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How to Select the Best Press Release Distribution Software for Your Business

Written by Huey Yee / 14 October, 2024

Press release distribution has come a long way.

Thanks to press release distribution software, getting your news out there is now faster and more efficient. You can share important announcements like product launches or company updates directly with journalists, bloggers, and potential customers in just a few clicks.

But with so many options available, choosing the right software can feel like a challenge.

How do you know which platform is the best fit for your needs?

Don’t worry—this post will walk you through what press release distribution software does, why it’s useful, and what features you should consider when making your choice.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for when making your decision.

What is Press Release Distribution Software?

Press release distribution software simplifies the process of sharing your news with the right audience.

Instead of manually contacting media outlets, this software automates the distribution process, sending your press release to a network of journalists, news sites, blogs, and even social media platforms.

But what makes this software really stand out is its ability to target specific industries, regions, or demographics that match your message. For instance, you can tailor your distribution to reach tech journalists in North America or fashion editors in Europe, depending on your release. This kind of precision helps ensure your press release gets to the people who are most likely to be interested.

Additionally, many platforms also come with handy extras like tracking and analytics, so you can see which outlets engaged with your release, how many people viewed it, and what kind of impact it had.

Benefits of Press Release Distribution Software

So, why should you invest in press release distribution software? Let’s break down some of the key benefits:

#1 More Media Coverage

One of the main perks of using press release distribution software is the increased chance of media coverage.

By accessing large networks of journalists and news outlets, your story has a far better shot at being picked up and shared across different platforms.

For example, platforms like MarketersMEDIA Newswire distribute to over 2,000 media endpoints and 500+ news distribution outlets, reaching a broad audience across multiple countries.

A snippet of MarketersMEDIA Report.
A snippet of MarketersMEDIA Report. You can reach all these top media outlets at just a fraction of the cost.

This kind of reach can make a real difference, helping your story land in front of the right people and, ultimately, generate more buzz.

#2 Boost Search Visibility and SEO

An optimized press release can do wonders for your search visibility. An SEO-friendly press release not only attracts media attention but also improves your chances of being found in online searches.

When potential customers or clients are searching for related topics, your press release can help your brand appear in search results, driving more organic traffic to your site.

#3 Strengthens Media Relationships

Using distribution software regularly can help build strong, ongoing relationships with the media. Journalists are more likely to notice your releases if they consistently provide valuable, newsworthy content. Over time, your brand becomes recognizable, and journalists start to see you as a reliable source of information.

This familiarity can lead to more media coverage down the line. A journalist who trusts your brand might be more inclined to reach out to you for future stories or follow-ups on past news.

#4 Builds Brand Awareness

Press release distribution doesn’t just get your news out—it helps expand your reach to new audiences. With targeted distribution channels, you can ensure your press release is seen by people who may not have heard of your brand before. This is a great way to introduce your brand to new customers, partners, or even investors.

Plus, as your news is picked up by different outlets, your brand’s presence grows, making it more recognizable to a broader audience. Over time, these small actions can significantly boost brand awareness.

#5 Saves Time and Resources

Perhaps one of the most practical benefits of press release distribution software is the time it saves.

As mentioned earlier, instead of manually contacting media outlets or tracking your results on your own, the software automates these tasks. This means you can focus on other important aspects of your business, knowing that your press release is being distributed and tracked effectively.

By streamlining the process, you’re also saving on resources. You won’t need a large PR team to handle outreach, and the software provides all the tools you need in one place. It’s an efficient solution for businesses of any size.

Common Features of Press Release Distribution Software

Now that we’ve looked at the benefits, let’s take a look at the features you can expect from press release distribution software.

These features are designed to make the entire process—from creation to distribution to tracking—easier and more effective.

#1 Press Release Creation & Editing

Creating a press release can be daunting, but most distribution platforms come with tools to help you write, upload, and edit your releases directly.

Some even provide templates or formatting guidelines, which is especially helpful if you’re new to writing press releases. These tools ensure that your press release is professional and ready to be shared.

Some, like MarketersMEDIA Newswire, even have tools like AI press release generator that can help you create a solid press release in seconds,  getting your release ready for distribution in no time.

MarketersMEDIA Newswire AI Press Release Generator
MarketersMEDIA Newswire AI Press Release Generator

#2 SEO Optimization

Many platforms offer SEO tools that help improve the visibility of your press release online. This might include keyword suggestions, metadata optimization, and other features that ensure your release ranks higher in search results.

#3 Multimedia Support

A multimedia press release is much more engaging than a text-only release. Adding images, videos, or infographics can help tell your story in a visually compelling way.

Journalists are more likely to pick up a release that comes with rich media elements, as it makes their job easier when they’re covering your story.

Multimedia support allows you to create a press release that stands out.

#4 Distribution Channels

Once your press release is ready, distribution is the next step.

Press release distribution software connects you to various channels, including traditional newswires, PR networks, and even social media platforms. This means your news has multiple pathways to reach the right audience.

#5 Media Contact Targeting

One of the most valuable features of press release distribution software is access to media contact databases. These databases allow you to filter contacts by industry, region, or even specific topics, ensuring that your press release reaches the right journalists. This targeted approach significantly increases the likelihood of media coverage.

#6 Branded Newsrooms

Some platforms let you create a branded newsroom where all your press releases and media materials are stored. It gives journalists an easy way to access your latest news and keeps everything looking consistent.

This is a simple but effective way to make sure your brand is presented professionally.

#7 Social Media Integration

These days, social media is a big part of getting the word out. With social media integration, you can easily share your press release on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn with just a click. It’s an easy way to get your news in front of more eyes and spark some engagement.

Plus, it’s a great way to engage directly with your followers and get immediate feedback on your news.

#8 Analytics and Reporting

After distribution, you can track how well your press release is performing. Metrics like views, clicks, and media pickups help you understand the impact of your release and adjust future strategies accordingly.

#9 Multi-Language Support:

If your press release needs to reach audiences in different countries, multi-language support is a must. This feature lets you distribute your release in various languages, making sure your message resonates wherever it’s being read.

Now that we’ve covered the common features of press release distribution software, it’s time to think about what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs.

Not all platforms are created equal, so it’s worth considering a few key factors before you decide.

What to Consider When Choosing a Press Release Distribution Software

#1 Features That Matter

Think about what you need the most—are you looking for simple press release creation tools, or do you need advanced features like writing assistance, multimedia support, and analytics?

For example, if you’re looking to streamline the content creation process, consider platforms that provide AI-driven tools.

MarketersMEDIA Newswire offers an AI press release generator that’s integrated into the dashboard. Once logged in, you can easily draft your press release using the intuitive UI, which walks you through the writing process step-by-step.

MarketersMEDIA Newswire Studio Dashboard with features such as AI press release generator, rich text editor, and customizable distribution reports for managing press release workflows.
MarketersMEDIA Newswire Studio Dashboard with features such as AI press release generator, rich text editor, and customizable distribution reports for managing press release workflows.

This feature saves time and makes it easier to craft a professional press release, even if you’re new to it.

In summary, here are some of the most useful features you should keep an eye out for: 

  • Writing assistance
  • SEO tools
  • Targeted distribution
  • Media monitoring & analytics
  • Multimedia support
  • Social media integration
  • Scheduling & automation

#2 Strategic Fit

It’s important to make sure the software aligns with your overall distribution strategy. Think about your audience—who are you trying to reach, and where do they consume media? Are you targeting a broad, international audience, or do you need to focus on a niche market?

If you’re aiming for global coverage, some platforms might be better suited for international distribution, while others specialize in specific regions or industries.

The right software should fit your strategy, not force you to adjust your approach.

#3 Budget

Your budget plays a big role in choosing the right press release distribution software. Different platforms offer various pricing models, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs.

Some services charge based on the number of releases you send, while others offer subscription plans with more flexibility.

One thing to watch out for is hidden costs. Some platforms may charge extra for features like adding images, increasing word count, or even including multimedia, which can drive up the overall cost.

With MarketersMEDIA Newswire, you don’t have to worry about those additional fees. Their all-inclusive pricing model ensures you get access to essential features—like adding images and extending word countwithout the extra charges.

Content & multimedia features on MarketersMEDIA Newswire, including rich text editor, smart gallery, image attachments, video embedding, and Google Map embedding.

This allows businesses to send fully detailed press releases affordably, helping them reach new markets and connect with potential customers, all while staying within budget.

#4 Post-Distribution Monitoring

After sending out your press release, you’ll want to measure its performance. Look for software that offers detailed analytics, such as how many outlets picked it up, audience engagement metrics, and which regions or industries responded the most. This helps you refine future press releases based on real data.

#5 Additional Integrations

If you’re using other tools for marketing or PR, check to see if the software integrates with them. Media monitoring tools, for example, can make it easier to track mentions and analyze the impact of your press release. Having everything work together seamlessly can save you time and make your life easier.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing the right press release distribution software doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Focus on the features that matter, make sure the software fits your specific needs, and look for strong tracking tools to measure success.

With the right platform, getting your story out there will be easier—and a lot more effective.

Now’s the time to take the next step. If you’re looking for a detailed comparison of the top platforms available, check out this blog post on the best press release distribution services. It’ll help you weigh your options and find the right fit for your business.