Hi, Is it ok to use a Press Release for a blog post? also can you take articles from News pages? or must every article be your own?
You can generally post a press release, but it doesn't do much for your site (already duplicate content, and it doesn't do anything to show you know your niche). You can NOT just take news stories from other sites though. If someone wrote it, and they haven't given permission for it to be used for publication (like with press releases), you would be violating their copyright (and no... adding a link back doesn't make it ok, or legal). You can quote a story, and add your own commentary, and that will generally keep you out of trouble.
...unless of course, your blog is about a particular niche or industry, and press releases are a part of your content. I would still add some original words to it, maybe am opening paragraph, and a closing statement...maybe point to related stories or information of the same area. At least that's what I do...I generally take press releases, and write about the release, instead of posting it word for word, unless I am asked to do so specifically. JMO.
It has nothing to do with whether you're in a specific niche or not. It's always better to use that press release as a basis for your own unique news story, and not publishing it as-is... that's what shows you actually understand the niche and the news. Anyone can copy/paste... it doesn't show they understand anything other than how to search for keywords.
Hi, Thanks for the info Jhmattern. I will take your advice on using press releases and use them as a basis for a post. As for news stories I will probly just quote from time to time if and when required.