Hi all, I am looking at launching a new business. I have two professionals who are ready to go and one who is thinking about it. The two that are already in are pre law students, one has completed a major in general studies and is now in pre-law, the other is in year 3 of paralegal. The third who is thinking about it is a journalism major in his 3rd year. We have quite a bit if experience in writing and marketing between the 4 of us and want to see if it would work. We are looking at charging from $30.00 to $150.00 depending on the project size and complexity of the content required. If we provided a portfolio of our work and were able to beat the prices found on the web while making sure that time goals are always met, would this be something that you would pay for? One of the writers, is looking at making a career of this so she will be working extra hard to make sure her portfolio is solid. I firmly believe the quality of the work will be top notch. Well, thoughts?
Will you be doing submissions or publishing? I'm thinking, based on article prices, I wouldn't pay more then $30.00 for a website announcment of one page maybe 500-600 words. I'm wondering if an article isn't harder? I mean you get a subject cold to research. PR you make me fill out a form and browse the web site. Seems like less research? But that's just my thoughts on a website. I'm sure others require much more research perhaps.
We would be doing a full range of services. Press Releases Press Release Submissions Content Proof Reading Website Announcements Unique Articles This would be a list of our core services but other smaller services would be provided as well. I think it may work because I myself have paid for these services on several occasions because my writing skills are in the garbage. I have been looking for press release services and have found that $200.00 is not an uncommon price to pay. On my budget, this just will not work. Now I am fortunate enough to have help, but without the help I was struggling to get it done.
Offering these types of services is great and definitely a niche that could be filled if done correctly. I know with a lot of SEO'ers, they like to see specific keywords within the press release by 'linked up' to a page within their site. You might have to talk with PRweb.com about becoming a preferred partner to be able to post press releases that way. As for unique content, $30 may be a bit too high. I know if several individuals who i get articles anywhere from $15 and below. But hey, if you right compelling unique articles, the cost can be justified.
I'd not pay for submission. I can do this on my own. But it could be a viable option for bigger companys seeking for a hassle-free all-inkl. type of service...
I pay around $4-500 for my press releases but that included distribution. To me, the distribution is the valuable part of it though.
I actually was just the other day saying I wish I had someone to make some press releases for me. So yeah, I would pay for a press release. How much I am not sure just yet though. Would depends on the quality. Maybe $15 - $30.
I would only pay for sumbission if i could not do it by myself (e.g: submission to foreign newspapers)
Well as far as distribution goes... we will only do that for the org/company that simply does not have time. I agree, in most cases you can just do it yourself. I submitted one to PRWeb that should be live tomorrow and did it with ease. With that being said, I can see how time consuming it can be to actually get it directly into the more "niche" PR services. I think we are going to focus on the actual writing side of it as a main service and then will offer submissions as an added benefit.
I would be interested in seeing what you could whip up for me also. I think prweb for 250$ fee does a good job of distributing. I just am not good at creating one =(
Well, if you want a sample, we have a PR in PRWeb that made it into emedia on the first page. We paid only $32.00 and were able to get above the rest in our pay category. We got on the first page of http://www.emediawire.com/ you can see the release about half way down. Nevada Conservatives Frustrated with Republican “Leadership†You can see how we designed it to grab eyes and attract attention. The PR has only been live for 6 or so hours and we have already received a call from a reporter of a political magazine. It's all in how it is presented, and I think my crew know how to present it. I think Im going to get started in this business next week.
I wouldn't pay for one myself as: 1. I know how to wite them already. 2. When we do releases, the news is newsworthy enough to get picked up. Only ppl who should pay are those not media savvy or with news not news worthy enough by itself without fishing with a long pole for an angel. But, plenty will pay bacause of those two reasons: don't know how to do it themselves / content not newsworthy enough by itself. I guess it's just like SEO, if you have no idea - why not pay an expert. Only time I really find I am longing for a PR advisor is when the shite hits the fan on a given topic and every outlet is looking for a comment on a sensitive topic. Other than that - when the time demands aren't so full on, it really isn't that hard to DIY.
Traditionally custom releases (not just announcements) will cost around $200, but I've seen freelancers do this for $100. Many people are confused about what a GOOD release is. Announcing your business, website, or product is a no brainer. If I was just to busy I might pay someone $15 to $30 for this. I think it's more than worth it to pay $100 for a release that's designed to catch the eye with a storyline. This really requires the writer to do a bit of research and delve into the business they're writing about. You have to do more than just pop out another cattle call article. Of course the next step is not just offering general distribution but building up key contacts with pubs and developing your own media list. That would give you the ability to charge more.
Thanks for the comments everyone. The idea is this... To NOT charge more! We are looking at doing this for people just like myself. I was paying 30 to 40 bucks for what I am now getting through what will be my staff (nice to have friends). If I am willing to pay 30 bucks for a basic professional release with quality english, I think others will to. Just think, I already have 2 people interested via PM from this thread alone. Add that to the fact that I asked this same question on a total of 10 forums and you can already draw the conclusion that we now have a client base. We'll be moving forward with this project.
A suggestion for your press release business which I don't see offered elsewhere is writing 'backgrounders.' They are an important accompaniment IMO to assist the journalist. I do a new backgrounder every time I do a significant release, written specifically to support the topic of the release and sometimes even write a different backgrounder and different release for each media outlet (when they have distinctly different readers). But a lot of ppl requiring a press release may be well served by attaching a generic backgrounder. PS - I'm sure you will make great bank out of this so feel free to make a donation www.homeless.org.au