Why Press Releases Are Still a Secret Weapon for SEO (Yes, Really)
Let’s be honest—when someone says “press release,” most of us picture dusty, corporate jargon-filled PDFs that get lost in the void of the internet. But hold up. What if we told you that press releases, when done right, can actually boost your SEO, drive traffic, and make Google’s algorithm do a little happy dance? At Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency in Los Angeles, we’ve turned this “old-school” tactic into a modern marketing powerhouse for clients. And today, we’re spilling the beans on how you can do it too.
(Don’t worry—we’ll keep the corporate jargon to a minimum. Pinky promise.)
Press Releases + SEO: A Match Made in Google Heaven
Okay, let’s start with the basics. Why are we even talking about press releases in 2024? Aren’t they, like, ancient? Well, here’s the thing: Google still loves fresh, authoritative content. A well-crafted press release ticks both boxes. It’s a chance to:
- Announce something newsworthy (product launches, events, awards).
- Earn high-quality backlinks when reputable sites pick up your story.
- Target local SEO by mentioning your city, neighborhood, or service area (hey, fellow Angelenos!).
But here’s the catch: Most businesses do press releases wrong. They stuff them with keywords like a Thanksgiving turkey, forget mobile formatting, or—worst of all—write something so boring even their mom wouldn’t share it.
How to Craft a Press Release That Google (and Humans) Will Love
At Sitelinx, we’ve seen it all. From startups accidentally publishing press releases in Comic Sans (yikes) to Fortune 500 companies ignoring mobile optimization. Here’s how to avoid the cringe and make your press release work for your SEO:
1. Start with a Hook That Doesn’t Suck
Your headline is prime real estate. Instead of “Company X Launches New Product,” try something like:
“Los Angeles Bakery Crushes Competition with 100% Vegan Croissants (and Yes, They’re Flaky AF).”
Pro Tip: Work in a local SEO keyword naturally. If you’re a WordPress SEO services provider in LA, mention it!
2. Optimize Like an SEO Specialist (Without Being a Robot)
- Bold your key message once—no keyword stuffing.
- Link to your site and relevant landing pages (like your Google Business reviews profile).
- Use schema markup to help search engines understand your content. (FYI, this is where technical SEO services shine.)
3. Distribute Smartly—Not Just Everywhere
Spamming 50 press release sites won’t help. Focus on:
- Industry-specific platforms.
- Local news outlets (hi, Local SEO!).
- Your own blog and social channels.
The Dark Side of Press Releases: 3 Mistakes That Tank Your SEO
Let’s play a quick game of “Are You Sabotaging Yourself?”
-
Ignoring Mobile Users
Over 60% of press releases are read on phones. If your release isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re basically handing traffic to competitors. -
Forgetting the “Local” in Local SEO
Mentioning your city, landmarks, or community ties helps you rank for phrases like “best SEO company in Los Angeles.” (We might know a few things about this. Just sayin’.) -
Using Press Releases as a Sales Pitch
Journalists and readers smell desperation. Keep it factual, playful, and human.
Press Releases vs. Blog Posts: What’s Better for SEO?
Here’s the deal: They’re different tools for different jobs. Check out our brutally honest comparison:
| Feature | Press Release | Blog Post |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Announce news, events, or milestones | Educate, entertain, or dive deep |
| SEO Impact | Builds backlinks, boosts local SEO | Targets long-tail keywords, drives blog traffic |
| Best For | Time-sensitive updates | Evergreen content |
| Requires | A killer hook + distribution strategy | Regular updates + website management |
Moral of the story? Use both.
“But Wait, I’m a Small Business!”
We hear you. Most SEO companies for small business charge an arm and a leg for press release writing. But here’s a secret: You don’t need a fancy marketing consultant to do this. Start with:
- Free templates (we’ve got some—just ask!).
- Google Business reviews as social proof in your releases.
- WordPress SEO services plugins like Yoast to keep your on-page SEO tight.
And if you’re drowning in to-do lists? That’s what SEO agencies like us are for. We handle the nitty-gritty while you focus on running your business.
3 Press Release FAQs (Answered Without the Fluff)
Q: How often should I send press releases?
A: Only when you have actual news. Nobody cares that you updated the office coffee machine.
Q: Can press releases hurt my SEO?
A: Only if you keyword-stuff or use spammy links. Keep it clean, and you’re golden.
Q: Do I need a pro writer?
A: IMO, yes. Unless you want your big announcement to sound like a robot wrote it.
Ready to Make Google Your New BFF?
Look, we get it—SEO can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. But press releases? They’re one of the few tactics that work for every business, whether you’re a local bakery or a WordPress SEO services wizard.
At Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency, we’ve helped hundreds of LA businesses turn press releases into traffic magnets. From technical SEO services to crafting headlines that don’t put readers to sleep, we’ve got your back.
So, what’s your next move? Keep treating press releases like a 1990s relic, or give them a modern twist (and watch your rankings climb)?
P.S. If you’re still scratching your head, hit us up. We promise no robotic jargon—just real talk and results. 😉
