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Press release distribution services allow You to write from home.

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Press release distribution services are a valuable part of most marketing campaigns.

If you have talent with words, the informative writing style of press releases may be for you.  Press release distribution services can be started and run with minimal start-up cost.  This business is especially good for people who like to network.

Getting started with a Press release distribution service

You'll be spending a lot of time with a computer, so you'll need to have a good one.  A laptop is ideal, allowing you to escape the home office and take advantage of being a freelancer.

You could spend a lot of money purchasing the latest office software offerings from the big corporations.  Or, you can use free-ware that has all the functionality and more for nothing.  It depends on how comfortable you feel with our grammar and ability to self-edit.

Building a portfolio
You'll certainly need to create enough examples of your work to get prospective clients who are willing to pay market rates for press release distribution work.  If starting out slow, you may need to charge budget prices while you practice your “chops.” 

Make sure your press release distribution service has a targeted portfolio.  It should include press releases that are aimed at the target audiences you want to work for. 

If you want to focus on new products and the entertainment industry, include those at the beginning of your samples.  But, you can also give examples of non-profit and business press releases, too.  Make sure it's a well-rounded document that describes you.

Marketing
There is always plenty of marketing to be done when you're first starting out.  You'll need to build up a library of good samples for your prospective clients.  Thankfully, you can do almost all of your marketing online. 

You can do a great deal of your marketing with local clients when writing press releases.  A press release distribution business relies upon meeting people in business who can use your services.  For this reason, being personable is very important.  Don't be shy when handing out business cards.

Press release format
A press release distribution service prides itself on creating compelling copy that catches the eye of the larger media.  This often take the form of introducing new products and keeping the media informed of business news.

The format for a press release is strictly defined, and you must follow it.  The most important information is given first.  You're assuming that an editor is looking over the title and first description line for a moment before “disappearing” into yesterday's news and something to be archived online.

Points for style
To really be effective, you should have a good feel for what it means to read a ton of press releases.  Subscribe to an RSS feed of releases with your broadband connected computer to get a feel for what works.  As you gain experience, you'll be able to advertise how effective your ads are.

What to charge
You should check the competition.  See what sort of prices are offered for different types of press release distribution work.  This can be done with worldwide competition online.  There may be more money to be had by dealing with real, live people in your local market. 

Getting started in the press release distribution business
You'll need little more than a PayPal account to offer your services on a free classified ad site.  Start slowly and see how much you want to work on press release distribution per day. 

To target real professionals who need work done, you may need to sign up with a cooperative website.  Here, you pay dues in order to bid on jobs through the site that the company maintains. 

You'll also need to spend about twice as much time that you write on the marketing of your business to make more than a random side-income.  Make a portfolio and begin seeking out clients in the many different types of press release that you'd like to represent.

You'll need to be well-connected, accurate and dependable to get the highest recommendations from you clients.  However, press release distribution services are made or broken by their reputation.  Be prepared to do your very best work while building your reputation.  Propose a press-release package to potential clients that they can't refuse.  Set your rates according to the market you're competing in. 

Then just start handing out those emails and cards.  Target clients in a specific industry or become full service press release distribution service.

Minimum Start Up Cost

$500-1,000 

Minimum Start up Equipment

Late-model computer with broadband connection, office software, business cards

Optional or Advanced Equipment

Laptop computer, website, online freelance service provider subscription, freelance employees

Associations

Editorial Freelancers Association

Courses

English courses, marketing courses

Reference Sites

Find Freelance Press Release Writers

Writing Press Releases

Important Point To Keep In Mind

PointMake sure this Business is for you

See: What Are Your Reasons For Getting Into Your Own Business?
And

The Pros and Cons of Owning and Operating Your Own Business
And
Five Ways to Find the Right Business for You


PointIs it Better To Build or Buy?

See : Build or Buy A Business?


PointLook into the legalization

See: Play By The Rules - It's the Only Safe Way To Do Business!


PointLook Into Start up Cost

See: Estimating Startup Costs


PointEnsure You Have Enough Money To Start:

See: How To get The Money You Need For Your Business (Start-up Capital)


Point Find The Right Location

See: Finding The Best Business Location


PointCreate The Right Name

See: Choose a Business Name


PointConsider A Tag Line

See: Creating A Tag Line


PointCreate A Logo And Business Cards

See: Make Your Business Card A Silent Salesman


See Also: How to Start A Business : Business Idea of The Day

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