This blog is going to review the top 9 best press release distribution services. Each site has its advantages and disadvantages, so reviewing each one is important. All of them will have the standard elements you would come to expect from a release site, including a list of syndication networks, submission sites, newsroom and FAQ. When looking for press release distribution companies, there are several key factors to keep in mind. Perhaps the most important factor for any growing business is simply the size and scope of the distribution network. The wider the network, the better the chances of being picked up on high-quality media news and niche blog sites.

According to The Huffington Post, some of the top modern PR distribution service platforms include:

• NewswireNEXT.com
• Business Wire
• Help a Reporter Out
• Cision

However, in this post we are going to review the 9 most popular press release distribution service brands on the market today that have the widest reach and function well for different industries.

So let’s take a look at some of the best press release submission sites for distribution. We will be looking at each site with a critical eye and careful scrutiny. General parameters will include pricing, transparency, guaranteed placements, user friendliness, navigation, and if there are any extra features like analytics to help follow a release once submitted. Many of the sites will require a login to continue or access information. This is something the blog does not do as part of the review of each site. You will be responsible for creating accounts for yourself should you choose to use a particular site. It is a hope this blog will drive decisions on signing in and getting more information and thereby save you time, energy and most importantly, precious money.

1). NewswireNEXT: #1 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

Top on our list is Newswire NEXT. Although a new site, there are many reasons for us to rank this site as №1 press release distribution company. If you are looking for guaranteed maximum impact for your press releases, it’s hard to argue with the track record of NewswireNEXT, which has shown the ability to get valuable organic reach for businesses in all industries and verticals. Not only it’s affordable ($199), it offers guaranteed maximum media pickup (500+ successful placements) with brand new features that other press release companies do not offer. Where NewswireNEXT really stands out from the competition is its ability to get press releases placed on top-quality blogs and social media sites. Moreover, the company prides itself on authority media citations and brand mentions on major broadcast networks and niche blogs. We have personally tried and tested their services to promote our clients, and the results were quite remarkable. Based on our experience, below we have outlined some of the key features that truly make NewswireNEXT the best in its league.

They even offer Feature News Services, where clients can get their press release published directly on sites like Reuters.com and Marketwatch.com.

· No Registration Required- It’s a simple website that is easy to browse and navigate. Everything has been clearly described, and they are quite transparent in terms of pricing, offerings and what they guarantee with each order. Moreover, there’s no need for you to register with the site or create an account. You can simply choose the package you want, and proceed to checkout.

· Free White Label Service- Unlike other PR sites that charge you an additional premium for white label press release distribution, NewswireNEXT does it for free. In other words, their distribution packages are white label by default. Best for businesses, resellers and PR agencies who do not want the name of distributor appear in press release, media outlets and report.

· TIER 1 Broadcast Networks (MSNBC and PBS)- They are indeed the only wire service that guarantees placement of your business news on top tier broadcast media sites like MSNBC and PBS with each order.

· Mobile Optimized Press Release (Google AMP, Apple News and FB Instant Articles)- When compared to traditional desktop users, the number of the consumers using tablets and smartphones to access internet has substantially increased. Hence, we can’t totally ignore the value of mobile optimized press release in today’s PR distribution strategy. Not only it gives you more exposure, it allows your news release to load faster on mobile devices. Unfortunately, most of the press release distribution sites have totally ignored the benefits of mobile platforms such as Google AMP, Facebook Instant Articles and Apple News, and refused to change with time. However, the good news is that NewswireNEXT publishes your press release in all the 3 abovementioned mobile formats, which can truly give you an edge over your competitors.

· Organic PR Outreach- When it comes to PR outreach, majority of the distribution services rely solely on NIE circuit, which is subscribed by millions of journalists. However, despite the huge number of subscribers, there’s a very little possibility of your press release being picked by a journalist, blogger or a contributor. Hence, in order to ensure that your news release is picked by the media, NewswireNEXT has gone a step further to implement a highly effective organic PR outreach strategy, which involves sending your news directly to a list of editors, journalists, bloggers and contributors from major business publications and niche industries. They guarantee publication of your story or mention of your business on at least 1 business publication/ niche blog. Example includes, The Huffington Post, Forbes, CNN, The Next Web, Seeking Alpha, Evan Carmichael, Tech.co, Realty Times, Buzzfeed and more.

· Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, CW and TELEMUNDO Affiliates- Your press release is guaranteed syndicated to Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, CW and Telemundo affiliate sites.

· Google News, Bing News, and Yahoo, Google, Bing Search Engines- The PR is indexed in top news aggregators like Google News and Bing News, along with search engines like Yahoo, Bing and Google.

· Financial Feeds, Newspapers and Industry News Sites- Syndicated to sites like Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, AZCentral, IndustryWeek, NewsOK, WND, Travel Weekly, Digital Journal, Wall Street Select, IBTimes, Star Tribune and more.

· Regional USA and India News Sites- Syndicated to regional and local USA and Indian news sites like Alaska News Desk, Atlanta Chronicle News, Nebraska News Desk, Utah Headlines, New Jersey Headlines, South Carolina Magazine, Washington Magazine, South Dakota Chronicle, Texas News Headlines, New York Chronicle, Northern India Herald, Bangalore Samachar, Himachal Pradesh Newspaper, Southern India Reporter, Aurangabad Magazine, Mysore Newspaper, Gujarat Magazine, and Kerala Daily to name a few.

· Comprehensive and Transparent Reporting- Post distribution, they send you 3 comprehensive reports (Earned Media, Owned Media and Paid Media placement links) with 500+ live press release links.

Final Thoughts- Of all the sites reviewed in this post, this one is the absolute best for your press release submission needs. The cost is inexpensive relatively speaking versus the other sites covered in this blog. It is without reservation that this site be used for your press release submissions whether you are a small business or public corporation.

2). Globe Newswire: #2 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

Globe Newswire, which is owned by the NASDAQ financial market, offers one of the world’s largest press release distribution networks, spanning the U.S., Canada and Europe. The company specializes in distributing market-moving news from publicly-traded corporations. That makes sense because the core clientele of Globe Newswire are those companies that already have (or are looking to have) a listing on the NASDAQ. As a result, the company focuses on financial press releases and regulatory filings that need to reach a mass audience. The site requires you to login but does not mention costs and results. Locations for distribution are buried in the pages and looking for them takes time. Small businesses with tight budgets will not find any results that will be meaningful because of this. A lack of upfront pricing is also a detractor, as many small businesses have to count every cent.

Recently, Globe Newswire has upped its game by getting more heavily involved in reaching social media influencers and providing more in-depth analytics related to social media. If you’re releasing company information across the Internet, you want to know how it’s performing and who’s writing about it, and that’s the goal of Globe Newswire’s advanced analytics offerings.

Final Thoughts- Little expensive, but ideal for publicly traded companies, bigger firms and industries like biomedical tech and finance. There is nothing on the site about helping to write press releases or writing services. This is okay for larger, more established businesses, but for a small company, it may pose somewhat of a problem if there is trouble with the release writing.

3). HARO (Help a Reporter Out): #3 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

Of all the press release distribution services covered here, perhaps the one that is most unlike all the others is HARO (Help a Reporter Out). The service launched as a way to connect journalists with relevant sources. The basic idea here is that journalists are often working under tight deadlines, and may be having a hard time finding a key source or expert who can comment on the story. Using HARO, this journalist would gain access to some of the top sources out there.

For companies looking to get mentioned in articles and stories being created by journalists, this can be a useful resource. But be forewarned: HARO is not about blasting out your press release to hundreds of media sources at one time. Rather, HARO is about becoming part of a comprehensive database of sources.

At the right time, your company might get the call to comment on a news story. And using HARO can be extremely useful when done right, given that some of the world’s most trusted news organizations – such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, TIME and Reuters – have used HARO.

Final Thoughts- Unlike the other services listed here, there are no guarantees of media placements. When it comes to getting coverage through HARO, you need to make a lot of effort.

4). PR Newswire: #4 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

Next on our list is PR Newswire. Like most sites, this one requires an account, which is not a difficult task if you have noted the information mentioned previously. You will have to provide your business email, as an email account from a disposable service (Yahoo, Google, Hotmail, etc.) will not be accepted. This is a standard concept, because many sites require a login. The login is necessary because most of the sites charge fees on per release, monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

The site itself has a very busy homepage with press releases visible on the first page. There does seem to be a good mix of release topics if you dig into the site. Small businesses are mentioned alongside larger companies, but finding the information takes time to make sense of what is there.

The site does not provide a price for submission services, and this is a serious drawback. You can fill out a form and ask for information. This can prove to be more trouble than it is worth in the long run. However, do keep in mind that they are quite expensive. They charge you a yearly membership fee, plus distribution charges. If you have $1000 to $2000 to spare, PRNewswire can get you a good coverage.

Final Thoughts: PR Newswire is ideal for publicly traded companies and bigger firms who want to make fast and accurate distribution of financial and material information. Overall, this is not an ideal site for small business entities, PR agencies and professionals. A small business with limited advertising income would be far better to search elsewhere for the best in press release distribution.

5). eRELEASES: #5 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

Immediately upon arriving at the eReleases site you are greeted with a friendly page with lots of information that is easy to read. The site lets you know why it is worth using for your press release submission.

Looking into the site, there is a comparison chart available for interested customers that outline your options for each release. If you need writing services, they offer this as well.

The landing page specifically mentions small businesses, ideal for anyone who is just starting or attempting to increase their online presence. There is no search function to search for releases.

Unlike many sites, this site does offer a complete list of site submission. Users can search by state and find an extensive list of submission locations. This includes newspapers and magazines — a real plus for targeted small businesses.

Sounds good? It really is. It is provided you can survive the sticker shock. A single press release starts at $299.00 and goes up to $499.00. This does not include a writer, although the site does offer writing services in addition to the release submission.

They promise great results, and it is simple to get results when you are assessed at such a price. There are no example releases on the homepage, but there is a list of locations your release will be submitted, including the big news agencies, Huffington Post and the like. This too is a good reason to strongly consider this site for release submission if nothing else. Most of these big media conglomerates like Huffington Post do not accept many submissions, and those that do have a substantial cost. $299.00 may sting, but the benefits may be worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: The site promises the moon, but it will cost you a ticket there. For $299 they guarantee placement of press release on at least 75 online PR media sites. Small to medium size businesses would do well to consider the cost versus the price for submission. Those who can’t afford PRNewswire can definitely go for eReleases.

6). Business Wire: #6 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

Up next is Business Wire, which also targets the same set of companies as Globe Newswire. If you look carefully at the company’s offerings, you’ll notice a distinct emphasis on IR (investor relations) options for companies that are looking to improve their awareness and visibility with the investor community. Notably, Business Wire is a Berkshire Hathaway company, and that means it has the seal of approval from Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most famous billionaire investors.

Like Global Newswire, Business Wire has been pushing much more heavily into the analytics side of the business. That includes a full suite of social media monitoring and media targeting tools. It also includes a photo distribution service that sends out photos to nearly 4,000 sources, as well as website services that will help companies set up a “press room” on their website.

The website looks quite professional, and the huge amount of information available on the site is quite impressive. There are visible releases on the Home page, and visitors can access press releases by Date, Industry, Subject and Region. The site does offer distribution services and seem to have solid results with this element of the site. They even have a Service page, where you get an idea of the many options that are available to you.

You need to create an account to submit any releases, so this can be good or bad. In order to distribute press releases via Business Wire, you will have to first become its member. You can do so by downloading its membership form, fill it out, submit to your nearest bureau, and wait for their approval. This is a major strike against using this site, as there’s no guarantee that they will accept your application.

Without an account, it is difficult to gauge the efficacy of the site. It is safe to assume that there will be a charge for each press release submission, but there is not much information available regarding pricing. Although, they have several options and offer more depth of reach than any other newswire out there, they will additionally charge you for each add on or a feature.

Final Thoughts: Warren Buffett’s Business Wire is great for corporations, organizations and bigger firms, but not ideal for a small business or someone who is on a limited budget.

7). Marketwired: #7 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

This site has real promise by only looking at the homepage. There is a full page of information, including a few press release examples. The site promises plenty of positives like analytics and white papers. The site is also partnered with NASDAQ, an excellent resource for anyone who is looking for solid business release contacts. There is no information on pricing or how to submit a release. In order to get this information, you will have to first register with the site and create an account.

Also, there is a lack of necessary information on results and average number of pickups, which is indeed a serious blow to small businesses and startups looking for guaranteed online PR media sites placements. There is also not a partial example of the release locations. Moreover, it is unknown how well the site works with resellers or other agencies which send on press releases via a third party.

Final Thoughts: Marketwired does not appear to have the necessary aspects, cost and follow up that would benefit a small business or anyone looking for affordable online press release submission. However, it is best for those who are looking for targeted distribution and care less about number of pickups.

8). Cision: #8 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

Cision stands out from the rest because not only it owns PRNewswire and PRWeb, it is much more than just press releases. CISION offers one of the most robust product suites of any of the major press release distribution services. That’s a positive for companies looking for more social media insights and better analytics. In fact, CISION is now calling its combined offerings an “all-in-one media intelligence platform.”

One area where CISION really stands out is its ability to offer PR outreach to government elected officials and lobbying organizations, via its GR & PAC services. If you’re trying to raise awareness of your company’s work in a certain field that has the attention of government regulators and legislators, then CISION can help.

CISION is also useful if you are looking to streamline the communications flows of your PR team. That’s based on the fact that CISION is really best leveraged as an “all-in-one” platform. If you’re simply looking to send out press releases and get them picked up by journalists, it might not be your best option. However, if you are looking to install very powerful software that can help you spot social media influencers and track the performance of press releases in real-time, then it can be a valuable tool.

The site also includes case studies, something that can be closely tied to releases. There is no direct pricing on the site, as users must request information via a login and request form. However, if you can spare $6K to $12K on an annual single or double license subscription, then it’s the best public relations software one can ever use. The companies listed seem to run a full gambit and include many Canadian sites and businesses, making this perfect for resellers and anyone looking for international distribution.

The interface seems a bit more complicated than some of the other sites, as users will need to dig to find the appropriate channels for their release. The site has no mention of number of pickups, or if anyone actually picks it up and publishes it. This is a major drawback for many who expect publication on numerous online news and PR sites. Also, do not expect CISION to offer writing services or anything similar in nature.

Final Thoughts: Should you give this site a chance? It is a gamble. A high subscription fee and limited results seem to point away from this site. It may be wise to continue looking elsewhere, if you can’t afford it.

9). PRWeb: #9 of 9 Best Press Release Distribution Services

PRWeb is one of the oldest press release firms and is quite a popular site. You have to create an account in order to avail its services. Costs on the site runs from $99.00 to $369.00, with the increasing costs offering more and more benefits.

The site is fast and easy to navigate, and there are plenty of resources, including white pages, how to’s and marketing strategies targeting online only businesses — making this site ideal for a small business.

However, two drawbacks stick out. First, when compared to other wire services on similar price range, PRWeb offers lesser number of pickups. Second, they do not offer press release writing services.

Final Thoughts: Over the past few years, the popularity of PRWeb as an affordable newswire has dwindled. However, if you do not mind spending $99 for the placement of your news on handful of sites, including financial feeds, social media and PRWeb website, you can give it a go.

The Bottom Line

The good news is that there are plenty of high-quality press release distribution websites you can use to submit your press releases to for maximum exposure for your business, and all of them do a good job of raising awareness about companies.

Finding the top press release distribution service is now easier than it has ever been before. A lot depends on your underlying business goals. If your company is simply looking for exposure on some of the world’s top media websites, then the clear No. 1 choice is NewswireNEXT.

For huge, FORTUNE 500-style companies looking to build relationships with shareholders and investors, a service such as Business Wire makes the most sense. And for companies that are really looking for a total software solution that includes press release distribution as part of a broader set of marketing and communication activities, then an offering like CISION is a good choice.

This review of the best press release distribution service and website should help guide your decisions for your next release as well as how to maximize your advertising and press release dollars. Ultimately, the decision will rest on you and your business budget for press release submission services. Good luck to you and your business.