How to Choose the Right Press Release Distribution Service

How to Choose the Right Press Release Distribution Service

When considering press release distribution services, Cision PR Newswire, Business Wire, and GlobeNewswire stand out as leading options. Each service offers unique features and advantages, catering to different needs. I have created a comparison to help you decide which option is most suitable for you.

PR Newswire

  • Strengths: PR Newswire is renowned for its vast distribution network, which includes thousands of websites, media outlets (440,000+), and journalists (270,000+). It also offers robust targeting options, empowering businesses to confidently reach specific industries, geographic regions, and demographics with precision.
  • Pricing: PR Newswire can be significantly more expensive than other options, making it less accessible to businesses with tighter budgets. The service has an annual fee of $195. The first 400 words for national distribution are priced at $805, with $245 for each additional 100 words, including a logo costs $495, plus $325 for multimedia attachments (source).
  • Considerations: When compared to GlobeNewswire, PR Newswire offers a broader array of features and higher user satisfaction. It’s best for short press releases with a wide reach targeting a US audience.

Business Wire

  • Strengths: Business Wire is renowned for its extensive distribution network and credibility, particularly among journalists and industry-specific (200+) publications. Due to its reputation and the perceived authority of being featured on Business Wire, it's often preferred for distributing high-profile announcements.
  • Pricing: It is known to be on the pricier side. The first 400 words for national distribution are priced at $940, with $195 for each additional 100 words, plus $425 for multimedia attachments (source). Its higher cost can be a barrier for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets. 
  • Considerations: This is a good option if you're putting out longer releases with more links and want to include a logo. The platform is user-friendly and better suited for targeting industry specific audiences.

GlobeNewswire

  • Strengths: Noted for its value proposition, GlobeNewswire provides good reach at a competitive price. Its substantial international reach makes it an excellent option for smaller companies targeting audiences beyond their native country. 
  • Pricing: GlobeNewswire's pricing structure is flexible, varying based on region, article length, and number of releases. I recently received quotes for US national non-earnings releases, with unlimited words and attachments and it came out to $7,200 for 12 press releases, $8,500 for 15, and $10,700 for 20. GlobeNewswire's rates are notably more budget-friendly than those of industry leaders like Business Wire and PR Newswire.
  • Other Considerations: While offering broad distribution, some users might find its features and analytics tools less comprehensive than those of its competitors.

TLDR

  • Cost-Effectiveness: GlobeNewswire has the best value, offering significant international reach without the steep prices of Business Wire and PR Newswire.
  • Distribution Network: Business Wire and PR Newswire are known for their expansive and reputable distribution networks, with PR Newswire slightly leading in size and reach. If targeting the US market is your primary goal, PR Newswire remains the most reliable choice.
  • Service Specialization: Business Wire is well-known internationally and caters to the financial industry, making it an optimal choice for industry-specific releases and financial disclosures.

Conclusion

Choosing between PR Newswire, Business Wire, and GlobeNewswire depends on your specific needs. Whether that's broad international reach, credibility, and authority in distribution or cost-effectiveness, consider your audience, geographic targeting needs, budget, and the specific nature of your news when deciding which service will best serve your press release distribution goals.


🩵 I know your time is valuable, thank you for taking the time to read this.

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost it so your network can benefit!

🔔 Follow for more: Victoria Banaszczyk


Nelly Darbois

Wikipedia Editor & Consultant / Funder of @Wikiconsult

8mo

Very interesting share, thank you! Do you know if there are comparative statistics on the percentage of press releases picked up by national media outlets? It would be very helpful for decision-making purposes. When I create or update Wikipedia pages for my clients, I can't rely on this type of press release as a source. Therefore, it's necessary for other media outlets to have picked up the information and also conducted investigative work for it not to be considered just a press release.

Sarah Bundy

Founder & CEO | Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs in Canada | Keynote | Top 40 Under 40 | Affiliate & Partner Marketing Expert

8mo

Great comparison! Understanding the options helps make better decisions. 

Chikodi Chima

Growth Communications For Startup Founders and Venture Capital Investors

8mo

I lean towards Businesswire because of the imprimatur of Berkshire Hathaway. Most wire services have the same publisher relationships to syndicate announcements. The real magic of the release is always the story it tells.

Adrian Bray

Helping Businesses Unlock Business Potential | Achieving Higher Valuations | Crafting Legacies through Successful Exits and Transitions | Preserving Equity for Sustainable Success | Where Are You Going Next! | Let's Talk

8mo

Very helpful, Victoria Banaszczyk. Thanks

Syya Yasotornrat

Tasmanian Devil Producer of Fun & Compelling Content | "Daria" of Social Media | Repeater of Idioms

8mo

This is helpful Victoria Banaszczyk

To view or add a comment, sign in

More articles by Victoria Banaszczyk

Explore topics