Disclaimer: While The Wakeman Agency does not guarantee inclusion of your press release to major search engine news or inclusion with our partner press release distribution sites, please note that the following tips will help your chances of getting picked up by the major search engines and interested journalists:
 
1. Use the template outlined on our submit page – it provides you with the basics to get your press release structured correctly: http://www.thewakemanagency.com/news-center/submit-news
 

• In your article body, avoid using the article title, or a substring of the title, as an active hyperlink.
• Don’t include a date or time in your article title, instead, provide it at the beginning of your press release body: (e.g., April 15, 2011 (New York, NY).
• Ensure that your article title includes at least ten characters and is between two and 22 words.

2. Make the topic and press release unique and newsworthy
 
Simply giving “who, what, where, and why” is too rudimentary for your press release, though you will need to address these elements. Provide proof or specifics that your product or service work. Industry research, trends, and including links to case studies or original studies adds value to your release.  Think about the value your release will bring to your target audience and focus on original content.

 
3. Select the right keyword or phrase
 
As you craft your release, lay out the keywords that will aid your SEO efforts. If you have a long list of keywords, select keywords that are customer-centric, in other words, what search terms are people using to find you? For example, NYC nonprofits is a popular phrase but probably not specific enough to drive enough traffic to your site over the competition. Try to narrow this down by specifying your area: i.e. NYC minimum wage aid. If you don’t already have Google Analytics enabled, consider enabling them for your site. Also, try Google Keyword tool for free by opening an Adwords account.  Any keywords you designate in your release should line up with the core content.
 
4. Place the keyword or phrase in visible and strategic areas.
 
Once you have the keywords determined, include them in the headline, sub-headline, and early in the body of the text. Link backs to your site are a great advantage for you when you post your release with The Wakeman Agency. Utilize these to the fullest by using descriptive links. For example, Contact us for more details is not as strong as Contact us on how you can help end NYC’s minimum wage problem with a hyperlink back to your site.
 
5. Limit industry language, jargon, abbreviations, and pronouns
 
Avoid jargon and acronyms. Just because you know what B2C stands for, does not mean those reading your content will know. Instead, spell out your acronyms and define them. Avoid using pronouns for your new product – simply refer to it by its name. For example: It is a great way to fundraise, is a weaker sentence than xyz software offers advanced features for online fundraising.