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We are happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding this service.
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
We ask that you review this list prior to contacting us with your questions
since we may have already provided the answer here. If you require further assistance
please do not hesitate to contact our staff.
Why does PR Web™ offer this free press release distribution
service?
It's our mission. We believe that every company and organization should have
access to the media, regardless of size. Realistically, many organizations
cannot afford traditional wire services which typically charge between $350
and $2,200 per release.
For this very reason, some of the most interesting stories are not getting
told on the traditional wire services. Many innovative products and services
would never make it to market without a service like PR Web™.
If you are an editor, journalist or freelance writer we invite you to subscribe
to our daily news feed.
How long has PR Web™ been offering this service?
We began in August 1997, pioneering free online news distribution. The Internet
Way Back Machine (http://web.archive.org)
began cataloging copies of our site in 1998. For a history of PR Web™,
you can visit their site (http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.prweb.com)
and see the different iterations of our service.
How are press releases distributed through PR
Web™?
We currently handle distribution through four channels: our web site, our
syndicated news feed, email distribution and search engine submission.
Email Distribution
PR Web™ maintains a database of approximately 100,000 media contacts,
newsrooms, industry analysts, and freelance writers who receive daily email
listings of press releases which match their filter criteria.
Syndicated News Feed
As of October 1, 2001, we have decided to make our headlines available to
other web sites through our XML/RSS news feed (http://www.prweb.com/rss.php).
Adding this news feed to our system increases exposure to your press release.
There is, however, an important caveat. Since RSS specification currently
limits our feed to 15 headlines a day, only companies that upgrade their press
release by making a financial contribution to support PR Web™ are given
priority.
Through Our Web Site
PR Web™ generates over
4 1/2 million page views per month. A page view is one person viewing one press
release. All press releases are posted on our site indefinitely. Press releases
are only removed from our site if the originator deletes them from our system
or they do not meet our editorial guidelines.
Search Engine Submission
For maximum distribution, each press release distributed through our service
is optimized for search engines indexing. Search engines regularly spider
our site and index our press releases.
How do I contribute to PR Web™ in order
to take advantage of the upgrade features?
In order to make a contribution you must first submit a press release. After
you have submitted a press release you will see a screen that will allow you
to make a contribution. If you have already posted a release you will need
to log into your account. When you log into your account you will see one
of two screens. If the screen is a press release advisory screen asking for
a contribution simply click the button that takes you to the contribution
page. The other screen that may come up is your main console area with a listing
of all of your press releases. Here you should see a salmon colored link above
each of your headlines. Choose the upgrade link directly above the headline
that you wish to upgrade.
Where can I find a chart of the upgrade features?
From within your account login you will see a button that will take you to
the chart of upgrade features.
How long does my press release remain online?
Your release remains online until you delete it. Most users leave their release
online even if it becomes old news. Leaving older releases online is an effective
way of letting the media know where you have been as an organization. In certain
circumstances you may want to remove a press release. Simply log into your
account and click the Delete link located directly above the headline of the
press release that you wish to remove.
What are Sponsored Press Releases?
Press releases that are accompanied by a minimum $30 financial contribution
to PR Web are considered sponsored press releases. Sponsored press releases
at this level and above are highlighted in PR Web's Sponsored Press Release
section. These press releases are rotated throughout this preferred viewing
area.
What are Featured Press Releases?
Press releases that are accompanied by a financial contribution to PR Web
are sorted by their contribution level. The three highest contributing press
releases for a particular day are placed in the select category of PR Web's
Featured Press Releases. In the rare instance where the highest contributions
are equally matched, editorial factors will be added to the selection process.
PR Web is supported financially by the contributions of our users. We recognize
the generosity of our contributors by offering them prominent placement.
What are Related Press Releases?
Related Press Releases are displayed on press releases that do not have a
minimum $10 financial contribution. These releases are pulled randomly from
stories within the same industry target as the current release.
Does PR Web™ ever reject press releases?
Yes, we do under certain circumstances. Every press release must pass through
a brief review process. PR Web™ will not verify any of the news or proofread
any of the press releases. Correct grammar and spelling are the submitter's
responsibility. Please remember the importance of submitting well-conceived
and well-written press releases because of PR Web™'s large distribution.
PR Web™ does review all releases for general content to make sure that
the release falls within our guidelines which are as follows-- We will not
post ads and will reject press releases that are not deemed newsworthy. Press
releases that we perceive to be inflammatory or intended to cause harm to
a third party will not be accepted. In addition, we will only post press releases
which are in standard press release format.
Does PR Web™ accept press releases for adult content?
PR Web™ reserves the right to refuse all press releases containing or
promoting adult content
Is PR Web™ a not-for-profit company?
PRWEB, LLC is a privately held for-profit company. We see our role as providing
a much needed service in the market and rely on financial contributions from
our users to pay for operational costs, enhancing the service, building a
larger audience, and keeping the service online. Current and past contributions
have enabled PR Web™'s online distribution service to continue its reputation
as the leader in free news.
Press release or News Release?
We have received many inquiries since we launched PR Web™ regarding
terminology. Why do we use the older "press release" instead of
"news release"? The answer is that we use the two interchangeably.
The problem with "news release" is that it is not yet as common
a term as press release. For a number of reasons, including search engine
optimization we must use the terms press release, news release and media release
interchangeably.
Does distribution through PRWeb™ or any of
the PR Web services guarantee that the media will use your press release?
No newswire service can guarantee that the media will use your news release.
We do not control the media. Think of PR Web™ as your delivery service.
That said, PR Web™ is a delivery service with an outstanding reputation
for providing quality content to the media. Journalists consider press releases
which originate from PR Web™'s newswire service as having more weight
and credibility because of PR Web's high standards for newsworthy and engaging
content.
The ultimate responsibility for the success of your press release lies with
you. Did you create a compelling story? Is it newsworthy? Will others find
it newsworthy?
Will my press release be used elsewhere on the Internet
or in print?
Yes, we rely on a privately run syndication and several third party syndicates
to aid in the distribution of your news release. Again we cannot guarantee
that an online outlet will use your release but given the extensive nature
of our network, it is fairly likely that you will see your news online and
in print. Remember that the ultimate responsibility for the success of your
press release lies with you. Did you create a compelling story? Is it newsworthy?
Will others find it newsworthy?
Do you offer a clipping service?
While we have not ruled out the possibility of developing a clipping service
of our own, we currently do not offer this service. Our experience shows that
most online search engines such as Google
already function as clipping services without the fees. The only drawback
is that some search engines may have a lag time of several weeks making it
harder to locate the online buzz created by your release. Although these are
inconveniences, you save a substantial amount of money.
How can I access my statistics?
Press release statistics are only provided for press releases accompanied
with a minimum $10 contribution. To view your statistics log into your account.
Your statistics will be right below your headline as illustrated below.
What do the gold stars mean?
Gold stars indicate that the user has made a voluntary financial contribution
in support of the PR Web™ system. It is just one of the many ways that
we show our appreciation for those who support our service. More stars indicate
a higher contribution.
What is the pushpin?
The pushpins indicate that the press release has multimedia files attached.
What is the Friend of PR Web program?
The Friend of PR Web™ program allows you to improve the placement of
your press release by recommending to your colleagues that they use PR Web™
for their distribution. To thank you for participating in this "Friend
of PR Web" campaign we will award you with one point each time you tell
a friend/colleague about PR Web. By collecting Friend of PR Web points you
guarantee that your news releases will be listed above other releases in our
network that are at the same contribution level. If a member makes a $30 contribution,
their news release will be listed above all other press releases with a contribution
of less than $30. However, if there is more than one press release with a
$30 contribution, we will give preference to the member with the highest number
of Friend of PR Web points.
Important: Your Friend of PR Web points never go away. For example,
if you have 20 points, these 20 points will be applied to all future news
releases. This is a trial campaign. If we should pause or terminate the Friend
of PR Web program, your points will remain in effect. YOU MUST MAKE ALL REFERALS
THROUGH YOUR ACCOUNT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE PROPER CREDIT.
We appreciate your willingness to help us expand this service. We are confident
that your friends will find this service useful.
Will PR Web™ write my press release?
Yes, PR Web™ has a team of talented NewsCrafters™ editors that
are able to help you write your press release. Call 866-640-NEWS (Outside
of the United States call 360-312-0892) for a free NewsCrafters™ consultation.
Will PR Web™ edit my press release?
Yes, PR Web™ has a team of talented NewsCrafters™ editors that
are able to help you edit your press release. The press release polish and
edit service is only $69. Please call NewsCrafters™ at 866-640-NEWS (Outside
of the United States call 360-312-0892) for more information.
How do I get started?
To get started with PR Web you will need a Member account. Register
Here for a free PRWeb Newswire account. After registering you will be
automatically logged into our system. As a registered member you will be able
to log in and manage your releases.
How do I list my public relations agency in the PR
Web Directory of PR Firms?
To list your firm, log into your PR Web™ member account, click the option
from within your account to add a PR Firm Directory listing. This option is
located in the lower left hand corner of the screen in a box the says "PR
FIRMS ONLY". At that time you will be able to choose from Platinum, Gold
or Associate memberships.
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