Press releases are a good way to get the word out about your business and drive traffic to your website. Use the following tips to spread the news and increase the visibility of your business.

What Kind of Stuff Can I Put in a Press Release?

Well, first, let's get something straight. "Press release" is an outdated term that was common during the era of the printing press. The proper expression is "news release," though many people use the terms interchangeably.

The milestones of your business are newsworthy material -- use them to your advantage. Did you recently add a new product or service? Does your website have new features or an entirely different look? How is your company growth at the end of each quarter? Make an announcement that may be of interest to the public and use it as an opportunity to brag about your business.

Online Distribution Services

Use online distribution services like PR Web as a platform to spread the news about your company. In one shot, your news is sent to multiple media outlets. You can increase your search engine visibility and drive traffic to your website.

Reach Out to Local News Outlets

Don't overlook the power of local news. Pick a few newspapers in your hometown and send copies of news release through the appropriate channels. You may be surprised at the reception you receive through local news outlets. And if your story goes to print? Well, that's called free publicity.