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Publishing a Press Release on a Budget – What to Consider

09/26/2025 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

In today’s digital media landscape, publishing a press release remains a powerful way to generate attention for a company, product, or event. But for small businesses, startups, or solo entrepreneurs, the big question is: how can you distribute a press release effectively without spending a fortune? In this article, you'll learn what to keep in mind when publishing a press release on a budget – and how to get the most value for your money.

1. The Importance of Press Releases

A press release is a short, factual statement sent to the media with the goal of gaining editorial attention. It informs journalists about news such as product launches, events, company formations, partnerships, or staffing changes. A press release should always meet journalistic standards – it must be clear, relevant, and well-structured.

2. Cost Factors – Where Do the Expenses Arise?

The costs of publishing a press release typically fall into several areas: writing, distribution, and optional extras such as media targeting or guaranteed placements on major news websites.

Professional PR agencies may charge between €100 and €500 for writing, depending on the complexity and experience involved. To save money, businesses can write the press release themselves – as long as they understand the required structure, tone, and news value.

Most of the cost, however, comes from distribution. Press portals and PR services offer a range of packages – from free basic postings to premium options costing several hundred euros. A careful comparison is worthwhile.

3. Free vs. Paid Press Release Portals

Free press release portals like openPR.de, pressebox.de (limited), or prmaximus.de (basic) allow press releases to be published with no or minimal cost. The advantage: no financial risk. The downside: limited reach, basic SEO visibility, and usually no exposure on larger media platforms.

Paid services such as pressetext.com, news aktuell (a subsidiary of dpa), or lifePR offer significantly greater reach, targeted media lists, and often guaranteed visibility on partner sites. However, prices between €100 and €500 per release are not uncommon.

4. Tips for Cost-Effective Publication

  • Write it yourself: If you're confident in your writing skills, you can skip agency fees.
  • Use free platforms strategically: Start with free portals to build initial visibility.
  • Select with precision: Choose platforms that match your target audience and industry.
  • Combine approaches: A mix of free and selected paid services can be more effective than relying on a single expensive portal.
  • Time it right: Publishing early in the week or in the morning often yields better visibility.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses try to cut costs in the wrong places – such as by publishing a poorly written or unstructured press release. A weak news angle, excessive advertising, or lack of relevance will cause journalists to ignore the story. Always focus on a clear message, strong quotes, and professional formatting.

Another common mistake is the “spray and pray” approach: blasting your press release to as many platforms as possible without a clear strategy. This not only wastes money but also dilutes your message. A targeted distribution is usually more effective.

6. Conclusion: Affordable Doesn’t Mean Ineffective

It’s entirely possible to publish press releases affordably and still achieve good results – as long as you take a strategic approach. With a well-written message, the right distribution channels, and a focus on your target audience, even a small budget can make a big impact. The key is to prioritize content – because even the best platform can’t help if the message itself is weak.

If you plan to release press announcements regularly, consider building your own media list. This allows you to contact relevant journalists and editors directly – saving on future distribution costs.

Bottom line: quality beats quantity. If you invest effort into crafting your message and choosing your channels wisely, you can achieve strong visibility without overspending.

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Publishing a Press Release for Free

09/25/2025 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

For small businesses, startups, or freelancers on a tight budget, one question often comes up: Is it possible to publish a press release for free – and does it actually have any impact? The good news is: yes, there are indeed free ways to distribute a press release. The not-so-good news: without a clear strategy and quality content, your press release can easily get lost in the crowd. In this article, we’ll explain what’s possible, what to watch out for, and which free platforms are worth considering.

1. Why Use Press Releases at All?

Press releases are a classic public relations tool. They are used to inform media outlets, journalists, or even the general public about company news – such as product launches, services, partnerships, leadership changes, or events. When written well, a press release can generate significant reach, especially if picked up by news outlets.

2. Advantages of Free Publication

The biggest advantage is obvious: no direct costs. For startups, small companies, or non-profits, this makes press releases an attractive way to gain visibility without straining the marketing budget.

Some free press portals also offer basic reach through their own websites, RSS feeds, or social media sharing. From a search engine optimization (SEO) perspective, having the release online – with relevant keywords and backlinks – can also help improve visibility.

3. Limitations and Challenges

Free press release platforms do have their downsides. Their reach is often limited, and the quality of the platforms can vary greatly. Many free sites publish every submission without editorial review, which means your press release may be buried under a flood of other content.

In addition, free platforms rarely offer targeted distribution to specific journalists or media lists. Features like image uploads, dofollow links, or category targeting are usually only available in premium (paid) versions.

4. Recommended Free Press Release Platforms

Here are some reputable free platforms where you can publish your press release at no cost:

  • openPR.de – One of the best-known free press portals in Germany. Includes editorial review and solid visibility.
  • fair-news.de – Covers a wide range of topics and offers social media integration.
  • prmaximus.de (basic version) – Limited free options with upgrade possibilities for more reach.
  • pressemitteilung.ws – Free, but somewhat cluttered with ads. Usually publishes within hours.
  • online-artikel.de – More suitable for expert articles, but also allows press releases with an SEO focus.

Tip: When choosing a platform, consider its professional appearance, Google visibility, and whether it allows backlinks.

5. Writing Tips for Maximum Effect

Even when publishing for free, content quality is critical. A press release is not an ad – it should follow journalistic principles:

  • Relevance: Does it offer real news value?
  • Structure: Headline, lead paragraph, body, quote, contact information.
  • Neutral tone: Avoid hype and excessive self-promotion.
  • Error-free: Check grammar and spelling carefully.
  • Keyword optimization: Use relevant search terms for SEO.


6. Strategies to Boost Reach Without a Budget

Even with zero investment, you can increase the impact of your press release. Here are some proven strategies:

  • Use multiple platforms: Submit your press release to several free sites to broaden its reach.
  • Publish on your own website: Post it in a news or blog section for visibility and SEO benefits.
  • Leverage social media: Share the release link across your social media profiles and in niche groups.
  • Build your own press list: Email your release directly to journalists, bloggers, or influencers in your field.
  • Include it in newsletters: Add your press release to your email newsletter to inform your audience.


7. Conclusion: Free Doesn’t Mean Useless

Publishing press releases for free is absolutely possible – and can help you gain initial exposure. However, content quality and smart distribution are key. By combining several free platforms, crafting professional content, and using your own channels effectively, you can build real visibility even without a budget.

In the long term, a combination of free and selected paid distribution methods may be ideal, especially if you're aiming for coverage in industry-specific or high-authority media. But for initial outreach or lower-priority announcements, free platforms are a real opportunity.

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The Guide to Successful Press Releases in 2025

05/21/2025 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

Press releases have been a cornerstone of corporate communications for decades. But in 2025, their role and design have changed dramatically. While in the past they were primarily distributed to newsrooms, today they compete directly with newsfeeds, social media updates, and content marketing formats. To achieve reach and impact, press releases need to be reimagined – more precise, data-driven, and cross-platform.

1. The New Role of the Press Release

Press releases are no longer just a tool for journalists, but also a content asset for corporate websites, social media channels, and newsletters. They serve as the starting point for stories that may be picked up and shared – by media, influencers, or even directly by the target audience. Companies using press releases in 2025 integrate them strategically into a broader communication architecture.

2. Content That Works

Plain product announcements without clear value are no longer enough. Successful press releases today answer questions like: “Why is this information relevant?” and “What benefit does it bring to the audience?” High-performing releases often include:

  • Clear messages with social or economic relevance
  • Facts, data, and research to support claims
  • Quotes from executives or subject matter experts
  • Visual elements such as images, infographics, or short videos

3. The Structure of a Modern Press Release

In 2025, less is still more. Journalists and readers expect concise, easy-to-digest information. The golden rule remains: the most important message comes first. A successful press release typically includes:

  • Headline: short, sharp, and relevant
  • Lead paragraph: the core message in no more than three sentences
  • Main body: background details, data, quotes
  • Multimedia: images, videos, or links to extended content
  • Company profile: a “boilerplate” with key corporate facts
  • Contact information: clear and easily accessible

4. SEO and Digital Reach

A good press release in 2025 is also search engine optimized. Relevant keywords, structured formatting, and semantic variety boost visibility on Google and beyond. Companies no longer rely only on email distribution but also publish press releases through press portals, LinkedIn articles, and corporate blogs. This multichannel approach amplifies reach and visibility.

5. AI as a New Assistant

Artificial intelligence increasingly supports PR professionals in creating press releases – from topic research and headline suggestions to analyzing distribution performance. While AI saves time and provides valuable insights, the human factor remains essential: authenticity, creativity, and nuanced storytelling can’t be replicated by machines.

6. Distribution in 2025

Simply blasting out a press release to a contact list no longer works. Companies now segment their audiences, personalize pitches, and adapt content to fit the needs of specific journalists or outlets. Social media, influencer partnerships, and targeted content seeding also play a central role. The press release has become the launchpad for a broader communication campaign.

7. Measuring Success

The success of a press release can be measured far more precisely today than just a few years ago. Beyond traditional media clippings, key metrics now include clicks, time on page, social shares, and mentions in industry forums. Modern analytics tools make impact transparent and provide guidance for future optimization.

Conclusion: The press release is alive – but different. In 2025, it is no longer an end in itself, but a flexible communication tool. Companies that combine relevant content with clear structure, SEO optimization, and multimedia assets can reach journalists, customers, and stakeholders alike. Successful press releases today mean: inform, inspire, and connect.

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How do I issue a press release?

02/16/2024 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

1. First you have to decide if you want to send your press release directly to an editorial office or if you want to publish it via a press portal or a press release service.

2. Now you have to find the right addressees for your press release. It is important that you make an effort to reach those editorial offices that specialize in your industry.

3. Once you have found the right addressees, you need to think about what you want to write in the press release. It is common to mention the name of the company and the reason for the press release in the first line.

After that, there is a brief overview of the subject of the press release. Here you should try to make the content as concise and interesting as possible.

5. After that, write the exact content of the press release, i.e. all details about the topic and why it is interesting.

6. At the end, you need to add contact details and other information that will help journalists to ask more questions and/or request more information.

7. At last you have to send the press release to the editors.

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Send press release immediately without waiting time

11/27/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

In an era where information spreads at lightning speed and news cycles are shorter than ever, time is of the essence. Companies and organizations must be able to disseminate crucial news immediately to stay relevant and reach their target audiences. But how can they ensure that their press releases reach the public without delay?

A groundbreaking solution to this problem has emerged in recent years: the instant distribution of press releases without waiting time. This new approach has revolutionized how companies publish news, offering numerous advantages.

Instant Dissemination for Real-time News

Traditionally, press releases were sent through press agencies, email distribution lists, and other channels. This process could take hours or even days for the information to reach the media and the target audience. However, such delays are unacceptable in today's digital world.

Instant distribution of press releases allows companies and organizations to spread real-time news without delay. This is particularly crucial in crisis situations, for important announcements, or in fast-paced industries such as technology or finance.

Direct Access to Media and Audiences

One of the biggest challenges in releasing press releases is ensuring they reach the right recipients. With instant distribution, companies can directly contact journalists, editors, and other media decision-makers to ensure their news is heard.

Furthermore, social media platforms and online press portals facilitate the rapid dissemination of press releases to a broad audience. This provides the opportunity to maximize reach and deliver news directly to readers without relying on intermediaries.

Easy Management and Analysis

The technology behind instant press release distribution also enables efficient management and analysis of news. Companies can track the success of their press releases in real time by monitoring metrics such as open rate, click-through rate, and media coverage. This allows them to continuously optimize their communication strategy.

The Future of News Delivery

Instant press release distribution without waiting time is undoubtedly the future of news delivery. It provides companies and organizations with the ability to disseminate their news in real-time, specifically reach the right recipients, and track the success of their efforts.

In a time where information is critical, this innovative approach can offer a crucial competitive advantage. Therefore, companies should consider sending their press releases immediately to stay relevant in today's fast-paced media landscape.

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The Media & PR-Database 2025

Media & PR Database 2025

The media and PR database with 2025 with information on more than 20,000 newspaper, magazine and radio editorial offices and much more.

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