If you’ve ever wondered how to get media coverage for your small business, the answer is through a press release service. There’s no other guaranteed way to get your business covered in the news. While it may seem daunting, sending press releases (and gaining media coverage) is easier than you might think. All it takes is the right distribution platform.
Press release distribution services can proofread, format, and send your press release to hundreds of journalists and media outlets, both national and local. I’ve outlined the eight best press release distribution services and ranked them based on their cost, features, and turnaround times.
- EIN Presswire: Overall best press release distribution service
- PRWeb by Cision: Best for online press release distribution
- IssueWire: Best free (and inexpensive) distribution services
- eReleases: Best for same- and next-day distribution
- Newswire: Best audience targeting tools
- Globe Newswire: Best for multinational distribution
- Prowly: Best self-service press release distribution platform
- Linking News: Best for mass distribution
The Best Press Release Distribution Services at a Glance
Starting Cost | Distribution Time | Writing Services Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $99.95 (1 release) | Same day | ✕ | 5 |
 | $110 per release | Next day | ✕ | 4.68 |
 | Free (1 release) | Same day* | ✓ | 4.62 |
 | $399 (1 release) | Same day (upon request) | ✓ | 4.6 |
 | $349 (1 release) | Depends on your schedule | ✓ | 4.44 |
 | Custom | Depends on your schedule | ✕ | 4.38 |
 | $258 per month (billed annually) | Depends on your schedule | ✕ | 4.28 |
 | $159 (1 release) | Next day | ✕ | 3.62 |
*Depends on the publishing queue. | ||||
EIN Presswire: Overall Best Press Release Distribution Service
Pros
- Sends your press release to news outlets, broadcast networks, and search engines
- Can embed media for free
- Has same-day distribution
Cons
- Lacks proofreading or writing services
- Can only embed one image on the first plan and one video on all plans
- Doesn’t send to bloggers or influencers
- You want to send a press release to major news outlets, TV networks, and search engines
- You have longer press releases (from 700 to 2,500 words)
- You have video press releases
With plans starting at $99.95 for a single press release, EIN Presswire is one of the most affordable press release distribution services on the market. Send your news to various high-quality media channels worldwide, from print and TV to social media, and target distribution by industry or location. Turnaround is fast—you’ll get a report within two hours of submission, as your press release will also be sent on the same day.
Another thing that ranks EIN Presswire high on our list is that it’s free to embed media into your press release, which is helpful if you have a video news release to go along with your document. You are limited to just one image in the Basic plan, so if you want to include multiple images, check out IssueWire instead, as you can include up to five images with any plan, including the free one.
EIN Presswire can send your press release to news sites, broadcast networks, and search engines, all on the same day. It’ll also host your press release on its website.
Affordability, reach, and quick turnaround make EIN Presswire our best pick overall, but it doesn’t offer proofreading or writing services, which are its biggest drawbacks. You’ll need to come with your press release prepared with proper press release formatting.
But on the distribution side, EIN Presswire is undoubtedly a powerhouse. It’s the only service (so far) that distributes your press release to news sites, broadcast networks, and search engines, even on the same day you send it. It also allows images and video and even optimizes your press release for search engines at no extra cost. If you’re new to press releases and need an all-around reliable solution, there are few better than EIN Presswire.
EIN Presswire Pricing & Features
PRWeb by Cision: Best for Online Press Release Distribution
Pros
- Automatically optimizes press releases for search engines
- Has unlimited images and video on all press releases
- Has 24- to 48-hour turnaround times for your press release to be published
Cons
- Has no distribution of print or broadcast media—everything is online
- Offers professional proofreading only on higher plans from $340
- Only offers sending to bloggers and influencers on the highest plan
- You want to specifically grow your business’s online presence and credibility
- You have a 100% ecommerce business and want to exclusively capture an online market
Press releases nowadays aren’t as traditional as they were decades ago when they involved sending physical press releases for publishing in print newspapers. Today, getting your story distributed in online news outlets is just as important, maybe even more so. The best press release service for that is PRWeb by Cision, which is one of the largest online press release distribution platforms.
In all of PRWeb’s plans, you’ll get published on PRWeb’s website, which has thousands of daily visitors. You’ll also get keyword optimization, which is crucial for helping your news story rank on search engines. It’s something not many other services offer and plays a substantial role in your press release’s online visibility. Meanwhile, its higher plans include distribution to thousands of other news outlets via its partner distribution sites.
PRWeb is one of the largest online news distribution networks in the world, guaranteeing your news story is visible online.
Another thing I like about PRWeb is that it allows you to embed as much media as you need into your press release, which counts for a lot because PR statistics show that highly visual press releases perform better. The catch with PRWeb is that the actual distribution to other platforms is only available in its higher plans, which start at $230. Compared with EIN Presswire, which does the same for $99.95, it’s considerably pricier.
But if your goal is online distribution and you want your story to rank on Google and other search engines, your best chance is with PRWeb. It’s a well-renowned service used by businesses around the world, and you’re guaranteed to get some exposure for your story.
PRWeb by Cision Pricing & Features
IssueWire: Best Free (and Inexpensive) Distribution Services
Pros
- Offers a 100% free press release with SEO optimization and social media sharing
- Has inexpensive plans—can be distributed to online and broadcast news outlets for just $45
- Lets you include up to five images and four links in your press release on all plans, including the free plan
Cons
- Only your first press release is free
- Doesn’t distribute free press releases to any news sites or broadcast networks, just hosts on IssueWire.com
- Has IssueWire ads in the first three plans
- You’re absolutely budget-strapped and need a free way to get your news story online
- Your news story or announcement isn’t major enough to warrant national coverage
Most press release distribution services come at a cost, but if you’re really budget-constrained, IssueWire has a reliable free option with no obligations. You can submit your release via the website, add up to five images and four links, and your press release will be published according to your schedule. You can even have it published the next day if there aren’t many releases in the publishing queue.
The catch with IssueWire’s free plan is your story won’t get any guaranteed placements on any media outlets or networks. It’ll be hosted on the IssueWire website, but it won’t be submitted to any newsrooms, journalists, or bloggers. It will, however, be optimized for search engines and included in IssueWire’s social media blast.
IssueWire also has paid plans, which are some of the most inexpensive on the market. For example, its Tier 1 Plan costs $21 and already includes distribution to Google, Yahoo, Apple, and Bing News, along with everything in the free version. Meanwhile, its highest plan with online, print, and broadcast media distribution costs $65.
IssueWire provides 100% free press release hosting and distribution, as well as lower-than-average paid plans from $21.
The disadvantage of IssueWire is that it can only distribute to around 300 media outlets at most, compared with EIN Presswire and PRWeb, which can distribute to many more. A minor drawback is that its editorial policy is a little stricter than average. It doesn’t publish market research or pharmaceutical brands, so it’s not the best fit if your story falls under those.
I find the most value with IssueWire if you absolutely need a way to get the word out about your business and have a very small budget, or your announcement isn’t major enough to warrant national media coverage. It’s also worth noting that only your first press release is free—you’ll have to pay for the rest. But no other press release service gives the same value at similar price points, which alone makes IssueWire worth a try.
IssueWire Pricing & Features
eReleases: Best for Same- or Next-day Distribution
Pros
- All press releases are automatically sent the following day before 9 a.m. Eastern
- Same-day distribution is also available upon request
- Distributes to over 100,000 journalists plus online news sites
- All press releases have SEO optimization and go through two editorial reviews
Cons
- The first plan, costing $399, only allows up to 400 words (add $150 for every 100 additional words)
- Embedding images and YouTube videos costs an extra $150 and $200 respectively
- Doesn’t distribute to radio or TV stations
- You need your press release sent out within the same or the following day
- You want wide distribution across print and digital media and have a press release with fewer than 400 words
If you need your press release expedited, say for an urgent announcement or crisis management, you’ll need a service that can send your press release out as quickly as possible. The best press release distribution service for that is eReleases. It’s one of the few that guarantees next-day distribution before 9 a.m. Eastern or same-day upon request.
In contrast, most top press release distribution services will only distribute your press release after two days of receiving it or will require additional costs to distribute the following day. With eReleases, next-day or same-day distribution is the standard. All your press releases can have multiple links and will be optimized for SEO. It’ll also be distributed to over 100,000 journalists as well as AP News, PRWeb, Google, Bing, and Yahoo news networks.
eReleases stands out for being able to expedite your press release for next-day—or same-day—distribution.
However, there are a few notable disadvantages with eReleases, the biggest of which is that its initial plan only allows up to 400 words on your press release for a $399 price tag. Meanwhile, its highest plan, costing $699, allows up to 600 words (compare that with EIN Presswire, which allows 700 words for $99.95).
While you can include two images in your submission, embedding images and YouTube videos within your content will cost an extra $150 and $200, respectively. It’ll also cost extra to send your press release to influencers and bloggers. On the plus side, your press release will go through an editorial review before it’s sent, which maximizes your chances of getting picked up by journalists.
So while its price point may be higher than average, eReleases is your best chance if you want your press release expedited or simply need to get your story out ASAP. It’ll get sent out to all the major digital and print news outlets.
eReleases Pricing & Features
Newswire: Best Audience Targeting Tools
Pros
- Targets press release distribution by industry and location (local, regional, national, or international)
- Has three-tier editing process
- Offers same-day or rush publishing
Cons
- Charges extra for video embedding and social media distribution
- Can only include one image in your press release
- Doesn’t guarantee same-day distribution
- You need to target audiences in a specific region or state
- You have an industry-specific press release and want to appear in trade publications
- You want to distribute your press release to international outlets
Newswire is among the most well-known press release services. Its best feature is its precise distribution targeting—you can distribute your news release regionally, state-wide, nationally, or internationally, or even target by industry via trade publications. This makes Newswire the best choice for businesses needing highly targeted distribution by geography or industry vertical.
Newswire also has a three-tier editorial process across all plans to ensure your story is well-written and error-free, plus separate press release writing services for $350. It also offers same-day distribution for press releases submitted during the company’s business hours. For rush publishing, you can expedite distribution for $175.
Newswire allows you to send your press release to specific regions or industries for precise targeting.
In addition to the US press release services detailed in the pricing section below, Newswire offers a distribution service specifically for financial institutions, starting at $899. It also has international press release distribution in several regions and globally:
- Canada (from $899)
- U.K. (from $899)
- Asia-Pacific (from $1,299)
- Latin America (from $1,299)
- Global (from $3,999)
Newswire Pricing & Features*
*Save up to 20% when you buy press release packages.
Globe Newswire: Best for Multinational Distribution
Pros
- Distributes press releases to 150-plus countries and 35 local languages
- Offers free Newswire Analytics to measure performance
- Includes various media snippets such as photos, videos, audio, and live-streaming
- Has an artificial intelligence (AI) press release generator
Cons
- Has no clear pricing; entirely dependent on your project and PR needs
- Has received low user ratings on third-party review sites like TrustRadius
- You want news coverage in multiple countries and regions
- You want media-heavy press releases including video, audio, and images
- Your data-oriented business wants post-distribution reports and performance analytics
Globe Newswire has one of the largest distribution networks. For one, it publishes in more than 150 countries and 35 different languages, so it’s your best bet if you want to capture an international audience. An editorial support team available 24/7 will help you through copyediting and ensuring that nothing gets lost in translation, making Globe Newswire one of the most reliable multilanguage distribution services for press releases.
Globe Newswire sends press releases to 158 countries and in 35 languages. It also hosts them on its website.
Globe Newswire offers custom, industry-specific distribution lists. After distribution, the service also includes performance analytics to measure the return on investment (ROI) and other key performance indicators (KPIs). Some of the services that Globe Newswire highlights on its platform include disclosure and regulatory filing experts, a solid range of media snippets for press releases, and full-service translation services.
Some of Globe Newswire’s other services that you can purchase include social listening and media monitoring, media analysis, online newsrooms, and access to their media contacts database. Recently, Globe Newswire also debuted its AI press release generator, which allows users to craft press releases in minutes.
Globe Newswire Pricing & Features
Globe Newswire offers custom pricing for every business based on your industry, content, time range, and other factors.
Prowly: Best Self-service Press Release Distribution Platform
Pros
- Has an all-in-one media relations platform for sending press releases to journalists
- Lets you curate your own media list from Prowly’s 1 million-plus media contacts
- Allows unlimited number of press releases or word count
- Also has a press release generator, media mentions tracker, and online newsroom
Cons
- Lacks hands-on services—everything is self-serve, not ideal for beginners
- Increases costs the more media contacts you add to your account
- Limits the number of emails you can send per month
- Has no free plan, only a free trial (plans start at $258 per month)
- You need a long-term platform for sending multiple press releases (aka you have a long-term press release strategy)
- You want to select the journalists you can send your press release to
- You want to track the media mentions generated by your press release
- You want more control over your press release distribution and don’t just want to hand it off to other people
Prowly is unique for being an all-in-one media relations platform—it’s not a press release service per se, but a self-service platform where you can create your press releases, build your own media contact list, and send your press releases all in one go.
It even has a built-in AI press release generator and media mentions tracker, making it helpful if you plan to send multiple press releases in the long term (because press releases are part of your marketing strategy).
You’ll also have the option to add photos and attachments at no extra cost, and there are no word count limits. Finally, with unlimited press release sends, Prowly’s a great choice for businesses planning on sending multiple press releases each month—just be sure not to exceed its monthly email caps.
Prowly offers an all-in-one public relations platform where you can build your own media contact list and pitch and monitor your press releases. (Source: Prowly)
Beyond its press release tool, Prowly has a database of over 1 million local and international media contacts and journalists. It also has filters that help target the right journalists for each press release and a unique integrated contact relationship management tool for easy organization and management of media contacts.
Finally, Prowly also offers a smart media pitching tool that lets you distribute your press releases directly to journalists’ inboxes and gain insight into your email responses. Alternatively, you can also publish in your online newsroom, which is like your all-in-one resource center for journalists to learn about your business, which you can customize with your domain, branding, and social media integrations.
Prowly Pricing & Features*
*A custom-priced Enterprise plan is also available. Month-to-month contracts are available for 30% more.
Linking News: Best for Mass Distribution
Pros
- Can instantly mass-send your press release to 700-plus media outlets, including major networks like NBC and CBS
- Offers press releases that are all white-labeled (no Linking News branding, just your business’s)
- Has a very easy process—just fill out a form and submit your press release
Cons
- Lacks targeted press release distribution, either by location or industry
- Doesn’t offer SEO optimization or an editorial review of your press release
- Doesn’t host published press releases on its website
- You need mass, not targeted, distribution of your press release
- Your primary goal is to gain brand awareness from a general audience
If you aim to get your story across as many media placements as possible, both major and niche, you may have your best chance with Linking News. Linking News distributes your press release to major news outlets like NBC and AP News but also more niche publications like Financial Content and StreetInsider. It claims to distribute to over 700 media sites on the highest plan.
Another thing I appreciate about Linking News is how easy the process is to send in your press release. All you need to do is click “Order Now” and then fill in the form with your press release’s details and your contact information. Choose your plan, and your release will automatically be distributed within 48 hours. It’s one of the easiest press release distribution services I’ve tried, compared with others that require you to sign up for an account before anything else.
Linking News offers mass press release distribution if you want your story to reach a general audience. It covers everything from major news sites like CNN to industry publications like MarketWatch.
Linking News’s word count is also at a considerable 500 words, and you can include multiple links and images. Another notable feature is its white-label services, which means your press releases are completely free from Linking News’s branding—it’s fully your own.
However, a drawback with Linking News is its focus on wide distribution, so there are no avenues for targeted distribution by industry or location. Your press release will be cast far and wide, which isn’t ideal if you want to target a specific audience. It also doesn’t host press releases on its website, unlike PRWeb or EIN Presswire. For these reasons, I find Linking News most helpful if you only want to build your general brand presence or if your news is for a mass audience, not a specific or niche one.
Linking News Pricing & Features
How We Evaluated the Best Press Release Distribution Companies
Any press release service can distribute a press release. But the best ones go above and beyond to maximize your chances of getting picked up by media outlets with the same target audience as yours. Because most services also come with a price tag, they should be worth what you pay. We considered all these factors when choosing the best press release distribution services.
25% of Overall Score
Cost is always a key factor in choosing a press release service. Most services require you to pay for each press release you send, while some have free plans (with limitations) or allow you to send your first press release for free. While costs and plans varied, we chose the ones that gave you the best value for your money.
25% of Overall Score
At the very least, the press release you choose should be able to send your press release to major news sites and outlets, whether print or digital (or both). They should also have turnaround times of 48 hours or less, allow you to add media and links in your press release, and include at least 300 words.
25% of Overall Score
As mentioned, the best press release services go above and beyond to maximize your press release’s reach and pickups. We gave higher points to services that offer SEO, social media sharing, video press releases, and sending to bloggers and influencers.
10% of Overall Score
Press release processes can seem confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with PR. We gave extra credit to platforms with exemplary customer service, like 24/7 customer support via phone calls, live chat, and email. Platforms with self-help knowledge bases and video tutorials also received bonus points.
15% of Overall Score
Finally, we scored services based on our own first-hand experience on each platform. Our expert score is graded on features, ease of use, and value for money.
Why Use a Press Release Service?
Sending your press releases manually can be more affordable, but press release distribution services have more than their fair share of benefits that make them better for PR. For one, sending a press release isn’t always straightforward—you’ll need to build your contact list and write your pitch, among others. Established press release services take care of all that for you, among other benefits.
- Wider reach: Paid distribution services already have established networks and partnerships with media outlets, journalists, influencers, news aggregators, and more. Purchasing their services will allow you to tap into their extensive reach and gain exposure to more potential readers or viewers.
- Targeted distribution: Since PR experts commonly handle PR distribution services, they often offer advanced targeting options to reach specific industries or demographics. Making sure your press releases are being seen by the right people increases the chances of getting your story on the news and generating audience engagement.
- Improved credibility: Journalists and media professionals often look to trusted distribution channels as a source for their content. Paid distribution helps legitimize your press release and improves your chances of gaining media attention.
- Analytics and tracking: The best PR distribution services offer post-distribution reports and analytics that give insights into how well your press release performed. The metrics in these reports can help you refine your PR strategy to improve campaign performance in the future.
- Resource efficiency: Looking for and reaching media contacts and outlets isn’t just time-consuming. It can also lead to multiple dead ends. A press release service can handle the logistics of finding and contacting outlets, making it possible to redirect PR efforts to other channels.
How to Choose the Best Press Release Service for Your Business
Cost is usually a top consideration, especially for small businesses and startups that want to issue press releases to build brand awareness, publicity, and sales. However, other key factors would make one press release service better for your needs. When choosing the right press release service for your story, consider these factors.
- Distribution speed: If time is of the essence (like with a crisis management press release), then look for press release companies that offer same-day distribution options.
- Your target audience: Some distribution services target mass audiences, while some offer hyper-targeted distribution by location or industry. Evaluate which of the two targeting types (mass or specific) your story requires. A general interest story might suit a mass distribution service, while a location-specific announcement will require targeting services.
- Placement guarantees: It’s important to consider the types of newswires, networks, and media outlets you want your press release to be published on and look for services with plans that provide guaranteed placements. In addition, note whether your press release will only be online for a short period or in perpetuity.
- Ability to add hyperlinks: Usually, backlinks to your website will be set to “no follow” when published on a newswire or media outlet, which limits SEO value. However, they still facilitate web traffic to your site, which brings interested readers your way (and the extra traffic positively impacts your website’s SEO).
- Ability to embed multimedia: Images and video assets add interest and engagement to your press release. Specifically, interactive media can even get up to 50% more engagement and 15% more link clicks.
- Direct-to-journalist emails: Journalists are always looking for stories to cover, so many subscribe to general or industry-specific emails from platforms like EIN Presswire and eReleases. Look for distribution services that send your story directly to their subscribers in addition to mass distribution.
- Editorial support: No one wants to send an announcement to the public sphere only to find that their press release was published with typos, grammatical errors, or less-than-stellar formatting, headlines, and structure. To ensure a good press release stands out, tap into services that come with professional editing and reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A press release distribution service is a service that can send your press release to journalists and media outlets so they can write about it for their audience, in effect gaining media coverage for your brand. It’s the most guaranteed way to get your story published in the media. With a press release distribution service, you’ll only need to submit your press release via its website, and it’ll automatically be sent to news outlets in one or two days.
The best overall press release service, especially for small businesses, is EIN Presswire. It offers both wide and targeted distribution, depending on your needs, including targeting by location and industry. It also allows multiple links, multimedia, and up to 700 words for your press release, starting at $99.95 for one press release. EIN Presswire is a leader in the industry, and its network includes thousands of digital and print publications.
The cost to release a press release depends on the service you choose. Some offer it completely free, like IssueWire, but will contain significant limitations. Others have a starting cost of $399, like eReleases, but offer all-inclusive plans. However, the average starting cost to release a press release is approximately $223 from the top services. Expect to pay more for extra services like press release writing or hyper-targeted distribution.
Bottom Line
There are many press release distribution services available for businesses like yours to gain public attention, which is both a good and bad thing. Ultimately, choosing the best service for your business will come down to your specific needs, priorities, and budget. Either way, the platforms featured are some of the best in the business.
