How to Create a Press Release That Gets Published (Free & Paid Options)
In today’s digital-first world, getting your brand noticed isn’t just about having a great product or service—it’s about getting the right people to talk about it. A single press release or guest post in the right publication can open doors to new audiences, industry recognition, and business growth. But here’s the challenge: How do you actually get published?
Should you pay for media placement, or can you secure free press coverage with the right strategy? How do you find journalists willing to share your story—and more importantly, ensure that your content aligns with the publications that matter?
At TargetLink, we help brands cut through the noise with strategic PR consultation, guiding businesses on how to craft, pitch, and distribute high-impact press releases that actually get published. Whether you’re looking to gain traction without breaking the bank or you’re ready to invest in paid media for maximum reach, we provide a clear roadmap to help you navigate the world of contributed media.
In this post, we’ll break down the exact strategies that industry leaders use to get their press releases and contributed media published—whether for free or paid. Plus, we’re sharing expert insights from PR professionals who have mastered the game.
Let’s get started.
What Is Contributed Media, and Why Does It Matter?
Contributed media refers to content created and submitted by a company or individual to a media outlet for publication. This can include guest posts, contributed articles, or press releases. The purpose of contributed media is to showcase your expertise, increase your visibility, and ultimately drive traffic and conversions.
In today’s digital world, it’s not just about reaching the right audience; it’s about the platform you choose to share your message on. Getting featured on high-authority websites or publications builds your brand credibility and positions you as a trusted thought leader.
How Do You Publish Your Contributed Media for Free? (How to create a press release)
You might be wondering how to leverage the power of contributed media without breaking the bank. While paying for placement can be an effective strategy, it’s entirely possible to publish for free if you’re strategic about it.
Pitching to Journalists and Bloggers
The first step is to research media outlets relevant to your niche. Find journalists, editors, or bloggers who consistently cover your industry or topics related to your business. Follow their work, engage with them on social media, and most importantly, pitch them a story that fits with their current editorial needs.
Chris Bajda, Managing Partner of Groomsday, shares, “PR Newswire and BusinessWire are platforms I use when I want to make sure my press release hits the right media channels. These services cost money, but I see it as an investment.”
While it’s not always free, these platforms provide targeted distribution, increasing your chances of getting published in well-regarded outlets.
Guest Posts
Guest posting is one of the best ways to get free media exposure. Find blogs or websites in your industry that accept guest contributions. Offer them valuable content that will resonate with their audience. In return, you get a backlink to your site, which improves your SEO and increases your visibility.
Kaz Marzo, Operations Manager at Image-Acquire, believes in the value of sponsored content but points out that it’s not always necessary. “While I don’t typically pay for media placement, some businesses invest in sponsored content on platforms like Business Insider or Forbes Councils.” This is a prime example of how you can choose to invest in paid media if the exposure is worth it, but there are still plenty of free opportunities available.
When Should You Pay for Media Exposure?
Paying for media exposure can be a strategic investment when you need guaranteed distribution, targeted reach, and brand credibility. If you want your press release to appear on high-authority sites or ensure it reaches relevant media contacts, paid PR platforms can be a powerful tool. However, before spending money, it’s crucial to understand when and where to invest.
Best Paid Press Release Distribution Platforms
If you’re looking for widespread distribution, the following platforms can help amplify your press release across multiple media outlets:
1. PR Newswire
- One of the largest and most reputable press release distribution services.
- Provides broad media syndication, including major outlets like Yahoo Finance, AP News, and Bloomberg.
- Pricing starts around $350+ per release, depending on word count and distribution region.
2. Business Wire
- Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, this is a top-tier press release service trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
- Offers global distribution and direct feeds to newsrooms and investor networks.
- Pricing varies but typically starts at $350+ per 400 words.
3. EIN Presswire
- More affordable than PR Newswire or Business Wire, starting at $99 per press release.
- Focuses on niche targeting and distribution to Google News, Bing News, and industry-specific sites.
4. Newswire
- Provides press release distribution and media outreach tools.
- Has direct journalist pitching features to help businesses secure earned media.
- Starts at $199 per press release.
5. GlobeNewswire
- Best for financial and investor-focused press releases.
- Used by public companies, startups, and businesses seeking stock market visibility.
- Pricing starts at $299 per release.
Best Free Press Release Distribution & Guest Posting Platforms – (How to create a press release)
If you’re looking to publish your press release without paying, consider these free media placement options:
1. Medium
- A great platform for self-publishing press releases and thought leadership content.
- While it doesn’t distribute to news outlets, it ranks well in search engines, helping with organic visibility.
2. LinkedIn Articles
- Publishing press releases or industry insights on LinkedIn can attract journalist attention and increase credibility.
- Works well for B2B brands, thought leadership, and networking with media professionals.
3. Qwoted
- Similar to HARO, it connects experts with journalists looking for quotes, insights, and stories.
- Helps businesses gain free PR by responding to relevant media requests.
4. PRLog
- A completely free press release distribution platform.
- Distributes to Google News and other search engines, but doesn’t guarantee placement in high-authority media.
6. IssueWire
- Offers both free and paid press release distribution options.
- The free plan includes basic syndication, while paid plans increase reach.
While paid PR platforms offer wider reach and guaranteed placement, free PR strategies can be equally effective when approached strategically. If budget is a concern, start by leveraging free guest posting, journalist outreach, and PR tools before investing in paid distribution.
Connecting with Journalists: How to Get Their Attention
It’s all about the relationship you build. Reaching out to journalists can seem daunting, but with the right strategy, it’s manageable. Kate Ross, a Marketing Specialist at Irresistible Me, shares her method for connecting with journalists: “It’s all about who you know, or who you can get to know. I track down journalists by checking their past work or stalking them (nicely!) on social media. Tools like Hunter.io have their emails, and then I hit them with a quick, chill pitch, like, ‘Hey, loved your last piece, got something you might dig.’”
The trick is to personalize your outreach. Take the time to research the journalist’s previous work and mention it in your pitch. It shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their work. Be friendly and brief in your message. Journalists are busy, so don’t overwhelm them with a long email. Just offer something of value and make it easy for them to say yes.
How to Know If Journalists Will Align with Your Niche?
Before reaching out to a journalist, it’s essential to understand if their focus aligns with your niche. This is where research comes in. Start by reviewing their previous work to get a feel for the type of stories they write. Are they focused on technology? Business? Health? Knowing this will help you craft a pitch that resonates with them.
You can also look at their social media profiles, which often give a clearer idea of their interests and the kinds of stories they’re actively promoting. If a journalist has written about topics similar to yours, there’s a good chance they’ll be interested in your pitch.
A great way to gauge whether your content will align with a journalist’s work is to pitch a story that’s closely related to their recent articles. By aligning your ideas with their existing content, you increase the likelihood that they’ll find your pitch relevant.
Why Do You Need Press Releases?
Press releases remain one of the most effective tools in PR. They provide a structured way to deliver important information to journalists, bloggers, and influencers. A press release not only helps get the word out about a new product or service but also generates media coverage and boosts your credibility.
A well-crafted press release is an essential part of any PR strategy because it allows you to control the message. Mary Sahagun, Founder of TargetLink Media also added, “When you issue a press release, you’re directly communicating your key messages to your target audience. This makes it a powerful tool for announcing new launches, partnerships, or significant milestones in your business.”
Furthermore, press releases help with SEO by including keywords that can drive organic traffic to your website. They’re a long-term asset that can continue to generate buzz for months after their release, especially when picked up by reputable news sites.
Final Thoughts? Understand The Balance
Whether you’re using paid platforms, building journalist relationships, or crafting press releases that tell a powerful story, success in contributed media comes down to finding the right balance. Some opportunities are free if you know where to look, while others require an investment—but what matters most is how strategically you approach them.
At TargetLink, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all PR—because your story is unique, and your strategy should be too. Whether you’re a founder looking for credibility, a brand aiming for visibility, or an expert ready to be heard, we help you find the right opportunities, craft compelling narratives, and connect with the media in a way that feels effortless—but makes an impact.
If you’re tired of throwing press releases into the void, hoping someone will notice, let’s change that. Let’s get intentional, strategic, and bold with your PR.
📩 Let’s talk. Book a consultation and let’s build the media presence you deserve. Get started here.
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