I’ve covered ways to optimize your current link profile, as well as how to identify valuable links. I’m going to start looking into ways to acquire new links and increase your overall web profile. There are loads of different ways which you can acquire new links, but I’ll start with what has always been the most obvious for me as well as once of the easiest, press releasing.
A press release is a distribution of promotional material, topical information, research findings or news events. A lot of people see online press releasing as a thing as the past, as it no longer drives sales, however what it will do is get your site news and updates out there, and more importantly it will create links back to your site – which as you know from my previous posts are valuable when it comes to your search engine rankings. In other words, you’re unlikely to get any direct conversions from the press releasing, however the sales should come indirectly through the consequent rise in search engine rankings.
Luckily, the internet has made distributing releases a simple task, I’ve taken you through my three steps for press releasing below:
1. Work out what you want to press release
Most webmasters seem to think that they have no newsworthy material; however I believe every affiliate site, no matter how small, has some news to publish. If the purpose of this release was too directly gain new traffic which converts then you’ll most likely have a hard time finding something newsworthy, but press releases are rarely used for that anymore in the day and age of SEO. From an affiliate perspective my favourite type of affiliate site press releases are the following:
- Site launches
- New reviews added
- New site section added
These don’t sound like the most newsworthy subjects but they will get published, which is all that matters. Using the examples I’ve just given I’ve written in context press release titles below:
- New Online Roulette Comparison Website Launches
- Leading Online Roulette Comparison Website Increases Visitor Review Offering
- Prominent Roulette review website adds further player guides
2. Write your press release
When I began writing press releases I always got blank screen syndrome, and spent a long time staring and wondering what to write. However nowadays writing the press release is the simplest part of the process in my opinion, all it requires is that you fit your news into a particular easy to follow format. Everyone may have varying format preferences, I’ve written mine with examples of an actual press release I’ve used, as shown below:
1. Press release title
Right Casino Media Re-Launches Flagship Site LiveRoulette.co.uk
2. Two-sentence summary
UK-based online casino portal operator Right Casino Media has today re-launched their largest affiliate website LiveRoulette.co.uk. The site, which was originally launched in September 2009, has been updated with a new design and fresh reviews to support player needs further.
3. Some in-depth details on the release content, no more than 1 paragraph needed.
The primary goal of LiveRoulette.co.uk has always been to aid players in finding a safe and reputable online casino to play live roulette. Whilst the foundations of the site remain the same the design has been given a fresh update and the reviews have all been rewritten in order to remain as accurate and up to date as possible.
4. A quote from the website owner or spokesperson.
David Merry, Director of Right Casino Media commented: “We have been around for a number of years now and helped thousands of players reach their casino destinations safely. We want to keep with the times and make sure that while technology and player expectations increase our site can continue to serve there every need. A fresh look and fresh reviews ensures we are with the times and a cut above the rest.”
5. Closing details
David Merry, Director of Right Casino Media commented: “We have been around for a number of years now and helped thousands of players reach their casino destinations safely. We want to keep with the times and make sure that while technology and player expectations increase our site can continue to serve there every need. A fresh look and fresh reviews ensures we are with the times and a cut above the rest.”
6. About the company or website
LiveRoulette.co.uk is an impartial live roulette review site, operated by Right Casino Media Limited, a registered company in England and Wales. Right Casino Media, launched in 2010, who operates a network including LiveCasinos.co.uk and LiveGambling.co.uk, provides independent reviews and resultant advertising solutions to trust and reputable online casino brands.
It’s that simple!
3. Distribute your press release
The last part of your process is to distribute your press release to as many places as possible whilst keeping spending to a minimum. I usually select two different outlets out of a list in order to diversify the link source over time. I could give you a long list of the best sites out there; however that would probably be out of date within 6 months. I’ve linked you to the Top 10 list on TopSeos.co.uk below, this is updated every other month, so you’ll always be up to date: http://www.topseos.co.uk/rankings-of-best-press-release-distribution-services
Give press releasing a try and let me know how you get on below!
About David Merry
David Merry spent the first part of his professional career in the link building strategy team at London-based search marketing company Greenlight Search. He now heads the online marketing team at CastleCasino.com and focuses the majority of his time on SEO and their affiliate program. You can learn more about Castle Casino’s affiliate program at CastleAffiliates.com.