frequency. 20. Blogging statistics show that daily posting is still the best Four times per week is much better than once per week, but if you can manage to publish every day, you should. According to this business blogging statistic, blogs that publish every day have a 128% increase in the likelihood of reporting “strong success” in their outcomes. 21. 7 a.m. is the best time to post blog articles This may be one of the business blogging statistics you hadn’t considered before. A study of 170,000 blog posts showed that the time of day people are most likely to read blog posts is between 7 and 10 in the morning. If you schedule your posts to go live just before that window, they are more likely to show up fresh in people’s feeds at the right time. 22. 70% of successful bloggers promote their content It’s getting harder to get clicks from social media—even through Google search. According to blog statistics, 50% of bloggers say it has gotten harder to get traffic from Facebook. Nearly 20% say it has also gotten harder to get traffic from Google. One thing that sets successful bloggers apart is that they promote their blogs proactively. Seventy percent of bloggers who make over $50,000 a year off from blogging actively promote their blogs, while only 14% of bloggers who make less money make the effort to self-promote. Statistics Show the Relationship of Blogging to SEO 23. Sites with blogs have 4x more indexed pages Not only does Google like fresh content, it likes sites with growing content. Blogging statistics show that websites with blogs have 434 more indexed pages than their counterparts. All of this content means there are exponentially more ways for customers to become aware of your brand, research your products and services, and decide to choose your business over those of your competitors. 24. Leads gained through inbound SEO close more often Who doesn’t love a high-performing lead source? According to OptinMonster, search-generated leads have a 14.6% close rate vs just a 1.7% close rate for leads gained through outbound marketing tactics like advertising and direct mail. 25. Content creation is the most effective SEO tactic We might be stating the obvious here, but to rank in online search, you need content. Content creation is, therefore, the most effective SEO tactic, and 72% of online marketers say it’s the absolute best tactic for SEO. 26. 80% of online searchers ignore paid ads Up to 80% of people searching online ignore paid ads in search engine searches, instead preferring to scroll down to the organic search results to find what they are looking for. This means that even if your competitors are showing up above you in ad-specified links at the top of search results, you can still get more clicks if you have good organic content with well-researched keywords showing up in their searches. 27. 70% of bloggers recycle aging posts When it comes to search engine optimization, or SEO dominance, fresh content is king. This is even more true when it comes to people doing buying research. If they click on your blog post and find that it’s more than a couple years, they might just click away. It might still have great information that is very relevant today, but they don’t know that. As far as they know, based on the date stamp, it’s old news. This is why 70% of bloggers update their old posts regularly. It’s an easy source of content because you already wrote it. All you have to do is check which information is still correct, what is outdated, and which new developments to add. Updating content is much less work than writing a completely new article from scratch. And for your site visitors, it assures them that they are getting the most up-to-date information. It helps you show up on search engines too, as they tend to prioritize newer information over older ones. 28. Long-form posts perform the best In the early 2010s and teens, you’d find content writing advice recommending that you aim for several hundred words—enough to give some good information, but not enough to overwhelm readers. In fact, 600 to 800 words was a common number to shoot for with blog posts. Now, longer content performs better. Semrush found that in 2020, blog posts with 7,000 words or more got the most shares and the best SEO performance. 29. However, the average blog post length to aim for is 1,500-2,000 words The average blog post length has risen considerably over the past five or so years. Long-form posts (2,500 words or more) can be the most useful—and therefore are often the most shared and highest ranking—but not everyone wants to read a super-long blog post. According to BrightEdge, the average blog post should be around 1,500 to 2,000 words. The best length for your industry or business type could be less or more. A quick way to check top search engine results pages (SERPs) for keywords you want your site to rank for is to use a free keyword research tool like . It will show you the top 100 sites ranking for a keyword, and you can then check top-ranking articles to see how long they are, how they’re incorporating related keywords, and what type of search intent they are writing to answer. Statistics on How & Where Blog Articles Are Read 30. More than 4 out of 10 will skim your blog post Among the business blog stats we learned from HubSpot is that 43% of readers admit they skim blog posts rather than consuming every word. This is one reason bloggers need to master the art of putting the most important information first (in the article, in lead-in paragraphs, and so on) and using callouts and headlines to draw readers to the most critical information. 31. The majority of people will read your blog on Chrome More than 60% of internet users use Google Chrome worldwide, including 65% of desktop users and over 60% of mobile users, and over 46% of all U.S. internet users. This might look like only a bit over half, but the next runner-up, Safari, only has about 19% of users (Statista). If you have to choose which browser to optimize your content for first, choose Chrome. The last thing you want is for most of your potential customers to click away because the formatting that shows up on their screens is terrible. 32. More than half of Google searches happen on mobile Not only do you have to make sure your blog posts format correctly for the top browsers, but they need to provide a good user experience on every device type. Every month there are more than 100 billion searches on Google, and more than half of them happen on mobile devices. To make sure your content is mobile-viewer-friendly, avoid long paragraphs. Use bullet lists and subheadings to break up and organize your content and take time periodically to view your articles on mobile devices. If you haven’t chosen a blogging platform yet, consider . All of its templates are built with white space to break up content blocks, and they are fully mobile-responsive, to ensure your site looks great on any device. Concerned about how much starting a business blog will cost? Our article detailing the average cost of website design for small businesses shows how any startup, entrepreneur, or small company can build a website, even on a super-tight budget. Bottom Line Over and over again, business blogging statistics show that adding a blog to your website can be a huge bonus to your marketing strategy. It's proven to be more affordable than advertising while reaping the same benefits of increased visibility, awareness, and traffic to your website (or even physical store). Plus, unlike pay-per-click ads, a high-performing blog post can repeatedly attract and convert site visitors, producing a return on investment many times greater than its cost. You Might Also Like… Can’t get enough stats? Check out the business branding statistics you need to know to build a strong brand presence, online and off. Need a cheap way to build your website and blog? is one of the best cheap website builders, with blog plans that include unlimited storage for $5 a month. See how to use your blog as part of a lead and sales-producing SEO content marketing plan.