Press releases are a useful way to distribute important company announcements, product launches, events, research, partnerships, and other newsworthy updates. When submitted to relevant press release websites, they can help businesses increase brand awareness, reach new audiences, generate referral traffic, and create opportunities for media coverage.
However, modern press release SEO is different from simply submitting the same article to hundreds of websites. Search engines place more importance on useful content, genuine news value, relevance, and natural mentions than on the number of submission websites used.
In this guide, you’ll find 50+ free press release submission sites, along with practical advice on how to find more platforms, write an effective press release, and use PR distribution as part of a broader SEO strategy.
What Are Press Release Submission Sites?
Press release submission sites are online platforms where businesses, organizations, agencies, startups, and individuals can publish news announcements.
A typical press release may cover:
- New product launches
- Company announcements
- Business expansion
- Events
- New partnerships
- Awards
- Research
- New services
- Executive appointments
- Community initiatives
- Funding announcements
- Technology releases
- Industry developments
Some platforms publish releases immediately, while others review submissions before publication.
Free platforms may also have limitations such as fewer distribution options, advertising, character limits, moderation, or restricted multimedia features.
Best Free Press Release Submission Sites
Below are useful platforms and resources to investigate for press release distribution.
1. 1888PressRelease
1888PressRelease is a dedicated press release distribution platform where businesses can publish news and announcements.
It provides a focused environment for companies looking to distribute PR content online.
2. PRLog
PRLog is a well-known online press release distribution platform.
Businesses can use it to publish announcements and increase exposure for legitimate company news.
3. OpenPR
OpenPR provides an online platform for publishing press releases and company announcements.
It can be useful for businesses looking for another distribution channel.
4. IssueWire
IssueWire offers press release distribution and publishing services for businesses and organizations.
It supports online visibility for announcements across different industries.
5. PR.com
PR.com provides business and press release publishing services.
Businesses can investigate its available submission and distribution options.
6. NewswireToday
NewswireToday is a press release and news distribution platform covering business and technology-related announcements.
7. Free-Press-Release
Free-Press-Release.com provides online press release publishing opportunities.
Check its current submission requirements before publishing.
8. PRFree
PRFree provides a platform for publishing press releases and business news.
It can be investigated as part of a broader PR distribution strategy.
9. Online PR Media
Online PR Media provides press release distribution and online PR services.
It is useful for businesses interested in combining press releases with digital visibility.
10. PRFire
PRFire provides press release distribution services, particularly for businesses targeting UK audiences.
More Press Release Submission Platforms
The following websites can also be researched for current submission opportunities:
- PRLeap
- PRSync
- PRUrgent
- PRWeb
- eReleases
- Newswire
- EIN Presswire
- IssueWire
- PRUnderground
- PressReleasePoint
- 1888PressRelease
- PRLog
- OpenPR
- PR.com
- NewswireToday
- PRFree
- Online PR Media
- PRFire
- PRLeap
- PRZOOM
- PR-Inside
- 24-7 Press Release
- PressReleasePoint
- ClickPress
- SBWire
- NewswireJet
- PressReleaseJet
- PRDistribution
- NewsVoir
- Business Wire
- PR Newswire
- GlobeNewswire
- Access Newswire
- EIN Presswire
- Newswire
- PRWeb
- PR.com
- OpenPR
- PRLog
- 1888PressRelease
Important: Availability, pricing, editorial policies, and free submission options can change. Always check the individual platform before submitting.
What Is Press Release Submission?
Press release submission is the process of distributing a news announcement through online press release platforms, media services, news websites, and industry publications.
The process generally looks like this:
Create newsworthy content → Choose relevant platforms → Submit the release → Complete verification → Publication → Monitor coverage and traffic
A successful press release should provide genuine information rather than being written solely to create backlinks.
Benefits of Press Release Submission
Brand Awareness
A well-distributed press release can introduce your business to people who have never encountered your brand.
Referral Traffic
Published releases may generate visitors when readers click through to your website.
Media Exposure
A strong announcement may attract journalists, bloggers, publishers, and industry professionals.
Online Visibility
Press releases create additional digital touchpoints where customers can discover your company.
Brand Mentions
Even when a publication does not provide a followed backlink, a brand mention can still help users discover your business.
Product Launch Promotion
Press releases can be especially useful for announcing:
- New products
- New services
- Software releases
- Business expansions
- Events
- Partnerships
Does Press Release Submission Help SEO?
Press releases can support SEO indirectly, but they should not be treated as a simple backlink-building shortcut.
The strongest SEO value usually comes when a genuinely newsworthy release gets picked up by independent publishers, journalists, industry websites, or other relevant sources.
Simply publishing the same release on dozens of low-quality websites does not guarantee rankings.
A better approach is:
Newsworthy announcement + quality content + relevant distribution + genuine media coverage
How to Write an SEO-Friendly Press Release
Create a Strong Headline
Your headline should immediately communicate the news.
For example:
Digital Marketing Agency Launches New Local SEO Service for Small Businesses
Avoid headlines that are stuffed with keywords.
Write a Clear Summary
The first paragraph should answer the basic questions:
- Who?
- What?
- When?
- Where?
- Why?
- How?
Readers should understand the announcement without reading the entire release.
Add Supporting Details
Use the middle section to explain:
- What happened
- Why it matters
- Who benefits
- Relevant statistics
- Company background
- Quotes
- Additional information
Add a Company Boilerplate
The final section can provide a short description of your organization.
Include:
- Company name
- Main service
- Location
- Website
- Relevant background
Add Contact Information
Where appropriate, provide:
- Contact name
- Company
- Phone
- Website
This makes it easier for journalists and readers to contact you.
How to Find Free Press Release Submission Sites
You don’t have to rely on existing lists to find PR platforms.
Search Google
Try searches such as:
free press release submission sites
free press release websites
submit press release free
press release submission website
free online press release distribution
You can also add your target country.
For example:
free press release submission sites USA
free press release sites UK
free press release websites Canada
press release submission sites India
Search by Industry
Industry-specific PR opportunities can be more relevant than generic platforms.
Try:
technology press release submission
startup press release sites
business press release websites
healthcare press release submission
real estate press release sites
marketing press release websites
Analyze Competitor PR Coverage
Search for your competitors and look at where their announcements have appeared.
You can search:
“Company Name” press release
“Company Name” news
“Company Name” announcement
You can also use SEO tools to investigate competitor referring domains.
The goal is to discover websites that are genuinely interested in your industry.
Search Google News
Google News can help identify publications that regularly cover your industry.
Search for keywords related to your business and examine the websites publishing similar announcements.
Search Local Media
Local publications can be extremely useful for businesses targeting a specific geographic market.
Search:
city + business news
city + startup news
city + press release
local business news + city
Local coverage can sometimes be more valuable than a generic global PR website because it reaches a relevant audience.
How to Submit a Press Release
Step 1: Prepare Your Announcement
Write an original release based on a genuine announcement.
Step 2: Create a Strong Headline
Keep it clear, specific, and news-focused.
Step 3: Choose Relevant Platforms
Select websites that match your:
- Industry
- Location
- Audience
- News topic
Step 4: Add Company Information
Include accurate business information and contact details.
Step 5: Submit the Release
Follow each platform’s publishing rules.
Step 6: Complete Verification
Some websites may require email or account verification.
Step 7: Monitor Publication
Check the final published release and verify that the information is accurate.
Step 8: Track Results
Monitor:
- Referral traffic
- Brand mentions
- Media coverage
- Backlinks
- Social engagement
- Leads
- Conversions
Free vs Paid Press Release Sites
Not every press release platform offers the same service.
Free platforms may provide basic publication but limited distribution.
Paid services may offer:
- Wider media distribution
- Journalist databases
- Editorial review
- Multimedia support
- Analytics
- Industry targeting
- Geographic targeting
A paid service is not automatically better. The correct choice depends on the quality and relevance of its distribution network.
Common Press Release Submission Mistakes
Submitting the Same Release Everywhere
Publishing identical content across hundreds of websites can create a low-value distribution footprint.
Writing Promotional Content Instead of News
A press release should announce something newsworthy.
Avoid turning it into a sales page.
Keyword Stuffing
Use keywords naturally.
Do not repeat the same keyword throughout the headline and body.
Fake News
Never create fake announcements simply to obtain backlinks or attention.
Overusing Anchor Text
Avoid forcing keyword-rich links into every release.
Ignoring Relevance
Choose PR platforms based on audience and industry relevance rather than just SEO metrics.
Using Poor Headlines
A vague headline can prevent readers and journalists from understanding why the announcement matters.
Press Release SEO Best Practices
For better results:
- Write original announcements
- Use natural language
- Focus on real news
- Keep the headline specific
- Include useful facts
- Add relevant quotes
- Use accurate company information
- Link naturally
- Avoid excessive promotional language
- Target relevant publications
- Track referral traffic
- Repurpose genuine news into social content
Press Release Submission Checklist
Before submitting your release, check the following:
- Is the announcement genuinely newsworthy?
- Is the headline clear?
- Does the introduction explain the main news?
- Are all facts accurate?
- Is the content original?
- Is the company information correct?
- Are contact details included?
- Are links relevant?
- Are keywords used naturally?
- Is the target platform relevant?
- Have you checked the submission guidelines?
- Have you removed unnecessary promotional language?
- Have you proofread the release?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are free press release submission sites?
Free press release submission sites allow businesses and organizations to publish announcements online without necessarily paying a distribution fee. Some offer free basic publication while charging for additional distribution features.
Are press releases good for SEO?
Press releases can support online visibility, referral traffic, brand awareness, and media discovery. Their strongest SEO impact generally comes from genuine media coverage and relevant editorial mentions rather than mass submission alone.
Can press releases generate backlinks?
Yes, a published press release may contain links to your website. However, the type and SEO value of those links varies by platform. The bigger opportunity is earning additional coverage from independent websites that discover the announcement.
How many press release sites should I use?
There is no ideal number. Quality and relevance are more important than submitting to as many platforms as possible.
Should I use the same press release on every website?
It is better to create an original, newsworthy announcement and adjust formatting or distribution where necessary instead of producing large amounts of repetitive content.
Are free press release sites worth using?
They can be useful for basic online exposure and testing a PR strategy. However, businesses seeking significant media coverage may also consider reputable paid distribution services.
Final Thoughts
Free press release submission sites can be a useful part of a broader digital marketing strategy when they are used correctly.
The goal should not be to submit hundreds of identical releases simply to generate backlinks. Instead, create real news, publish useful information, target relevant audiences, and use PR distribution to increase the chance of genuine media coverage.
Start with relevant free platforms, investigate industry-specific opportunities, analyze competitor coverage, search local media, and track the results of every campaign.
A strong press release strategy combines newsworthiness, relevance, quality content, targeted distribution, and genuine media relationships.
When these elements work together, press releases can help businesses improve brand visibility, attract referral traffic, reach journalists, and create valuable opportunities for long-term organic growth.
