# Best Press Release Distribution Software for Small Business - Page 2 *By [Alanna Iwuh](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/alanna-iwuh)* Products classified in the overall Press Release Distribution category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business Press Release Distribution to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business Press Release Distribution category. In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Press Release Distribution Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business Press Release Distribution Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business. ## Top Press Release Distribution Software at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [Notified GlobeNewswire](https://www.g2.com/products/notified-globenewswire/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (359 reviews) | AI-indexed press distribution with integrated newsroom | "[Great Press Release Platform for Marketing/PR teams](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/notified-globenewswire-review-11013339)" | | 2 | [EIN Presswire](https://www.g2.com/products/ein-presswire/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (187 reviews) | Affordable press distribution with broad outlet reach | "[Affordable, High-Visibility Press Release Distribution with Great Reporting](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ein-presswire-review-12798718)" | | 3 | [PR Newswire](https://www.g2.com/products/pr-newswire/reviews) | 3.9/5.0 (765 reviews) | Guaranteed wire distribution with 24/7 editorial support | "[Immediate, Professional Support and a Smooth Onboarding Experience](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pr-newswire-review-13141785)" | | 4 | [ACCESS Newswire](https://www.g2.com/products/access-newswire/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (397 reviews) | Cost-effective PR distribution with unlimited word count | "[Simple Press Release Distribution with Responsive Support and Great Value](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/access-newswire-review-12945604)" | | 5 | [Muck Rack](https://www.g2.com/products/muck-rack/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (470 reviews) | Journalist-first pitching with engagement tracking | "[Up-to-Date Media Database with Easy Chat Updates and Automated Coverage Tracking](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/muck-rack-review-13073676)" | | 6 | [Business Wire](https://www.g2.com/products/business-wire/reviews) | 4.1/5.0 (190 reviews) | Press release distribution with 24/7 editorial review | "[good resource for distributing news to the public](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/business-wire-review-11443645)" | | 7 | [Mynewsdesk](https://www.g2.com/products/mynewsdesk/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (96 reviews) | Journalist-targeted distribution with hosted newsroom | "[User-Friendly Platform That Connects Us with Key Audiences](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/mynewsdesk-review-12105905)" | | 8 | [Newswire](https://www.g2.com/products/newswire/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (697 reviews) | Self-serve press release distribution with budget flexibility | "[Easy to Use PR Service](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/newswire-review-8132259)" | | 9 | [Press Ranger](https://www.g2.com/products/press-ranger/reviews) | 4.8/5.0 (87 reviews) | Journalist database and wholesale press distribution | "[Press Ranger is Great for Finding Journalists and Podcasters](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/press-ranger-review-12759230)" | | 10 | [Chainwire](https://www.g2.com/products/chainwire/reviews) | 4.8/5.0 (123 reviews) | Crypto press releases with guaranteed homepage placement | "[Chainwire Makes Crypto PR Distribution Fast, Simple, and Wide-Reaching](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/chainwire-review-12871543)" | ## G2 Grid® for Press Release Distribution Software ![G2 Grid® for Press Release Distribution Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/press-release-distribution/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=13782&focus%5B%5D=1317388&focus%5B%5D=6776&focus%5B%5D=1351050&focus%5B%5D=49437&focus%5B%5D=20663&focus%5B%5D=1174462&focus%5B%5D=19897) Highlighted products: Notified GlobeNewswire, EIN Presswire, PR Newswire, Press Ranger, ACCESS Newswire, Muck Rack, Chainwire, and Newswire. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/press-release-distribution/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=notified-globenewswire&focus%5B%5D=ein-presswire&focus%5B%5D=pr-newswire&focus%5B%5D=press-ranger&focus%5B%5D=access-newswire&focus%5B%5D=muck-rack&focus%5B%5D=chainwire&focus%5B%5D=newswire&segment=small-business) ## How Many Press Release Distribution Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 110 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.45/5 (↓0.01 vs Jun 2026) The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: PRnews.io (+0.27%) - Among all products in this category, PRnews.io recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 25, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Press Release Distribution Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 5,100+ Authentic Reviews - 110+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## What Are the Top-Rated Press Release Distribution Software Products in 2026? ### 1. [PitchEngine](https://www.g2.com/products/pitchengine/reviews) Pitchengine is a new media and marketing software company whose products are used by more than 50,000 brands and small businesses worldwide. Best known for easy-to-use marketing software, Pitchengine is used by the world's largest brands including Walmart, Pepsico, Budweiser and more. **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 32 **How Do G2 Users Rate PitchEngine?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10) **Who Is the Company Behind PitchEngine?** - **Seller:** [PitchEngine](https://www.g2.com/sellers/pitchengine) - **Year Founded:** 2008 - **HQ Location:** Lander, WY - **Twitter:** @pitchengine (6,475 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/259606/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Public Relations and Communications - **Company Size:** 71% Small-Business, 26% Mid-Market #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of PitchEngine? **"[How to share business content worldwide in a moment!](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pitchengine-review-2895465)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Felix K.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pitchengine-review-2895465) --- **"[A great suite and a social platform.](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pitchengine-review-2741831)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Emma K.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pitchengine-review-2741831) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About PitchEngine? - [What is PitchEngine used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-pitchengine-used-for) ### 2. [Prowly](https://www.g2.com/products/prowly/reviews) Prowly is an all-in-one public relations management platform that helps growth-oriented professionals earn media coverage through creative storytelling, personalization and innovative technology. Users are able to foster long-term relationships with journalists by drafting effective strategies based on industry data, and prove their value to clients and stakeholders with easy-to-understand insights. Prowly's users estimate that they've been able to increase their PR efficiency by 30%. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 108 **How Do G2 Users Rate Prowly?** - **Distribution:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 9.2/10) - **Newsrooms:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Social Sharing:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Prowly?** - **Seller:** [Prowly.com](https://www.g2.com/sellers/prowly-com) - **Year Founded:** 2013 - **HQ Location:** BostonMassachusetts, USA - **Twitter:** @prowly_com (3,046 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/5168472/ (32 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Public Relations and Communications, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 76% Small-Business, 21% Mid-Market #### What Are Prowly's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (11 reviews) - Features (10 reviews) - User Interface (9 reviews) - Analytics (6 reviews) - Easy Setup (6 reviews) **Cons:** - Limited Functionality (6 reviews) - Limited Coverage (5 reviews) - Limited Features (5 reviews) - Data Inaccuracy (4 reviews) - Incomplete Media Coverage (4 reviews) ### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Prowly? *AI-generated summary from verified user reviews* **Pros:** - Users love the **ease of use** of Prowly, enabling efficient PR management with minimal training and quick setup. - Users praise Prowly for its **user-friendly interface and extensive features** , simplifying PR and media management effectively. - Users love Prowly's **intuitive interface** , making PR management simple and effective for teams of all sizes. - Users value the **analytics features** of Prowly, allowing for effective performance tracking and insights into outreach efforts. - Users love the **easy setup** of Prowly, enabling quick integration and immediate access to numerous features. **Cons:** - Users note the **limited functionality** in customization and integration, affecting the overall usability of Prowly. - Users note that Prowly's **limited coverage** in India and smaller media outlets hampers its overall effectiveness. - Users find Prowly's **limited features** restrict customization and flexibility for advanced PR needs and workflows. - Users note the **data inaccuracy** of Prowly's media database requires extra verification for effective contact outreach. - Users note **incomplete media coverage** in India, affecting effectiveness and highlighting the need for more diverse media sources. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Prowly? **"[Organized PR Made Easy: Clean Interface, Press Releases, and Contacts in One Place](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/prowly-review-12264665)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Radhika R.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/prowly-review-12264665) --- **"[Powerful All-in-One PR Platform with User-Friendly Interface](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/prowly-review-11996834)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Konjengbam M.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/prowly-review-11996834) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Prowly? - [What is your experience with Prowly for PR management, and what features do you find most valuable?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-your-experience-with-prowly-for-pr-management-and-what-features-do-you-find-most-valuable) - [What is Prowly used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-prowly-used-for) ### 3. [PR Underground](https://www.g2.com/products/pr-underground/reviews) PRUnderground.com is an affordable press release distribution service to Google News, DigitalJournal.com, 200+ syndicated TV and news websites, and social media. Our US National distribution goes to Yahoo Finance, TheStreet.com, Marketwatch and another 70-120 premium news sites in addition to the core distribution mentioned above. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 107 **How Do G2 Users Rate PR Underground?** - **Distribution:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 9.2/10) - **Newsrooms:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Social Sharing:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10) **Who Is the Company Behind PR Underground?** - **Seller:** [PRUnderground](https://www.g2.com/sellers/prunderground) - **Year Founded:** 2007 - **HQ Location:** San Rafael, CA - **Twitter:** @prunderground (4,367 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/644353/ (2 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Who Uses This:** Marketing Manager - **Top Industries:** Marketing and Advertising, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 69% Small-Business, 29% Mid-Market #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of PR Underground? **"[As a small business owner, I highly recommend using PR Underground for publishing your press release](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pr-underground-review-7776562)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Jarod T.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pr-underground-review-7776562) --- **"[Reliable service with good and prompt customer support!](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pr-underground-review-7710256)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Anthony Y.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pr-underground-review-7710256) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About PR Underground? - [How has PR Underground supported your press release distribution, and what improvements could be made?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-has-pr-underground-supported-your-press-release-distribution-and-what-improvements-could-be-made) - [What is PR Underground used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-pr-underground-used-for) ### 4. [24-7 Press Release Newswire](https://www.g2.com/products/24-7-press-release-newswire/reviews) 24-7 Press Release Newswire is a press release distribution service for businesses looking to spread their news through social media and tradition news channels to reach your audience, and manage visitors, sales and brand awareness. **Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 32 **How Do G2 Users Rate 24-7 Press Release Newswire?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10) **Who Is the Company Behind 24-7 Press Release Newswire?** - **Seller:** [24-7 Press Release](https://www.g2.com/sellers/24-7-press-release) - **Year Founded:** 2004 - **HQ Location:** Seattle, Washington - **Twitter:** @247pressrelease (1,992 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/24-7-press-release-distribution-newswire/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Public Relations and Communications - **Company Size:** 58% Small-Business, 24% Mid-Market #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of 24-7 Press Release Newswire? **"[Getting the news out there has never been easier 24-7 Press Release services is the place to do it](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/24-7-press-release-newswire-review-2183355)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Jovanni M.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/24-7-press-release-newswire-review-2183355) --- **"[Best Press release software you can ever think about](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/24-7-press-release-newswire-review-1725138)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— evelyn j.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/24-7-press-release-newswire-review-1725138) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About 24-7 Press Release Newswire? - [What is 24-7 Press Release Newswire used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-24-7-press-release-newswire-used-for) ### 5. [IssueWire](https://www.g2.com/products/issuewire/reviews) IssueWire is a comprehensive press release distribution and writing service designed to help businesses, artists, and organizations gain genuine media coverage and exposure. By distributing press releases to over 300 media outlets, including major platforms like Google News and Bing News, IssueWire ensures that your news reaches a broad and targeted audience. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensive Media Distribution: IssueWire distributes press releases to a vast network of over 300 media outlets, enhancing visibility and reach. - Flexible Packages: Offering a range of packages, including free options, IssueWire caters to various needs and budgets. - Editorial Excellence: With strict editorial guidelines, IssueWire maintains high standards for content quality and credibility. - User-Friendly Process: The platform simplifies press release creation and distribution into four easy steps: Create, Optimize, Distribute, and Promote. Primary Value and Solutions: IssueWire addresses the challenge of achieving effective media coverage by providing a streamlined platform for press release distribution. Its extensive network ensures that news reaches a wide audience, while flexible packages make it accessible for businesses of all sizes. By maintaining high editorial standards, IssueWire enhances the credibility of the content, helping users build trust and authority in their respective fields. **Average Rating:** 3.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 17 **How Do G2 Users Rate IssueWire?** - **Distribution:** 6.5/10 (Category avg: 9.2/10) - **Newsrooms:** 6.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Social Sharing:** 6.3/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 4.4/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10) **Who Is the Company Behind IssueWire?** - **Seller:** [Issuewire.com](https://www.g2.com/sellers/issuewire-com) - **HQ Location:** Kolkata, West Bengal - **Twitter:** @Issuewired (17,763 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/issuewire/ (4 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 89% Small-Business, 11% Mid-Market #### What Are IssueWire's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Affordable (1 reviews) - Improvement (1 reviews) - Reach (1 reviews) ### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About IssueWire? *AI-generated summary from verified user reviews* **Pros:** - Users value IssueWire's **budget-friendly packages** that effectively enhance brand visibility and support business growth. - Users appreciate the **affordable PR packages** from IssueWire that effectively enhance brand visibility and audience reach. - Users value the **wide audience reach** provided by IssueWire, enhancing brand visibility and promoting products effectively. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of IssueWire? **"[Low-Cost Press Release Distribution](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/issuewire-review-11536472)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Verified User in Accounting* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/issuewire-review-11536472) --- **"[Great service and value from Issuewire's press release package](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/issuewire-review-11427422)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Ronit A.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/issuewire-review-11427422) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About IssueWire? - [What is PR Log?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-pr-log) - [Which press release service is best?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-press-release-service-is-best) - [What is Issue wire?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-issue-wire) - [Is IssueWire any good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-issuewire-any-good) ### 6. [iCrowdNewswire Paid Media Release℠](https://www.g2.com/products/icrowdnewswire-paid-media-release/reviews) Earned Media. Social Media. And Now Paid Media Release℠ Paid Media Release℠ is a state-of-the-art press release distribution service, custom-built using iCrowdNewswire's proprietary AI innovations. Paid Media Release℠ premium and super premium ensure your message is seen by those who matter most direct to your target audience on hard to reach media. Amazon Alexa is included reaching audiences with digital voice. Translations in 9 languages are included to maximize audience awareness. Effectively market your release: earned media, social media and now Paid Media Release℠ with Google Analytic Reporting. In partnership with GlobeNewswire a Notified company for traditional distribution to thousands of mainstream outlets, Paid Media Release℠ distributes your release to local and national audiences and boosts your reach through Google Ads and other premium social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

 iCrowdNewswire was founded in 2015 by a team of former senior executives from Marketwired, Business Wire, PR Newswire, Dow Jones and other leading financial and corporate news organizations. With thousands of press releases published and distributed daily, competition is at an all-time high. iCrowdNewswire differentiates from the competition with Paid Media Release℠.
 **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 18 **How Do G2 Users Rate iCrowdNewswire Paid Media Release℠?** - **Distribution:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 9.2/10) - **Newsrooms:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Social Sharing:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10) **Who Is the Company Behind iCrowdNewswire Paid Media Release℠?** - **Seller:** [iCrowdNewswire](https://www.g2.com/sellers/icrowdnewswire) - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **HQ Location:** Miami, Florida - **Twitter:** @icrowdnewswire (6,989 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/icrowdnewswire/ (51 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Marketing and Advertising - **Company Size:** 72% Small-Business, 17% Mid-Market #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of iCrowdNewswire Paid Media Release℠? **"[Support and Timely Replies, Not Just Automated Feedback](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/icrowdnewswire-paid-media-release-review-9952084)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Kate W.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/icrowdnewswire-paid-media-release-review-9952084) --- **"[iCrowd is the only newswire service we need](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/icrowdnewswire-paid-media-release-review-8575064)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Gareth E.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/icrowdnewswire-paid-media-release-review-8575064) --- ## What Is Press Release Distribution Software? [Public Relations (PR) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/public-relations-pr) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Press Release Distribution Software? - [PR Analytics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pr-analytics) - [Media and Influencer Targeting Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/media-and-influencer-targeting) - [Media Monitoring Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/media-monitoring) - [PR CRM Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pr-crm) - [Online Newsroom Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-newsroom) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Press Release Distribution Software? ### What You Should Know About Press Release Distribution Software ### What is Press Release Distribution Software? Press release distribution software consists of tools and services that help companies send press releases to traditional news outlets, digital news sites, journalists, influencers, and bloggers, to secure news coverage. In today’s digital media landscape, businesses rely on several different strategies to communicate with their target audience, such as social media, advertising, and content marketing. However, messages distributed through these channels are most often received by people who are already following a brand online. Businesses write and distribute press releases to secure coverage in the media, such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, podcasts, and blogs. When a media publication picks up a press release, the story has the potential to reach a much wider audience than the company’s social media following or email subscriber list.  Additionally, online news coverage can improve a brand’s search engine rankings by ensuring their announcements are found on reputable news sites and search engines. In short, businesses use press release distribution software to increase brand awareness, visibility, and reach. #### What Types of Press Release Distribution Software Exist? There are two distinct types of press release distribution services and products. While both types have their pros and cons, businesses may find their PR campaigns are most successful when they implement both types of PR distribution. **Newswires** The traditional method for distributing press releases is through a newswire. There are two different types of newswires, which can cause some confusion. Many media outlets subscribe to a news agency wire service like the Associated Press or Reuters, which write and distribute news articles, usually on current events or breaking news. In the public relations industry, however, a PR newswire delivers press releases to a distribution network of journalists and news organizations that have subscribed to the service. When a business distributes its press release via newswire, they can typically expect a wide reach, as the press release will be sent to many different outlets. That being said, newswires may distribute thousands of press releases per day, and businesses cannot control which outlets or journalists see the press release. **PR outreach and newsrooms** While PR newswire services ensure that a press release is delivered to some of the biggest media outlets around the world, businesses can use another type of press release distribution software to target specific news sites or journalists. PR outreach tools allow companies to send personalized pitches to members of the press who have written about similar topics and may be interested in covering the company’s announcement or story. These products typically include features for creating and designing press releases and publishing them to a branded, digital newsroom. Instead of sending the press release to news outlets via newswire, PR outreach tools supply contact lists for companies to target specific members of the media with their published press release.  ### What are the Common Features of Press Release Distribution Software? The following are some core features within press release distribution software: **Press release creation:** Press release distribution software allows users to upload, create, and edit press releases. **Multimedia:** In addition to text editing, most press release distribution software includes features for embedding videos, photos, or other rich media. Businesses may wish to add multimedia in their press release to showcase new products or logos, or to simply make their press release more interactive and engaging. **Newsrooms:** Press release distribution software that focuses on targeted PR outreach enables businesses to create a branded online newsroom. This feature allows users to customize the look and feel of their newsrooms and press releases by changing colors, fonts, logos, images, and page design. **SEO optimization:** One of the most popular reasons businesses distribute press releases is to increase search engine visibility. Press release distribution services should include features for optimizing a news release for better SEO, such as schema markup, structured data, and meta tags. **Contact list:** PR outreach tools provide businesses with a searchable database of relevant media contacts. **Social sharing:** Some press release distribution products integrate with social media so press releases can be easily shared on social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This feature can further increase press release visibility and engagement. **Analytics:** Distribution tools need to report on the effectiveness of press releases so the business can determine the reach and success of their PR campaign. Most products have built-in analytics features to measure views and clicks, but companies may need to invest in [PR analytics software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pr-analytics) for a full picture of campaign effectiveness. ### What are the Benefits of Press Release Distribution Software? With the ever-changing landscape of information distribution, knowing how to navigate the proper channels to make the public aware of a company’s news is more important than ever. **Media coverage:** The primary goal of using press release distribution software is to secure news coverage for the user’s company. A press release can be about any newsworthy event related to the business, such as a new product launch, a merger or acquisition, an award, a rebrand, an event, or even crisis management. Press release distribution software can help a business secure coverage in print publications like newspapers and magazines; traditional media channels like ABC, NBC, and Fox; as well as digital news sites and search engines like Google News, Yahoo, and Bing. By tracking distribution across all these channels, businesses can learn which news channels are the most effective and improve their exposure for future PR campaigns.  **Search visibility:** Many businesses use press release distribution software to improve their search visibility and rankings in search results. Most professional news organizations have a high domain authority (DA), which means they are recognized as authorities in a certain industry and will rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Since press releases always include a link to the company’s website, they can increase the company’s referral traffic which positively influences their search ranking.  **Media relationships:** The more press releases a business distributes, the more likely they are to build stronger relationships with specific media outlets and journalists. Some press release distribution companies provide users with access to a media database with up-to-date contact information for journalists, bloggers, and media influencers. When a company develops a positive relationship with a member of the press, it becomes easier to pitch news stories to them and increases the likelihood that the journalist will publish the press release. ### Who Uses Press Release Distribution Software? The end users of press release distribution software will depend on a business’s size and industry. In general, these products and services are most commonly leveraged by teams responsible for communicating with an organization’s external audiences, such as public relations, marketing, and corporate communications. In a small business, marketers may be responsible for the company’s PR efforts as well. An enterprise company, however, is likely to have enough staffing and resources for a dedicated public relations team. [PR firms](https://www.g2.com/categories/pr-firms) and public relations agencies also use press release distribution software to send press releases on behalf of their clients. #### Software Related to Press Release Distribution Software Related solutions that can be used together with press release distribution software include: [Media and influencer targeting software](https://www.g2.com/categories/media-and-influencer-targeting) **:** In addition to distributing press releases via newswires, businesses can target specific journalists with media and influencer targeting software. These solutions, more commonly referred to as media databases, contain contact information for journalists, social media influencers, and bloggers with authority in a specific industry. In contrast to press release distribution, media and influencer targeting software allows PR teams to target specific members of the media who may be interested in sharing the company’s message with their audience. [PR CRM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pr-crm) **:** In many cases, an organization may consistently work with the same journalists and media influencers to share announcements and secure news placements. PR CRM software helps businesses store their contact information and manage relationships with media professionals. This type of software tracks a company’s history with a journalist and provides insight into which campaigns are generating the most interest among media influencers. [PR analytics software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pr-analytics) **:** Once a press release has been distributed and news coverage has been secured, it’s necessary to measure the impact of the coverage on the company. PR analytics software helps businesses measure the success of their public relations campaigns by analyzing metrics such as views, clicks, and reader engagement. ### Challenges with Press Release Distribution Software Press release distribution software solutions can come with their own set of challenges.  **Lack of personalization:** Press release distribution services, or newswires, deliver press releases to a large number of media outlets and news sites. Many of the journalists who see the press release will be uninterested in covering it because it may not relate to their areas of interest or subject matter expertise. While newswires can offer a wider reach than targeted PR outreach, the lack of personalization may also result in a lack of media coverage. **Manual process:** Targeted PR outreach allows businesses to send more personalized pitches to members of the press. While hyper-targeted distribution may result in more media coverage, the process of finding, selecting, and pitching individual journalists can be time consuming. This may be especially challenging for small businesses with limited resources. ### How to Buy Press Release Distribution Software Whether a business is looking to invest in press release distribution software for the first time or seeking to replace an existing service, the following are a few of the most important considerations: **SEO** : Search engine optimization involves shaping content to be favored by search engine algorithms. Any company wants their publications to be found easily, but companies in niche markets and new companies looking to gain exposure will especially want to put SEO at the top of their priority list. A good first step would be to work with the company’s marketing team to determine which press releases need a high search engine ranking and for which keywords and then select a product that can effectively improve the SEO of the releases. **Media monitoring** : Being able to monitor the media and have accurate tracking and analysis of how the releases are doing on certain sites can help a brand execute more effectively. It’s important to determine which metrics will help measure success, and look for products that can deliver those accurately. Buyers must focus on the products that can track these metrics in an easily digestible way to make sure the entire team can understand them, and set goals to align with them. **Proofreading** : Users should make sure that all material is distributed without spelling or grammatical errors every time because there is nothing less professional than spelling and grammar mistakes on promotional material. Some distribution services offer a second round of proofreading through their service to ensure that the release looks as clean and professional as possible. Buyers need to decide whether they want their proofreading done in-house or by a distributor (or both), and then look for services that match their publishing cycle. **Geographic needs** : Certain companies will not need to mass distribute their content on a national scale. Some markets are so geographically centralized that only a local or statewide release is necessary. Users must not spend unnecessarily on the national distribution of materials that need a more focused release, and choose a distributor that can deliver a message to the localities that will benefit them most. **Market** : Users should have a clear understanding of their demographic before they work on any press release distribution. Not all demographics are surfing the web or using traditional media in the same way. They must have a clearly defined persona and understand where they’re getting their news, then work with a distributor that specializes in these markets and the media avenues that inform them. **Social media** : Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media sites are beginning to reach more people of all demographics than traditional media outlets. Once a persona is defined, users can find out what social media sites their customers use the most. B2B consumers will have a large presence on LinkedIn, while B2C customers are more likely to be on Facebook. Twitter is a good middle ground for both demographics. If social media is an important part of a media strategy, users need a distributor that can utilize those channels effectively. ### What Does Press Release Distribution Software Cost? The cost of press release distribution services will depend on a few factors, including the number of press releases delivered, the size of the distribution list, and the media channels covered. Some press release distribution companies incorporate fees for additional services including multimedia, higher word counts, or language translation. Discounts are often available if the company chooses to purchase multiple press releases or an annual subscription. While newswire services typically charge per press release, PR outreach tools provide access to their media database and newsroom features with the purchase of a software license. #### Return on Investment (ROI) Positive ROI is achieved when the benefits of press release distribution exceed its costs. Since the goal of press release distribution is increased brand awareness, it can often be challenging to calculate an exact return on investment. Businesses should carefully track the amount of media coverage and traffic that results from a press release to determine if the benefits outweigh the costs and time spent.