I've never done one. What are they, how do I get one and where do I put it when I've got it?

Press releases are a great way for you to let the world know about your business. They are significant because they are informative AND they also provide the much coveted *links* to your website.
Press releases are written by you and posted by you on various press release submission sites. We have a section here dedicated to press releases. Have a look in that section and also use the Search key at the top of the forum (in the purple bar) to search out posts and topics dedicated to press releases. That should get you pointed in the right direction!

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Well now is a good time to start with one then
There is a list of submission sites in our industry directory, when you're ready to start distributing your release. Many of the submission and distribution sites are free, which is just fine when you're first starting out.

For some good examples of completed releases submitted by other VAs check the Press Release section of the forums - note the format, the presentation, the tone of voice.

The idea is that you're writing a release in order to present information to the media, ie - journalists. Of course, now that's morphed a bit and people use releases as an opportunity to 'advertise' as many of the search engines pick up and index releases - just write yours in a professional tone and without sounding too much like an advertisement.

I hope that helps!
When you've got a nice solid rough draft ready you can post to the How To's and Help Me's section for assistance with editing.

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