Hi guys, Some people talk about using press releases for link building purposes. Can anyone give me a rough example of how that is done? Are you suppose to include your link within the PR? Isn't that just like article submission or do I have this wrong? Enlighten me please!
If you can, place a link in the body of article. Sometimes it has to be done in summary or author area. Some "free" PR sites charge a couple of dollars for do follow links.
If you are more after on backlinks, look for do follow press release submission sites (regardless of its PR). But, if you are more on traffic driving, look for press release submission sites with high Page Rank.
Many of the free press release websites allow you to include URLs in the press release which will result in a backlink. Here is a list of places that you can submit your press release to: http://www.webmaster-elements.com/submit-press-releases.htm
Press Release is different than article. Press Release is created for products or services you provide or some updation or product launching that are made in your websites. So it is totally different thing. But make sure that the press release submission site is do follow so that it would be more helpful.
Press releases are bit cumbersome but great for publicity, prweb is a authority site I think, but they charge top dollar for it.
I would optimize the title so that it fits right into the niche that you want (hopefully, a long tailed niche) - then perhaps, build a backlink to it.
I write press releases a lot for clients. I mostly use PRWeb, but they aren't low price. You get more exposure through PRWeb, though. They have many subscribers in your niche that also receive your press release. Many of them may decide to publish your press release on their site. That's a good point you make, wondering if a press release is the same as an article. It isn't. In a press release, you're allowed to "sell." You can mention the price, explain the benefits and features, tell a deadline -- have at it. The writing rule of thumb is to explain the 5 W's: who, what, when, where, and why? However in a regular article, you're expected to be helpful or insightful. You're more so the teacher -- don't sound too self-serving or promotional. Both an article directory and a press release will give you a backlink. But like someone mentioned, check to see if the site is DoFollow, if the link is the most important thing to you. Choose to do the press release only if you want to put some direct selling messages throughout it.