Press Release Distribution Service

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Startup Cost
$5,000-$25,000
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to Profit
4-8 months
Profit Potential
$50,000-$200,000/year

Overview

Press release services write newsworthy press releases and distribute them to relevant media outlets, journalists, and distribution networks.

With businesses needing press releases for announcements and services offering affordable alternative to full PR, providers generate revenue of $75,000-$240,000 annually with profit margins of 65-75%.

The business requires writing skills, media database access (Cision, Meltwater), understanding newsworthiness, and distribution channels.

Services include press release writing, media list development, distribution to journalists and outlets, wire service distribution (PRNewswire, BusinessWire), pickup tracking and reporting, and sometimes basic media follow-up.

Pricing typically $200-$800 for release writing, $300-$2,000 for distribution depending on targets and wire services.

Success factors include strong news writing, understanding what media covers, targeted distribution to relevant journalists, and providing value within budget constraints.

Many services specialize in industries or combine with basic PR services.

The business can start with writing and basic distribution, adding premium services.

Lower cost than full PR makes it accessible for small businesses.

Marketing focuses on startups, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and companies with occasional announcement needs.

With businesses requiring affordable press release options and announcements needing media distribution in 2025, press release services offer accessible entry for writers understanding media and newsworthiness willing to provide cost-effective announcement distribution.

Required Skills

  • Press release and news writing
  • Media landscape and newsworthiness
  • Media database and distribution tools
  • Journalist targeting and research
  • Basic SEO for online press releases
  • Client communication and expectations

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Low startup costs
  • Good profit margins
  • Scalable through volume
  • Accessible to small business market
  • Project-based quick turnaround

Cons

  • Media coverage not guaranteed
  • Wire service costs eat into margins
  • Competitive low-cost PR market
  • Client expectations vs. realistic outcomes
  • Press releases declining in some media

How to Get Started

  1. Develop press release writing skills
  2. Obtain media database access
  3. Create service packages and pricing
  4. Market to small businesses and startups
  5. Deliver quality writing and targeted distribution
  6. Build case studies of successful pickups
  7. Scale through team or systematized process

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