How To Boost Your Article Marketing Strategy With Press Releases

A marketing coach recently shared a secret marketing strategy with me. Want in? Of course you do. Every time you write an article and it gets published, be sure to write a related press release. Makes sense doesn't it!. Why not get more bang for your buck. A press release is generally biased towards the opinion and objectives of its author. If you can generate interest within the press, what a great concept! Your goal is to write a solid event announcement to convince those reading it that your event will interest their followers, i.e., their readers, viewers and listeners. If done correctly, a good press release will stir interest and encourage journalists to write informative articles on the subject at hand, your subject, your event. If you can accomplish this, you can end up with some forceful, free marketing.

Of course, it pays to do some homework as far as learning how to design and draft a press release. Start with the difference between an article and a press release. Articles share information or opinions whereas your new goal is to provide announcements of events. Such an event could very well be the launch of your new career or business, or that you just had a new article published!

Individuals often use press releases as a source when doing research to find specific information. This means that the people who end up reading yours may likely have an interest in what you are doing, what you have. Aha, what a great tool to use to reach your target audience, to attract high quality prospects or leads to your blog, landing page, or site!

As with all of your online marketing efforts, for optimization you need to do keyword specific research before you start writing. Begin with your personal name, your business name (though if you are with an affiliate program do not use this), and any other specific related keywords so people will be directed to your event announcement when they do a Google, Yahoo or any other search. Two keyword research tools you can use are: 1) Google Free Keyword Tool, or 2) freekeywords.wordtracker.

It's a good idea to follow an outline to make sure you cover the basics of what should be covered in a press release.

I) What is the event you are announcing?
II) When did it/will it happen?
III) Who or what is involved?
IV) What about the event would be interesting to others, and possibly to whom would it be of interest?
V) Where is more information available?

There are basic guidelines you should follow when writing your release:

* Write it so it reads like a news story written by someone else.
* Use your keyword 3 or 4 times in the body of the press release and in the title.
* Try not to go over 400 words.
* Remember to make the content present like a noteworthy and newsworthy event. No advertisement lingo!

To summarize, the purpose of writing a press release is to inform people of an event and to present the story in a concise fashion which covers the when, what, who, where, why and how. Always proofread to make sure there are no grammatical mistakes.

Now you're ready to submit your piece. Here are two recommended sites where you can release your announcement online.

* http://www.free-press-release.com
* http://www.prlog.com

For more distribution sites, just do a Google or Yahoo search for "Press Release Distribution Sites".

Good luck and remember to develop and nurture your Millionaire Mindset and to always keep your "WHY" in mind and in sight!