There’s nothing like a checklist to ensure success.  We here at PRWeb are especially fond of them and so we’re offering one to help you cover all your SEO bases before you submit a press release.

Keep this list handy and you’ll see better SEO results:

 

 

1. Include Primary Keywords

In the land of search keywords are currency.  You’ve gone to all the trouble to create a keyword glossary now make sure you incorporate those primary keywords in your press release between 2-3 times.

Here’s a recent PRWeb press release example where the first keyword is linked and is followed by 3 additional mentions:

Use the keywords that your customers are searching for in order to find brands like you.

2. Get Your Keyword In A Compelling Headline

Creating a killer headline is a must before you submit a press release.  Include your featured keyword and wow us in 70 characters with a headline that grabs our attention. Check out this press release headline from Petco:

One Million Reasons to Love Your Pet

It’s short, sweet and leaves you wanting to know more. I love pets, what are these million reasons?

3. Use Your Subhead To Help Tell The Story

The Petco release not only caught our eye, their subhead did a great job of completing the picture.  Keep it short and sweet and use it to keep us reading:

One Million Reasons to Love Your Pet

Petco™ Celebrates Reaching One Million Fans On Facebook

Wow, so Petco has a million fans on Facebook. I’m a pet lover, am I a fan on Facebook? Are other pet lovers getting deals I’m missing out on? I’d better keep reading to see.

4. Link Away

Before you submit a press release take another look to be sure your keyword links actually work.  There’s nothing worse than inviting a click and then having it fail to deliver.  Also remember to link to 3^rd party sources that will bolster your message, such as studies or surveys.

Here’s a great example of link diversity:

Each of the above links takes the reader to a different section of the 2012 London Olympics website, and each keyword link matches that page. What are some credible industry sources who can provide stats and other information that can help bolster your press release? Tip: Type in your industry followed by “industry research” or “industry research organization” in Google. You’ll find a few.

5. Keep That Boiler Plate Up To Date

At the end of every press release your boiler plate should provide current information on your company.  Include a brief explanation of your products and services and contact details to provide the finishing touches (be sure to include a link to your website).  Case in point:

Datatrend Technologies provides technology services, network infrastructure services, network cabling installation, and technology infrastructure solutions that help companies leverage technology expertise and solutions to optimize IT environments and enhance business. With a culture that drives extremely high customer and employee satisfaction, Datatrend is able to provide quality support and effective solutions. Datatrend takes an intimate approach to meet customer needs with a relentless attention to detail, and network services project management.

6. Give Us An Image To Remember

Besides being a great way to inspire a hook for your press release, a compelling image can help tell your story and beat out the competition for wandering eyes.

We especially like this image that accompanies a press release on photographer Thamer Al-Tassan’s award winning photographs of the Taj Mahal:

Put this checklist into play before you submit a press release for better SEO results.  For more help on creating optimized press releases, check our learning center article, Powering Your SEO With PR:  How To Use SEO Press Releases.

 

Filed under: SEO by Stacey Acevero