Using press releases for Search Engine Optimization

Press Releases can be used to send traffic to your web site!

Not too long ago, if you wanted to let people know what was happening with your business you would submit a press release and hope a local (or national) news publication would pick up your story.

Things have changed. Press releases can be submitted online and made available for search engines and the general public. When submitting a release to drive traffic to your web site, the goal is to have your releases found in search engines, get them read, and build back links for your business.

To accomplish these tasks, you have to write something that will interest a reader while at the same time using keywords on topics for which people will be searching. Sounds a little complicated, but with a few tips it's easily accomplished.

1. Create a compelling headline using keywords.
2. Write a well-formatted release (yes, there is a specific format that is used for press releases).
3. Don't sell something. Instead educate readers.
   
4. Use quotes and make sure you quickly establish the who, what, when, where and why.
5. Focus on your keywords and links so your release is ranked in search engines.
6. Get your releases out there and don't skip the traditional methods of submitting to print news publications.
   

There are many press release distribution services out there so use them. Publish your releases everywhere you can and hope they get picked up and republished. One great resource we use is PRWeb - By using their service you can get your news to consumers, journalists and bloggers. You even have an option to get your releases seen on Yahoo! News and Topix.

Grow your on-line business with an affiliate program

We're doing it. You can too!

Affiliate programs are fairly common online, and there are many affiliate marketers who make a great income just by promoting other people's products and services.

In simple terms, an affiliate program is a method of marketing where owners of other web sites can sign up to sell your products or services for a commission. Big companies like Commission Junction have developed a system to manage programs but small businesses typically don't have enough in sales to participate.

After a lot of research, we've found a solution that allows the small business owner to manage their own affiliate program. So, not only are we announcing the start of our own affiliate marketing program, but we'd like to introduce you to the company that's made it possible.

First things first, if your web site targets small and mid-sized businesses and you're interested in earning some extra income, our affiliate program is for you! As an affiliate of Eagle Soars Marketing, you will make 10% of every sale you refer to us.

We assign you an affiliate ID and create banner, text, email and article links you can use to promote our products and services on your site. For more information and to sign up as an affiliate, click HERE.

If you would like to start your own affiliate program, you can download the software for free from JROX by clicking below.

Start your Own Affiliate Program

Email Marketing Tips

As a marketer, I'm always learning. With each message or marketing piece I work on for a client, there's typically a bit of testing and measuring that must be done before you get the results you want. Then, of course, there's the matter of "frequency" and "consistency." Without them you might as well not do anything.

This leads me to our topic for this newsletter: "Email Marketing Tips." Email marketing is a cost-effective way to market to your customers and there are so many things you can do to make it work. Yes, despite the amount of spam and the availability of people's time to read what comes into their in-boxes, you can make an email campaign work for you.

First you've got to decide how you are going to manage an email campaign. There are specific requirements outlined in the Can Spam Act and you want to make sure you don't ignore them. There are still a lot of unscrupulous people out there sending spam and you don't want to look like you're one of them because you don't know the specifics of this Act.

In a nutshell, you need to make sure you use a permission-based list and that within each email you give people the opportunity to opt-out at any time. There are some great companies that can do all this for you. They also have nice templates already designed and can provide you with other options like running surveys and polls. (Speaking of which, take our recent survey and you will be entered in our drawing for a $25 American Express Gift card. To take the survey now, click HERE.)

Here are links to two very well-known and reputable companies. Not only do they automatically manage your database, but you can track the response of each email, knowing who opens them and who clicks through to your web site or other links. Each offers a free trial so you can try out all of them and select the one that works best for you. Just click on a link, sign-up for your trial, and you're on your way to making email marketing very simple.

Constant Contact

iContact

Finally, here are some quick tips to make your email marketing work for you.

• Make sure you are providing value in your enewsletter. Whether it's knowledge or discounts, you're database of respondents are sure to appreciate the special offers.
• Include a sign-up form on every page of your web site, as well as one on the bottom of all the emails you send through Outlook or your email program.
• Team up with other businesses and see if they'll include coupons for your product/service in their e-newsletter if you do the same for them.
• Offer an incentive for someone to sign up for your e-newsletter. You could hold a contest or offer them a whitepaper or e-book.
• At the point of sale, ask your customers if they want to receive your e-newsletter.
  

Do you need some help with your email marketing? With Eagle Soars Marketing, you don't have to worry about your email campaign getting out on time. We can help you build your email list through a targeted campaign. We can also gather and write the material for your email campaign. Finally, we can send out your emails for you at whatever frequency you desire. We can do all this for a cost that's affordable to the small business owner. To find out about our email marketing services, contact us at info@eaglesoars-marketing.com.