Short answer: Press release sites distribute your announcement to news portals and media. Links in syndicated press releases are usually nofollow, and Google treats links in widely distributed releases as unnatural if they are used to manipulate rankings. A press release is worth it only when you have real news, such as a launch, an award, an event or data, because the true value is coverage, brand mentions and journalists who write their own stories.
Many businesses pay for press releases expecting SEO miracles and get a list of low-traffic portals instead. Used correctly, PR builds credibility and earns genuine editorial links.
Press Release Sites and Services Used in India
| Service | Type |
|---|---|
| PR Newswire (Cision) | Paid global and Indian distribution |
| Business Wire India | Paid distribution |
| ANI and PTI partner releases | Paid syndication through news agency partners |
| PRLog | Free and paid basic distribution |
| EIN Presswire | Paid distribution |
| Local newspapers and portals | Direct pitches for local news |
Prices, reach and link policies change. Ask for sample reports before paying.
When a Press Release Is Worth It
- A new branch, product or programme launch.
- An award or certification.
- A community event or partnership.
- Original research or local data.
Not worth it: “We are the best institute” with no news value.
How to Write a Release Journalists Use
- Headline with the news, not adjectives.
- First paragraph: who, what, where, when and why.
- One quote from a real person.
- Facts and figures you can verify.
- Short company boilerplate with one branded link.
- Media contact details.
PR Links and Google
Google’s spam policies list optimised anchor text in press releases as an example of link schemes. Keep links branded and expect most to be nofollow. Read dofollow vs nofollow backlinks for why that is fine.
Better Than Paid Distribution
Pitch your story directly to local reporters and niche blogs. One real article in a local newspaper’s website can be worth more than a hundred syndicated copies. See how other activities compare in the off-page SEO submission sites guide.
More Off-Page SEO Guides
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Learn Digital PR
The SEO course in Faridabad at AdifySkills covers outreach and PR for local businesses.
Key takeaways on Press Release Sites
- ServiceType
PR Newswire (Cision)Paid global and Indian distribution
Business Wire IndiaPaid distribution
ANI and PTI partner releasesPaid syndication through n - A new branch, product or programme launch.
- Headline with the news, not adjectives.
- Google's spam policies list optimised anchor text in press releases as an example of link schemes.
- Pitch your story directly to local reporters and niche blogs.
- The SEO course in Faridabad at AdifySkills covers outreach and PR for local businesses.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Do press releases help SEO?
Indirectly, through coverage and brand mentions. Syndicated links are usually nofollow.
Are free press release sites useful?
Rarely. They have little readership.
How much does a press release cost in India?
It varies widely by service and reach. Compare sample reports before paying.
Can press releases harm SEO?
Releases stuffed with keyword anchor links can be treated as link schemes.
Related Reading
Want to learn this with live campaigns and a trainer beside you? See the full digital marketing course in Faridabad, or check admission and batch dates.