Newswire Recommendations

Hi Richard,

I went through the same issues and questions as you did some years ago. Then clients had similar puzzles. So I began the collect the options.

I started with this list:

https://www.michaelhartzell.com/blog/list-of-54-websites-for-free-press-release-distribution-service

And then began to narrow it down to this list:

https://www.michaelhartzell.com/marketing-insights-ezine/the-best-free-press-release-sites-to-spread-your-message

While I was collecting and reviewing the options, Google changed the rules and the press release companies made big changes in their software systems. (Including PR Web)

I am not familiar with he Canada press release options you mention.

But for you situation, for a healthcare audience, you might want to go with the grand-daddy - PR Newswire. Or i-Reach from PR Newswire.

As to the difference in pricing? Is it based on reach, authority, readers or based on who they do (or don't) want to do business with?

Sometimes press release services are more extensive with writing and/or editing.

I do know that when you distribute to the AP via the services, prices go up substantially.

I hope the links and thoughts are helpful. (The bottom of the first link also offers how-to and copywriter options)

Mike

I've used PR Web in the past and it isn't a bad service. The only thing about their service is that what ever release you put out there through their site is only up on the web for about a year. If you want to keep a copy to share for longer than that, simply copy and/or take a snapshot of it and keep it somewhere that you can share later with anyone you may want to. They do reach a large audience and is pretty good for the money. There is also PRNewswire.com to compare to as well.

You get what you pay for, and it's also about distribution and services you choose. I've never used Canada NewsWire - I use BusinessWire or Globenewswire (NASDAQ-owned) - but it's about finding the right targeting, and outreach beyond the wire services.

What do you hope to accomplish through the wire service? Knowing that helps with a recommendation.

Mark O'Toole: I want to create more visibility for us in the healthcare IT sector, particular in the area of telemedicine and eye care. We recently won a large government contract, the largest of its kind in Canada. So I want to get the news out, that's all.