A Press Release for $97!!??

117 replies
Okay, call me flabbergasted, but there are tons of people on here that offer services and charge an absolute fortune. I just viewed a thread where someone stated they charge $97.00 for a press release.

God damnit... with all the information freely available on the internet on how to write your own press release, it should be evident that it will not cost you (the person writing the press release) an arm or a leg to do it.

That is ridiculous. People assume people are that dumb.

Realistically any person can write a press release, and if it has newsworthy elements in it, then it will be all fine. An editor checks the work in any case because no one will release a press release they way they accept it. Gosh, I am a freelance writer and this is quite evident in my line of work.

So people, be aware of others on this forum, and do your research.

I would die before I pay someone $97.00 for a press release lol.

Nope...hell would freeze over!

Good luck!
#$97 #press #press.release #release
  • Profile picture of the author Monetize
    Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

    Okay, call me flabbergasted, but there are tons of people on here that offer services and charge an absolute fortune. I just viewed a thread where someone stated they charge $97.00 for a press release.

    God damnit... with all the information freely available on the internet on how to write your own press release, it should be evident that it will not cost you (the person writing the press release) an arm or a leg to do it.

    That is ridiculous. People assume people are that dumb.

    Realistically any person can write a press release, and if it has newsworthy elements in it, then it will be all fine. An editor checks the work in any case because no one will release a press release they way they accept it. Gosh, I am a freelance writer and this is quite evident in my line of work.

    So people, be aware of others on this forum, and do your research.

    I would die before I pay someone $97.00 for a press release lol.

    Nope...hell would freeze over!

    Good luck!
    Why bemoan other warriors who are offering a valuable
    and valid service?

    Perhaps everyone could possibly write and distribute their
    own press release but it can be time-consuming and some
    people would rather outsource this sort of task.

    Besides, $97 is a reasonable price, cheap as compared to
    other places, if you ask me.

    But you're free to do your own thing :rolleyes:
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107593].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107594].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
      Well let's look at it again- someone who has no experience in field may very well look for someone to do it for them. But it would be very stupid to assume every person has $97.00

      People come from all walks of life and some countries are not first world countries like America or the UK you know.

      If you assume all your clients are american how naive would that be? If I assumed every person I work with is well-off, have money to spend and is from the UK, how naive would that make me?

      No...realistically people limit themselves to offering a service like that for $97.00

      And to be honest...what market do you think this is? It's the internet marketing scene. If people complain about forking out $97.00 for a really damn good product that can make them money, how many would you expect will go for a service that costs $97.00?

      Nope...people here have it all wrong.

      If you can make money from a press release, sure, if not, why charge such a high amount?

      I bet that person has only received a few requests for press releases, however if it was more reasonable, then they would have more work, granted, but it's same principles as where I work here in the UK. I work with hotels. The ones that do the worse in terms of reaching their goals are the most expensive hotels. It doesn't add up no matter how hard they try. The hotels that do the best, are the ones that have rack rates of 249 pounds for a single 2 bedroom apartment and 149 pounds for a one bedroom apartment, per night, but they look at their busiest times in the year. All the holiday times and the big events is when they charge the most. When they are quieter they lower their prices, to meet the needs of the people. It is clever. So should someone be when they deliver a service. Be flexible and you will always have work.
      Signature
      "Find the problem and provide the solution."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107614].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
        Sarah,

        you're more than welcome to write press releases for me for only £25.

        I can see your point, but bear in mind, people do pay the rates, so people will keep charging them.

        Same as for designers... think a new designer who comes in and charges $30 for a minisite worries me? Not in the slightest. Of course, people will pay them, they'll get their work. But other people will pay me, and get their work. And BOTH sets of people will be happy.
        Signature
        eCoverNinja - Sales Page Graphics & Layout Specialist
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107623].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
        Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

        Well let's look at it again- someone who has no experience in field may very well look for someone to do it for them. But it would be very stupid to assume every person has $97.00

        People come from all walks of life and some countries are not first world countries like America or the UK you know.

        If you assume all your clients are american how naive would that be? If I assumed every person I work with is well-off, have money to spend and is from the UK, how naive would that make me?

        No...realistically people limit themselves to offering a service like that for $97.00

        And to be honest...what market do you think this is? It's the internet marketing scene. If people complain about forking out $97.00 for a really damn good product that can make them money, how many would you expect will go for a service that costs $97.00?

        Nope...people here have it all wrong.

        If you can make money from a press release, sure, if not, why charge such a high amount?

        I bet that person has only received a few requests for press releases, however if it was more reasonable, then they would have more work, granted, but it's same principles as where I work here in the UK. I work with hotels. The ones that do the worse in terms of reaching their goals are the most expensive hotels. It doesn't add up no matter how hard they try. The hotels that do the best, are the ones that have rack rates of 249 pounds for a single 2 bedroom apartment and 149 pounds for a one bedroom apartment, per night, but they look at their busiest times in the year. All the holiday times and the big events is when they charge the most. When they are quieter they lower their prices, to meet the needs of the people. It is clever. So should someone be when they deliver a service. Be flexible and you will always have work.



        For starters you need to segment the market because NOT everyone on the internet has money. This is a business so I go were the money is, don't you?

        You're obviously very "Green" when it comes to running a business because with your present thinking you'd go broke very quickly.

        You state... "Nope.. people here have it all wrong."

        Oh really, so now this proves you know absolutely zero about business because you think your opinion and the way you reinforce your opinion is the only correct answer.

        WELL I GOT NEWS FOR YA...

        $97 bucks is nothing and if it saves me time to let someone else do it then it actually makes me money. Have you every heard of the concept spend $1 get back $2...?

        Rant, rant, rant, rant, rant.... is that all you do?

        Mike Hill

        PS. I paid someone to write this reply as my time is more valuable than yours - obviously!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109650].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
        Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

        Well let's look at it again- someone who has no experience in field may very well look for someone to do it for them. But it would be very stupid to assume every person has $97.00

        People come from all walks of life and some countries are not first world countries like America or the UK you know.

        If you assume all your clients are american how naive would that be? If I assumed every person I work with is well-off, have money to spend and is from the UK, how naive would that make me?

        No...realistically people limit themselves to offering a service like that for $97.00

        And to be honest...what market do you think this is? It's the internet marketing scene. If people complain about forking out $97.00 for a really damn good product that can make them money, how many would you expect will go for a service that costs $97.00?

        Nope...people here have it all wrong.

        If you can make money from a press release, sure, if not, why charge such a high amount?

        I bet that person has only received a few requests for press releases, however if it was more reasonable, then they would have more work, granted, but it's same principles as where I work here in the UK. I work with hotels. The ones that do the worse in terms of reaching their goals are the most expensive hotels. It doesn't add up no matter how hard they try. The hotels that do the best, are the ones that have rack rates of 249 pounds for a single 2 bedroom apartment and 149 pounds for a one bedroom apartment, per night, but they look at their busiest times in the year. All the holiday times and the big events is when they charge the most. When they are quieter they lower their prices, to meet the needs of the people. It is clever. So should someone be when they deliver a service. Be flexible and you will always have work.
        Have you priced press releases from a PR firm before? I suspect you would figure out real quick $97 is dirt cheap if you tried.

        Go google it and bring us back the results of your research. That should give you the proper perspective.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112326].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
    $97 is expensive for a press release, I guess you would think someone should charge $2 only for article writing. What about those who are doing offline, and charging $500 a month for hosting and a 10 minute update to the site.

    $97 is less than £50 which is not that much, so would you write it for $20 for me if you think $97 is too much?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107608].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
    Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

    Okay, call me flabbergasted, but there are tons of people on here that offer services and charge an absolute fortune. I just viewed a thread where someone stated they charge $97.00 for a press release.

    God damnit... with all the information freely available on the internet on how to write your own press release, it should be evident that it will not cost you (the person writing the press release) an arm or a leg to do it.

    That is ridiculous. People assume people are that dumb.

    Realistically any person can write a press release, and if it has newsworthy elements in it, then it will be all fine. An editor checks the work in any case because no one will release a press release they way they accept it. Gosh, I am a freelance writer and this is quite evident in my line of work.

    So people, be aware of others on this forum, and do your research.

    I would die before I pay someone $97.00 for a press release lol.

    Nope...hell would freeze over!

    Good luck!

    You must run your business very differently from the way I run mine. I have paid $300 for a press release. It's not just about writing it, but submitting it and using resources to promote the press release.

    Maybe you run a shoestring business, but I believe in outsourcing things that are not my forte -- and making money off someone else's labour and skills. That's caled capitalism, and if you don't employ it you'll always just make peanuts.
    Signature
    Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107612].message }}
  • Didn't willies product, that 20 ways to make $100 a day or whatever, make like $50,000 from a well written press release? (may have been multiple, I think Pat Pretty started a thread about it).

    Many businesses and service providers pay people full time just to handle press releases and press information, and believe me, these people get paid big time. The "press" (broad term, I know) is often comprised of the most viewed and most trusted sources of information.

    I'd say $97 may even be way too cheap for this kind of service. Your business model should be one targeted enough, or well set up enough that this should be no big expense, and something you earn quickly.
    Signature

    Money isn't real, George. It doesn't matter. It only seems like it does.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107624].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
      Yes, companies will pay people full time to write press releases. In my opinion that company has far too much time and money on their hands.

      Do you know what a normal freelance writer gets paid or even a full-time journalist for a normal newspaper agency.

      Not as much as you think.

      Personally I would make more money charging £25 as Karl suggested and doing 3-4 press releases in a day then being a full time journalist.

      Sad truth. ><

      Agreed, it is very nice to have a service where you can charge $300.00 but at some point you will feel the cinch if you depend on writing press releases for a living. The only time that model will work is if you combine it with another service or you run your own business that does not deal with press releases.

      To be honest press releases are easy. I think I was more shocked to discover people charge that much, when it's so easy to write them. From my point of view that is.



      Edit -> Yup online websites do not have the luxury of being able to afford real editors. That is the truth. In the real world, a press release is still just a press release. someone offering information about their new product/business or event. It's not the gold at the end of a rainbow. In real newspapers, you have editors correcting and editing the release as they see fit.
      Signature
      "Find the problem and provide the solution."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107633].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Darrell Hagan
        I'd be willing to pay 97 coconuts for a good press release if I needed one. Because even though I'm a competent writer, that doesn't mean that I'm good at it, especially with press releases.

        I like to save money just as much as the next person but I also don't mind paying a fair price for a good value.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107647].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Anna Johnson
          Hi Sarah, when you say 'press release'... do you mean:

          1. Some generic press release for yet another ebook on how to make money online that's really just aimed at getting back-links for search engine purposes?

          or

          2. A killer press release aimed at getting major media coverage (and back-links for SEO purposes too)?

          Big difference. Sure, a competent article writer may be able to do the first for less than $97... but an expert at getting publicity i.e. finding the hook that appeals to journalists will charge a few hundred dollars. And will be worth every cent.
          Signature
          Discover a REAL Internet marketing newsletter
          News, comment, research, tips and more.
          (And great freebies when you subscribe...)
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107661].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
    When you consider that there may be a great deal of research involved in writing the press release, that price becomes quite a bit more reasonable.

    My personal favorite is when a client gives me a URL (that points to a page that has one general paragraph on it) and tells me to come up with a release. Nothing else - just "I need a press release." The time spent finding the newsworthy angle, researching the business and then putting it all together so that it will not only make sense, but also drive traffic to their site, and convert - if that's not worth at least $97, then I don't know what is.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107635].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
      If the market doesn't like the price they're asking for their service, they won't get any business and they'll adjust their pricing.

      They don't need everyone and their mothers to approve their price to make their chosen business model successful.

      ...not that we know their business model.

      I worked for a company once that paid £2,000 per month to a marketing company to send out one HTML email to less than 1,000 people. And they were happy to do it because they made a decent return on it.

      Cheers,

      Neil
      Signature

      Easy email marketing automation without moving your lists.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107650].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
      CSwrite, if a client pointed to a paragraph and said write a press release and you have to "find" the angle, then you can't be that good at your job. A journalist's job is to search and provide information. You are not a journalist. If you write a press release the client should give you all the details required. It is your job, to point out to your client that they need to supply you with complete information.

      In fact you should have a standard question sheet that you can supply to people like that.

      A writer's job is to write. Not anything else. We take the information provided to us and write as it is. As I said before...to write a press release isn't science. I would laugh the day I see someone write a full thesis on how to write a press release.

      Business owners can be ignorant when it comes to a press release, but you should be ready with the usual reply if they do not supply enough information. You have to 'educate' them on what is required if I have to think of a word.

      And this gets me laughing too... a press release isn't marketing as so many IM books try to sell you. It is what it is. A press release. The job of a press release is to provide information and a link/point to your business. It is to make people aware of your business and what is going on. In internet marketing you have all kinds of people telling you how you should write a press release that will convert...I mean are you people insane. It's not there to convert and I want to see you try send a press release like that to a normal real world newspaper. You will get a lovely rejection note or you find your press release pleasantly edited to a normal standard. Don't make it into something it isn't. It isn't there for your IM efforts. It's a damn press release.

      A company that sends out a press release for any event/ or happening, is trying to keep their name on people's lips. It should be very informative though and editors do not take selling, or even the mention of anything similar, lightly. They will outright reject it. That is the truth. Here is a nice piece of advice. Study journalism and then go work for a big newspaper agency and then come back and tell me all you told me before with a smile.

      Good luck!
      Signature
      "Find the problem and provide the solution."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107654].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
        Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

        CSwrite, if a client pointed to a paragraph and said write a press release and you have to "find" the angle, then you can't be that good at your job.

        And this gets me laughing too... a press release isn't marketing as so many IM books try to sell you.
        Note to self - must send email broadcast to clients in the morning that the reason they now dominate the first three pages of search engines for their keywords, or land number one spots in Google News, or see an increase in sales/visitors/leads is because:

        1. I'm bad at my job
        2. Press releases are useless for marketing purposes



        In all seriousness, as Christopher pointed out, the two worlds are very different, and like it or not, press releases are effective marketing tools, especially if they are well written.

        I actually do have a form to fill out, but many clients simply ignore it.

        Why?

        Because they can't find their own angle. They know they need promotion, but they don't know how to get to the point of formulating the request. It drives me nuts, but I also enjoy the challenge of finding that angle, that hook that will make a difference in their business. Call me crazy.

        Sarah, you probably could make a killing charging $25. If that is all that you think your time and effort is worth, more power to you. Perception of value.

        If someone who doesn't know how to write a press release spends 5 hours struggling on it, how much time and money will they have wasted? Why not pay someone else to breeze through it, while they are free to keep running their business?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107672].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jensrsa
        Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

        And this gets me laughing too... a press release isn't marketing as so many IM books try to sell you. It is what it is. A press release. The job of a press release is to provide information and a link/point to your business. It is to make people aware of your business and what is going on.
        Wikipedia Definition: Marketing is an ongoing process of planning and executing the marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion often referred to as the 4 Ps) for products, services or ideas to create exchange between individuals and organizations.
        Sarah, I suggest you review your definition of marketing and the place of press releases as a marketing tool.

        I think that's where the problem lies - you seem to regard press releases as valueless as an online tool.

        Jens
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107803].message }}
  • I think you just may be fairly versed in your ability to write press releases, and if nothing else, are able to find those that are.

    I congratulate you on your abilities, but I think you need to keep in mind the average person won't. You also don't know of the time constraints, market demand, and a few other factors about the business that dictate that $97 price tag. For all we know, $97 is the lowest that company or individual can go to make it worthwhile.

    But if nothing else, we've proven there are tons of people willing to pay $97, and even some people who WOULDN'T pay less! Heck, this is sounding like something I might want to get into!
    Signature

    Money isn't real, George. It doesn't matter. It only seems like it does.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107637].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alfardo
    I think $97 is a fair price to pay for a press release. You have to consider the rewards from it. How much benefit will you get from the press release. I sent out a couple of press releases over the last few months, one I paid $27 dollars for the other I paid $137 (nice price point). believe it or not the y were the exact same press release and from the higher price point my traffic increased almost instantly and sales for that day paid for the press relaease by a multiple of almost 10.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107646].message }}
  • Someone should call Patrick Pretty and see what his open on this thread is. I believe (i'm really almost positive its him) he's actually written a fairly in depth guide on press releases, on the "old" forum. I know he's used them with great success.

    There are tons of things that go into a press release. A beginner would have no idea where to even begin, let alone write something attracted attention, and even then, let alone one that produced sales or leads on the spot.

    Unfortunately for your argument sarah, this isn't offline. The ease and simplicity of sending an internet press release for the most part make for a different set of rules.

    Stuff that flys online, doesn't work offline, and vice versa.

    I don't get the logic that a press release shouldn't somehow sell yourself. We aren't fortune 500 companies that just need to be remembered or look good in the newspaper, these are small time business people that often want a tangible ROI with everything they do. If you have the skill to, or can afford $97 to get the skills to make some money come release time, why the hell not make some cash?

    If you told Exxon "Hey, I'm writing your press release. Do you want me to get people to say your business name in their heads, or do you want me to write it in a way that could land you several huge leads?"

    It sounds like this is something you did in a past job that came naturally to you. Why don't you start a press release business where you charge $25 big ones, and do things your way? You are pretty convinced that the current model is wrong, so obviously yours would work, correct?
    Signature

    Money isn't real, George. It doesn't matter. It only seems like it does.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107663].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
      I am quoting you now Christopher:

      "There are tons of things that go into a press release. A beginner would have no idea where to even begin, let alone write something attracted attention, and even then, let alone one that produced sales or leads on the spot."

      Wow, we must obviously live in the dark ages. There is no such thing as the internet. Yup, obviously a newbie cannot find information on how to write a press release online...

      Oh, let me forget... I remember back in school we covered this subject already. Ah, yes...English class. We were required to write a press release and we were taught how to write one. Did your school ever teach you that? Obviously not.

      You people make it sound like people are complete idiots. Even if someone doesn't know how to write properly, at some point in their life they would have been taught (at school) how to write a press release. Now if your school didn't teach you that, then all I can say is... ><

      But it wouldn't surprise me. Some schools in the USA are concerned with only some subjects and deem other subjects unworthy of being taught. The same in other countries. I guess I am glad I come from South Africa then. We learned about this entire world and all the different nations, and even something like "how to write a press release the correct way," were covered.

      Yes, what happens online doesn't work offline. I guess it is so easy. But in reality it can't be if someone has to charge someone $97.00

      Believe me, my argument here isn't that I need a press release at a lower price. It's the fact that it is plain ridiculous. If it made so much money, then do it for a living and prove me wrong. That means you do not combine it with anything else. No, I would not accept anyone else's word on the topic of writing a press release. I already studied journalism years ago and I have already worked in newspaper agencies. The fact is if you are so convinced that a press release will bring you money then do it full time. That is the challenge. If you can't-> ..........well you can guess where the door is.



      Have fun trying to prove to the world and me that you will make a living off it, especially if you haven't done it before. But wait...I forget one crucial element. The element of -parents, friends, kids, and other warriors. I guess you can make a living off it if you convince people here and your family and friends to buy the service from you.
      Signature
      "Find the problem and provide the solution."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107682].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
        I was never taught to write a press release in school, but then I wasn't brought up in South Africa where you learnt everything that the rest of us didn't.

        Of course we have to bow to your greatness, as you seem to think there is the Sarah way which is the right way or the wrong way which is anything which isn't Sarah's way. Of course you wouldn't accept anyone elses word because only yours is to be accepted and believed.

        So what are you doing here, if you know it all and are you doing what you challenge the rest to us to do.

        I have no intention of spending my time writing press releases, because that isn't my business model, and I know where the door is, and it can kick me in the arse if you want.

        I don't sell press releases to family, friends or warriors. I have clients who come who know nothing of the warrior forum. They joined another forum, where they were taught to write a press release exactly the same as an ad for craigslist, and then wondered why it wasn't accepted. To quote you these are people who are idiots because they have no idea how to write a press release. Interesting that one of the people came from South Africa, and they thought they could write a press release as a basic ad.

        BTW why do we have to prove anything to you? Again what are you doing here, and why should we take any notice of you, when all you do is argue and think you are right.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107704].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
          It's funny that people retort with "why do we have to prove anything to you."

          In this world if you want to be everything you can be, you will damn well prove it.

          I studied journalism and a few other things. Can I prove it. Yes. I have worked as a freelancer writer and a journalist. Can I prove it. Yes. 'If' I offered a service where I sell something and it is 'supposed to make money' must I prove it. Hell yes. Nope... we are not just talking screenshots of a paypal account here people. If people deliver value and they can prove that they have the money, because of a service delivered well, then sure. But in this day and age anything can be faked..from screenshots, to testimonials, to people stating on video they have made money. Why would people fake and lie...simple reason as always.

          "Fake it till you make it." -> that is if they make it at all.

          Oh, I must be a know it all... of course in the forum where everyone is a guru, or the next best thing. Ask yourself the same question...are you a know-it-all in your field. Examine that thought for a second. ^__^

          But gosh, you had to mention craiglist...wtf! That shit can fly to hell for all I care. Why people bother with "attempting" to sell on craiglist is beyond me. Most techniques described for selling on there is "illegal" and does not conform to the standard rules. For example...how people use the redirects there, and images etc. I don't even have to go there to know all this...why...because I have read tons of wso's that deal with exactly that. Where is the value in being a "Black Marketer"? That is the term I give to people who obviously try and expose every little thing to gain an advantage and they are actually just spamming, or in most cases being outright deceitful.
          Signature
          "Find the problem and provide the solution."
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107724].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Tom B
            Banned
            This has got to be one of the craziest threads I have ever seen on here. Reason has been thrown out the window.

            I create software programs. Would I pay someone to create them for me. HELL YES. If I figure my time is better spent doing others things then why not.

            Would I pay for a $97 press release. HELL YEAH. It doesn't matter if there is information on the internet about writing press releases. I don't want to spend my time finding it and working it out for myself. I can just hire someone with experience and go ahead with other things that I does need my attention.

            I really don't understand the logic of the OP. Maybe it is a too much time thing and not enough to do.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107741].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Tom B
              Banned
              I forgot to mention. You can kill your business by trying to do everything yourself.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107747].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
                Banned
                [DELETED]
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107752].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Tom B
                  Banned
                  Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

                  Not to mention yourself

                  My wife's new secret plan.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107759].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
            Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

            But gosh, you had to mention craiglist...wtf! That shit can fly to hell for all I care. Why people bother with "attempting" to sell on craiglist is beyond me. Most techniques described for selling on there is "illegal" and does not conform to the standard rules. For example...how people use the redirects there, and images etc. I don't even have to go there to know all this...why...because I have read tons of wso's that deal with exactly that. Where is the value in being a "Black Marketer"? That is the term I give to people who obviously try and expose every little thing to gain an advantage and they are actually just spamming, or in most cases being outright deceitful.
            A journalist who can't read it seems. I mentioned craigslist not craiglist, big difference, and try rereading what I said about it, not what you think I said.

            What has being a black marketer got to do with writing a press release, apart from the fact you dug yourself in a hole and can't get out.

            You prove that you are a journalist, you prove that you have written offline, you prove that you know it all.

            So all knowing Sarah, how do you make your money online? What is your business, we are all dying to hear from the latest self aclaimed guru.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107781].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
              By the way...

              just in case Sarah isn't riled up enough...

              I need a press release done - budget = $197

              Kindest regards,
              Karl.
              Signature
              eCoverNinja - Sales Page Graphics & Layout Specialist
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107788].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
            Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

            It's funny that people retort with "why do we have to prove anything to you."

            In this world if you want to be everything you can be, you will damn well prove it.
            Hold on. YOU are the one who started the thread stating that $97 is too much for a press release. So why should anyone have to prove something to you?

            Clearly, whether a price is too high is an opinion, not fact. People can charge what they want for services- if $97 is too high, the buyer won't buy it.

            Why do you care so much if someone is paying more than you think they should?

            What is the right price for a press release?

            I'm highly surprised a school (not a college) would teach how to write press releases. What percent of citizens need that skill?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109072].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jensrsa
        Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

        Even if someone doesn't know how to write properly, at some point in their life they would have been taught (at school) how to write a press release. Now if your school didn't teach you that, then all I can say is...
        The point isn't really whether people can be taught or teach themselves to write press releases but as a number of people pointed out, whether they want to spend the time and effort rather than pay someone to do it for them.

        Anyone with a halfway decent education and a bit of training can
        - write press releases
        - write adwords ads
        - write newspaper ads
        - write articles
        - defend themselves in court on minor charges
        - fix a tap
        - service a car

        but this doesn't mean that they should do it, or shouldn't outsource.

        I don't do press releases for clients but I do Adword campaigns for them, probably at a price that visitors wouldn't pay if I offered it on my web site, but my clients are happy to pay it.

        My daughter is a journalist and she charges $150 plus photos plus expenses to do an article for a magazine. A long way from $2 an article.

        You price your services according to the value your market places on it.

        Pricing it lower might bring in more clients but not necessarily more profit.

        Pricing a press release at $20 means you have to do 5 press releases for every one at $97 with the corresponding effort, time and expenses.

        It makes sense to price your service as high as possible for your market.

        Jens
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107748].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Chris Monty
          OK, so you think their price is too high. Let the opportunist in you come out.

          If you think you could do the same or better, then start your own press release service and charge, say $50.

          A little competition could start a price war. Wouldn't that be fun? That's what I would do.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107763].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
            Often the most important post is always overlooked. Cookies to the person that can point out which post I made that is the most important message.

            As a side note... more chocolate cookies to the person who can spot where people mention a number below $50.00

            Let's recap- Did I ever mention anything beyond $97.00 in my first post? So who is clever now? Not me. Funny... if I have a questionable background because I have a proper part-time job in this world, what does that make you Big Mike. Let's see if you can read. Did I ever complain that I am not making money on this forum? If you find any of my posts that state that, a cookie to you. Albeit a worthless cookie. Because not once have I mentioned it. I simply state what I think, and it is a discussion forum- no? Do you think people are entitled to their own opinions? Yup. I would think so. Have you ever seen me beg you for money or thrown some lame excuse to the wind on why I need money. hehe... this is making me laugh.

            Fact is, you throw insults when none can be further from the truth. I make a comfortable living doing a part-time job.. and the rest...well that is for me to know. Why do I frequent an internet marketing forum? Well obviously people 'assume' everyone is here only to make money. But I won't deter them from that notion. It's all great that people assume things, but here you can't say one thing about me because I have never attempted to sell my services, or my own product to anyone. So your words are invalid.

            I have once offered a service to someone on here-> if I remember correctly and still the person chose to go with their own design. On more than one occasion I have simply posted and answered questions and beyond that posted threads that gain a good response.

            Contrary to the belief if someone hasn't noticed one of my earlier remarks, is that I am not here to make money. I have enough ebooks/scripts/wso's etc to last me a lifetime and nope, I have not once sold any product that I own here. Nor would I want to. In time I 'might' offer information I find valuable and in something I am very knowledgeable about (which doesn't involve internet marketing), but for now, I am more than content just to be here on the forum, discuss and be myself. I have helped a fair few people on here and that is something I am at least proud of. Not everyone is out here just for money.

            In my case I have studied internet marketing for 7 years now. I have never attempted to sell my own product or do anything in it. It's a hobby.

            countonuspr- you obviously haven't dealt with a lot of businesses then. lol. In a normal business situation the secretary/receptionist/ personal assistant is the one that submits a standard press release. She doesn't get paid more unfortunately. That is a part of his/her job description.


            Montydad5000- Yes, it probably will bring in a price war. Theory would suggest though that people will not lower their prices. After all, it's what they want for the time being spent performing the service.

            Ah okies, people... This was good fun and a great discussion. I am off to relax now for a while. Been on here long enough.

            Good luck and have fun.

            p.s. Most people did miss the most important post I made... read the following words and digest:

            "So, yes...I happen to read a post when I saw that. So I just made a topic and said what I wanted to and answer what people threw at me. That is how forums work.

            Nothing beyond that.

            It's common sense to ask why someone would charge $97.00 and see what people respond to that. The same with any product/service. Why would someone charge the amount they do when they can go higher or lower. It's nice to see how people justify their actions."


            Bye *waves*
            Signature
            "Find the problem and provide the solution."
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107833].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
              Could someone move this to the 'off-topic' forum or somewhere even more suitable?

              Like the school playground, maybe?

              Cheers,

              Neil
              Signature

              Easy email marketing automation without moving your lists.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107838].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Mike McBride
              Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

              Often the most important post is always overlooked. Cookies to the person that can point out which post I made that is the most important message.

              <DELETED>

              Bye *waves*
              After reading your posts in this and other threads, I'd say the part in bold is the most important - and best - message you've made.

              I have to agree with Big Mike's troll alert.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107915].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
                Karl

                I'll write your press release for $197. Just give me a couple of weeks to search the net to find out how to do it.

                Martin
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107937].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
                  Oops Karl,

                  Cancel that. I just rewired my kitchen using a Youtube video. Won't be out of hospital before Christmas.

                  Martin
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107940].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
              You need to focus not on cost but on return for investment.

              I've written multiple online press releases that got over 40,000 views.

              Would you pay $97 for 40,000 views (incidentally I charge $1,000+ to write a press release).

              I've also written press releases offline that have:

              # got me on mutliple radio shows including over 2 years on a radio show that fed to 40 radio stations across the country

              # multiple tv interviews

              # multiple first page coverage in newspapers


              On top of that using back links my online press releases have propelled websites to top rankings on Google for selected keyword phrases.


              I'm not for hire to do this service but if you're worried about paying out $97 then you have NO understanding of the potential of online press releases.

              I'd happily pay someone $97+ or several times that if I knew they could get the results I can with my online press releases.

              The reason: I know I'll make a MASSIVE profit even if I'm paying out $1,000 for the press release.

              It's all about return on investment.

              Kindest regards,
              Andrew Cavanagh
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109446].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author mream
              This is so lame. In the time I wasted reading this post, I could have learned to write a press release and distribute it... maybe make some money.

              However, PR writing is not my forte, so I would have outsourced it. $97 not that bad.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112158].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Eric Engel
              I keep coming back and looking at this thread in disbelief. I can't imagine writing a press release for only $97. Not if I've got any experience at all. I mean, not everyone is going to charge the big bucks, but if you're still charging less than $100 for a press release, and you've been doing this for more than 3 months, you might consider another industry...you're just not catching on.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113508].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
                I've never really got into the press release thing, but I decided that I would for my next major upgrade launch.

                I know I would have avoided a $97 offering for being too cheap.

                Cheers,

                Neil
                Signature

                Easy email marketing automation without moving your lists.

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113524].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                  How do you define a "great" press release?

                  I have written one that got me 2 spots on the local news. Generated about 150 calls, and made me money.

                  I considered it a success since it cost me nothing and generated income.

                  Is a press release worth $97, $300, etc., if it generates a profit? Or is it only worth it if it generates a certain ROI (not just a profit, but 2 or 10+ times your money)?

                  I would be interested in hearing how everyone on this thread determines if a press release is worth whatever they paid for it.
                  Signature
                  "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113759].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author Eric Engel
                    Originally Posted by Shay60654 View Post

                    How do you define a "great" press release?
                    It might depend on how you're selling it. For a very simple press release, with nothing else involved, I don't think there is any way to tell. I mean since the client comes up with the idea, and then decides how to distribute it, there isn't any real measuring stick.

                    But if you come up with the idea, write it, and then distribute it, the quality is really based on what the client wanted in the first place. If they wanted publicity, then you would measure on how many interviews/news spots they got. If they wanted actual dollars, that ROI is your measure.
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113847].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
                    Originally Posted by Shay60654 View Post

                    How do you define a "great" press release?

                    I have written one that got me 2 spots on the local news. Generated about 150 calls, and made me money.

                    I considered it a success since it cost me nothing and generated income.
                    To me, a great press release is one that generates buzz now, produces sales now, and then keeps working for you in perpetuity through back links, new customers discovering you, and by increasing search engine rankings.

                    HTH,
                    Cary
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113884].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
                    Originally Posted by Shay60654 View Post

                    How do you define a "great" press release?

                    I have written one that got me 2 spots on the local news. Generated about 150 calls, and made me money.

                    I considered it a success since it cost me nothing and generated income.

                    Is a press release worth $97, $300, etc., if it generates a profit? Or is it only worth it if it generates a certain ROI (not just a profit, but 2 or 10+ times your money)?

                    I would be interested in hearing how everyone on this thread determines if a press release is worth whatever they paid for it.
                    If you're a business person hiring someone to do a press release for you common sense would tell you to focus on return on investment.

                    If the press release costs you $10,000 and it brings back $40,000 in profits then it's an absolute mind blowing bargain and you see if you can repeat that (risk another $10,000).

                    On the other hand if the press release costs you $100 and brings back $10 in sales it's probably worth finding another press release writer to test or another strategy.

                    The price is not especially important.

                    It's the return you get for the money you invest that you have to think about.

                    Kindest regards,
                    Andrew Cavanagh
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[162699].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                      Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

                      If you're a business person hiring someone to do a press release for you common sense would tell you to focus on return on investment.

                      If the press release costs you $10,000 and it brings back $40,000 in profits then it's an absolute mind blowing bargain and you see if you can repeat that (risk another $10,000).

                      On the other hand if the press release costs you $100 and brings back $10 in sales it's probably worth finding another press release writer to test or another strategy.

                      The price is not especially important.

                      It's the return you get for the money you invest that you have to think about.

                      Kindest regards,
                      Andrew Cavanagh
                      Thanks, Andrew! I agree!
                      Signature
                      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[163058].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
    Maybe we charge $97 when we have some spare time and people do pay those prices.

    Isn't it arrogant to assume we would get more work if we dropped our prices, when you have no idea the amount of work we have.

    I expect the client to give me all the information, but I still have to read, understand and write it for them, and I am not working for £5 an hour. I can go to McD's for that rate.

    It seems you are giving your opinion as facts, how about some hard data to back you up. How do you know what is a waste of money, just because you run a business that doesn't want to spend any money, don't assume the rest of the world follows you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107676].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Montgomery
    It's all relative in my opinion.

    I paid one of my writers $10 the other day for a well written press release but I wouldn't be apposed to paying $100 if it was good enough.

    If it gets the job done that you want then it's worth it to some people.

    There are many top copywriters out there that charge $25,000 for good copy and then there are guys who charge $150.

    Many people are happy to pay $25K because it's that good and they know the value of good copy.

    Why complain about what someone charges - you don't have to use them. You could easily go out and fine someone who charges less.

    mx
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107688].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
      Mike X I am not interested in using a person who charges $97.00 because I wasn't looking for someone to write a press release for me in any case. *points to siggie to show I like information* I usually read a lot of threads in this forum, and I am a member of over a 50 other forums. Not with this name.

      So, yes...I happen to read a post when I saw that. So I just made a topic and said what I wanted to and answer what people threw at me. That is how forums work.

      Nothing beyond that.

      It's common sense to ask why someone would charge $97.00 and see what people respond to that. The same with any product/service. Why would someone charge the amount they do when they can go higher or lower. It's nice to see how people justify their actions.

      Big Mike- If you can't prove it then you can't. Just say so. Gosh, I would never offer a service like some people do, that obviously are just looking for money and yet their services are worthless to begin with. The same as someone writing an ebook on how to make money, when they themselves have never done that. That is why a lot of people in this field are so fake. Deal with it. It's the truth. I have a long time ago and yet I love it. People intrigue me!
      Signature
      "Find the problem and provide the solution."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107698].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author countonuspr
        If someone can charge $97 for a press release and sell them to people, than that is great! If they can sell a press release for $300, than that is great also! If they can a sell a press release for $1,000, than good for them. It really doesn't matter what people charge as long as their is a market for your price point and you deliver good value to the client. If the client is happy, than everyone is happy.

        If you were providing a service wouldn't you rather only work with 1 client and make the same amount as if you had to work with 10 clients? If you can focus your energy on helping that one client they are much happier.

        Thanks for your opinions.
        Signature
        Paul Counts, Host of the "Count On Us Internet Profits Radio Show"
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107713].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107706].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
      [MINI RANT]

      I am so sick and tired of hearing Warriors complain about paying for services to run their business. Ask yourself this: Are you truly running a business or are you just trying to make a few bucks online?

      If you're running a business, you should have a budget for building your business. If your budget can't handle $97 for a press release that can vastly increase targeted traffic to your business, then your business is in trouble.

      I have never seen more tightfisted entrepreneurs then since I've come here. It's time someone reminded you that you DO have to spend some money to make some money.

      [/MINI RANT]
      Signature
      Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107723].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
        Banned
        [DELETED]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107735].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author countonuspr
        Kevin,

        I can't agree more with your post below. I think that as Internet marketers many people forget that they are getting such great deals for press releases, SEO, article writing, etc. If we told a company in the brick and mortar world that you would write and distribute a press release for them for $97 they would laugh at you because it is so cheap. They are expecting more like $500 plus for that kind of service. If people think a price is too high for a service don't go blast those people on a forum. They are hardworking people just trying to make a living also.

        Originally Posted by Kevin Riley View Post

        [MINI RANT]

        I am so sick and tired of hearing Warriors complain about paying for services to run their business. Ask yourself this: Are you truly running a business or are you just trying to make a few bucks online?

        If you're running a business, you should have a budget for building your business. If your budget can't handle $97 for a press release that can vastly increase targeted traffic to your business, then your business is in trouble.

        I have never seen more tightfisted entrepreneurs then since I've come here. It's time someone reminded you that you DO have to spend some money to make some money.

        [/MINI RANT]
        Signature
        Paul Counts, Host of the "Count On Us Internet Profits Radio Show"
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107736].message }}
  • My school didn't teach me how to write press releases. I don't know if I asked anyone I know at any of my surrounding schools, they'd say they wrote any kind of press release.

    I went to a pretty decent private school too, so its not as though I was lacking teaching (just a willing to learn )

    You have a way of completely ignoring every argument against yours, except for the ones you feel you have a valid point against.

    TIME IS MONEY. Ok? Write that down, I feel like you don't understand it. If I'm so busy that I could make $400 doing something else in the time it takes me to write a press release, then holy crap I'm going to pay someone else a number between $0-400 to do it for me, especially when well written press releases have proven to make money.

    Last time I did one was to announce a product I just put in clickbank. I made a few sales right off the bat, which paid for the listing (which was $137, go figure), I netted several hundred new subscribers (potentially thousands, I'll keep it real and say a few hundred profit from), and two new affiliates, one of which did over $1000 gross sales for the product.

    From what I've gathered from this thread, and other people, those results weren't really that crazy. Anyway...

    Why would South Africans need to learn how to write press releases? I'm IN ABSOLUTELY NO WAY ATTACKING ANYONE OR ANYTHING, South Africa isn't nearly as industrialized and business focused as a country compared to the united states. I take it by your grammar and language that you probably went to some kind of business orientated school, or at least one that knew you wouldn't be staying in south africa.

    Is it even feasible to do press releases full time? I dont think most publishers would let you send out frequently, let alone diminishing returns. Why would someone need to make it a full time business model, when its a perfect, and as proven several times, a cheap (at $97-137) and profitable compliment. Not to mention, that it could be a sustainable business model if a proven sales process was created, and then modified to be easily changed so you could have a string of products and services that rotate through press release schedules. It would be hard to pull off, probably not rewarding, but it could work.

    That argument doesn't hold water in my book anyway, as not everything that yields profit can be done full time. I've made sales from people who've seen my Occupation section on facebook and thought it sounded interesting, and found a link to my product. It was cheap to do, obviously profitable, but you'd be hard pressed to make a business model out of it.

    Furthermore, no one really even brought that up as a point of argument to begin with.

    While we were all skipping that day of class where they taught "how to write effective press releases for less than $97", you must have missed "how to address and defend points of argument logically and professionally".
    Signature

    Money isn't real, George. It doesn't matter. It only seems like it does.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107712].message }}
  • Go look at how much it costs to place ads on craigslist for job listings. A max of $25 for the biggest cities in the nation (some in the world). Look at what it costs to place ads in a local newspaper, in the local yellow pages.

    Lets see, in rochester, when I was looking for sales people:

    Yellow pages: $400 for 2 weeks in a pretty random section. This was one of the cheaper options.

    Monster: About $400
    Careerbuilder: Like $400 something I believe
    Local job listing site: $300 something
    Craigslist: free

    I went with craigslist and careerbuilder. I got about 50 applicants from craigslist, and I think 6 total from careerbuilder. I ended up hiring 4 from career builder, and 1 from craigslist, and that was on a one-on-one interview hunch.

    You get what you pay for. a $25 press release would most likely be the same as a $2 article. It'll probably get the job done, but who knows.
    Signature

    Money isn't real, George. It doesn't matter. It only seems like it does.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107758].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Helen Doherty
    I see your original point Sarah, and all of the other contributors too.

    I happen to be in the process of setting up a press release site and $97 is a good price point, especially with the versility of online press releases.

    For example, you can very easily get onto the the first page of Google with some great SEO terms with a good release. You can still get it front of editors, but also the general public too. Google loves news.

    Okay so one online press release might get lost in the murky midsts of the Internet if not correctly optimized and submitted to one or two free press release distribution sites. However, making press releases part of the marketing mix is very beneficial and by submitting to the 'right' places a link and Google Fest!

    The price is in the value that product provides, not just the actual press release.

    My two cents
    Signature

    Helen Doherty: What Would Happen If We All Let Rip(ple)?

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107761].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Motson
    Hm, where is this $97 for a press release WSO?

    Seems reasonable to me.

    John
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107830].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
      Originally Posted by John Motson View Post

      Hm, where is this $97 for a press release WSO?

      Seems reasonable to me.

      John
      Yeah, I'd like to know that as well. I can write great articles, but press releases just seem a little out of reach for me. Maybe because I haven't read enough of them? This is not my area of expertise and if I found someone who would write and submit my press release for $97, I'd be glad to pay it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109042].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Hamish Jones
    Hey Sarah,

    I just wanted to thank you for telling me that I have wasted all my time and money at university studying Public Relations. (well not me specifically, but I am insulted none the less.)

    Silly me for wanting to have pride in my work and ensure I get the best value for my customer. Silly me for having set questions I would ask a customer and then still wanting to research more information to ensure that their Press Release would actually achieve something.

    I'll sell articles in bulk at $10 to warriors (that are worth more!) because i get a lot of help here. They'll be easy to read, contain a few good phrases and rank well, but this is nowhere near the same as writing a proper Press Release.

    A Press Release is not the same as submitting to an article directory. It's about getting in the news and a proper PR professional (who doesn't necessarily have to be university qualified) will work damn hard to make sure that you are newsworthy (even if you shouldn't be.)

    Maybe there are some that shouldn't be charging $97 to write a Press Release, but don't be so condescending to those that pride themselves on their PR abilities.

    BTW, $97 is cheap!
    Signature
    Best Business Deals - The World's Most Customer Focused Telecommunications Company. Servicing Customers in Australia, Canada and the USA.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107837].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GuruGazette
    I'm sorry but this is a common mistake amidst some markets online. Effective press release writing is a rare skill. When I provided this service in the past the base rate was $400 for a one page release of about 400 words. And clients were thrilled to pay that amount because I got them major results.

    The problem as I see it lately, is that too many people seem to think a "Press Release" is just another form of an article. (Or worse: Just another way to get backlinks. Ugg) There is just SO much more to it than that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107879].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GuruGazette
    Originally Posted by Brian McElroy View Post

    If I were to sell a press release service... I would probably charge
    around $2,500.

    That's because I wouldn't sell a "press release"... I would sell a

    RESULT

    I.E. targeted traffic, mainstream media coverage, leads, sales,
    branding, etc.

    -Brian
    Yeah after reading the entire thread I realized the OP was talking about providing press releases to a person, while we're talking about providing them to a business. Her loss.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[107961].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Marie Pugh
      Well, I guess I must be one of the gullible ones who has paid to have a press release done!

      I paid $97 to a warrior who wrote and submitted it for me - and within 2 weeks, I had first page rankings for many keywords I wanted, I had a ton of traffic - and I ended up being interviewed for a business website - which had found me through that $97.00 press release!

      Sorry - I am a writer too, and I have written many of my own releases. But - I didn't have the time to do one as well as I wanted to, so I paid someone who knew how to do it for me.

      And, I would have paid more to get the results I got......
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109037].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author enrich
    Banned
    I agree it is overpriced. $97 is a bit much if you ask me. How long is the average press release? Its about the length of an average article isnt it (maybe 500 words or so)

    No way would I pay $97 per article so I wouldnt pay that for a press release either.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109045].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
      Sara,

      Its not that press releases aren't worth $97...

      Its that you can't market and sell your ability to the clients that are willing to pay $97+.

      Judging by your attitude and what you write, you really don't know whats going on.

      Keep selling those $3 press releases to the warriors and DP'ers.

      Or, you can improve your ability to write, sell , and market, and just charge more money.

      Good Luck.
      Signature

      "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
      "


      "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109078].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
        Originally Posted by MaskedMarketer View Post

        Sara,

        Its not that press releases aren't worth $97...

        Its that you can't market and sell your ability to the clients that are willing to pay $97+.

        Judging by your attitude and what you write, you really don't know whats going on.

        Keep selling those $3 press releases to the warriors and DP'ers.

        Or, you can improve your ability to write, sell , and market, and just charge more money.

        Good Luck.
        Ah, no one got that one post where I referred to the low amount under $97.00

        So let me laugh a bit before explaining this to you... everyone here that has replied today, is in the business of delivering a service or as some would seem...a self acclaimed guru. Very few here actually just voiced their opinion because they felt like it.

        The classic trap is that the people who get so upset at this have no way of justifying their actions-some were valid-some were not- and that is exactly what I was looking for actually. Not one person could give a straight answer. Then as typical human beings and like the rest of society you turn to insults and mentioning $3, and $2...which was a laugh to me actually. I actually laughed more today than I have in a while.

        While everyone tried everything in their power to make me angry, it only made me laugh more. The most I laughed was when someone pointed out that I had questionable background because I work part-time. How questionable was that. Omg! The crap you people talk when you can't find a way to get at the person is hilarious. Never did any of you realize that you lowered your own standards by replying and being so full of shit. I can be full of shit (it's me ), since I have stated before...I have never sold my services to anyone. So why the animosity towards someone that obviously isn't in your league, is a troll, and a know-it-all?

        Did you look at yourself today and wondered what the hell you were saying here in this thread?

        In this world where your reputation is essential, how would you justify your actions when you mention $2 and $3, when not even I have once mentioned that price. Shows you how petty people can be with their ridiculous replies.

        My question was simple... why charge $97.00

        I was interested to see the response and for every well-worded response I gave you all exactly what you needed the most. Someone to challenge your every word. But then if you were clever, you would have left the thread a long time ago. No use debating the subject and trying to insult the person with words of, "Keep selling those $3 press releases to the warriors and DP'ers." I mean, did I ever mention $2.00 anywhere. Nope. It is in your imagination.

        Now I will give you a straight answer on why in particular I felt $97.00 is high.

        Have you noticed in the internet marketing game people sell products and services in the particular "7" category? Of course everyone knows this.

        So let's start.

        $27.00 - Someone would pay that for a good wso, or a good PLR pack or even, a cheap monthly membership price.

        $47.00- This is more serious. Obviously people are not targeting the freeloaders, and you are not too expensive. To most people this is a good area for most products.

        $67.00- This is where the competition is upped. Some people might sell their minisites at this price or you can get some good access to a really good monthly membership.

        $97.00- This is where things get expensive and you are targeting people with money to spend. Sure people will pay that, but they will absolutely love paying that amount for a good script, a really good piece of software or a monthly membership that has tons and tons of exposure and a good paying affiliate system. Gosh, this is almost god like.

        $147- This is reserved for the more expensive script without making you bankrupt and some damn good information. In some case, more rare information.

        Anything above $500 is godlike of course. But honestly that remains to be seen lol.

        Now if I could pay $97.00 for that coveted script or piece of software that I know will benefit my business in the long term, would I honestly fork out $97.00 for a press release.

        No.

        To the people who keep saying I want to market myself. Or is somehow failing in life or whatever your little mind can think of. Imagine how your mind will take this- I have never been interested in selling myself. In fact I do not have to sell myself. Things I have done in my life is either a success or a failure. I love IM because it's a hobby. I am not here for you or for your money so throw that dumb notion out of your mind. And no... I have never sold ANYTHING for $3.00. As I have said in my other posts... I do not use this name on any other forum besides this and one other forum actually- to be honest the other forum is a waste of time since I am not active on it. My online persona is very different and is related to something totally unrelated to Internet Marketing.

        You cannot grasp that there are people outside of Internet Marketing that look at this side of things and study it for the sake of enjoyment. I love this IM scene and it has always been my hobby.

        Some people I am sad to say fell off the bandwagon with some of their posts. It made me smile however... I guess people try.

        This is a discussion forum and you are entitled to your opinion as I am entitled to mine.

        Another thing to point out... you hardly see normal people come into this thread and voicing their opinions from the buyer's point of view. So while everyone tried their hardest to do whatever they imagine they are doing to me, to the rest of us...

        Finally you showed your claws. Congratulations! Oh, not to mention how petty some people can be with their replies. I think a lot of people got some great insight from you today.

        This is my last post here in this thread (not the last on the forum sad to say ) and my greatest achievement.

        Have fun!

        P.P.S "Sarah here can`t market her skills to get herself a better paying job in journalism (which there are), so the rest of us should all take pay cuts so she doesn`t feel bad."

        That was hilarious. Do you always think words like that will make your place in heaven better? Nope. Once again...the pettiness. Typical humans. You amuse me. I am not interested in a better paying job. Once again you people have some delusions about yourself. lol
        Signature
        "Find the problem and provide the solution."
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109353].message }}
        • I just love how out of my entire post, Sarah, you pick up on the ONE point you can argue. That you don`t want a better paying job.

          Perhaps a better paying job would pay for a better marketing education, so you could have an ENLIGHTENED discussion on a topic like this, as opposed to just slamming everyone who didn`t agree with you.

          How is my not getting into heaven affecting my rather valid point. There are plenty of reason`s I won`t be going to the big cloud in the sky - not the least of which includes calling you out on your lack of marketable skills, whether you want to have them or not.

          - Cherilyn
          Signature
          Take your product from idea to profit in less than 90 days! Work with me to develop and implement a step-by-step plan for success!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109376].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
            HAHA! Should I enlighten you Cherilyn Lester, someone who imagines they know everything too...


            I couldn't resist. I really couldn't...there is a saying play with the devil and you will get burned.

            I am not here for your enjoyment. You were there for mine. While I wrote the last post and previewed it, I happen to spot your post. So I simply posted my post and then read yours at leisure, and after the first few sentences I couldn't stop laughing and decided to add that little bit to my already-written long post.

            How does it make you feel that I haven't even finished your post or even bothered to read it. Probably nothing and then probably you are imagining things like everyone else here. As I said, why throw comments about jobs, background etc. Do you see me asking you for a hand out Cherilyn? No, unfortunately as I said. Play with the devil and you will get burned. Don't try your luck with me, because I can argue till the sun rises. Then unfortunately the sun will be my demise and I will need sleep.

            So good luck little lady that imagines she is so important.
            Signature
            "Find the problem and provide the solution."
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109400].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
              Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

              I can argue till the sun rises.
              Is that a challenge? I'm sure if you carry on, you'll find out that Allen doesn't really like this sort of confrontational behaviour... and your sun will rise earlier than most.
              Signature
              eCoverNinja - Sales Page Graphics & Layout Specialist
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109410].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
          Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

          So let me laugh a bit before explaining this to you
          Sarah,

          Thats all you seem to be doing is laughing.


          I actual don't read all your posts because they are worthless- my time is worth way more than spending it reading your BS. No value in your posts.

          I can see your time isnt worth much- which is why you work for low paying jobs. You sit here and post these long posts which make you no money, are not valuable, and your just making yourself look like you don't know anything about business. All you're doing is ranting which doesn't produce any value to the WF.

          If I were you I would stop posting in this thread and let it die.

          Your reputation is at stake due to the ignorance you have. Your ranting about a $97 press release! Do you see how silly that is?

          Step your game up.

          Signature

          "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
          "


          "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[111063].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Originally Posted by enrich View Post

      I agree it is overpriced. $97 is a bit much if you ask me. How long is the average press release? Its about the length of an average article isnt it (maybe 500 words or so)

      No way would I pay $97 per article so I wouldnt pay that for a press release either.
      Hmmm. Strange logic.

      That's like valuing a painting by its size.

      Frank
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109220].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
        Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

        Hmmm. Strange logic.

        That's like valuing a painting by its size.

        Frank
        Because there aren't many "business minded" people on these forums.

        Its " I wanna make money" forums.
        Signature

        "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
        "


        "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109234].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author enrich
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

        Hmmm. Strange logic.

        That's like valuing a painting by its size.

        Frank
        Well I'll put it another way, would you pay $970 for a set of 10 articles? I sure as hell wouldn't. Press releases are nothing more than articles sent to news sites instead of article directories. I dont see how anyone can justify charging $97 for 1 press release never mind $300 and $2500 Ive seen quoted here. The world's gone mad!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109241].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
          Originally Posted by enrich View Post

          Well I'll put it another way, would you pay $970 for a set of 10 articles? I sure as hell wouldn't. Press releases are nothing more than articles sent to news sites instead of article directories. I dont see how anyone can justify charging $97 for 1 press release never mind $300 and $2500 Ive seen quoted here. The world's gone mad!
          That quote suggests that you simply don't realise what a press release is or what function it performs. Comparing it to an article for valuation purposes is irrelevant.



          Sara,

          You appear to have started this thread because:

          a) You claim to have some experience in writing and/or commissioning press releases in the offline world.

          b) You are used to this task being delegated to lower levels of staff.

          c) You believe that this is a skill which everyone should have and which is therefore no big deal.

          d) You have spotted somebody selling a similar service (you believe) at a price higher than you have been used to expect.

          e) For some reason, this has annoyed you.

          Is that it?


          Frank
          Signature


          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109327].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author J. Barry Mandel
    As a consumer you have choices. Pay someone for their time to do something for you or take the time and figure it out how to do it on your own.

    You not wanting to spend $97 regardless of what is for is 100% OK in my book, but it seems like there's nothing to rant OR mention about here.

    If you don't want to pay for this or anything else...then simply don't.

    You probably missed seeing Willie Crawfords post where just 2 press releases brought in $92k in sales.

    Would you spend $97 twice to make $92k?

    I might be going out on a limb here, but I think even YOU would do it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109195].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
    People pay more offline for articles and press releases, so the market is out there. Just because "you" or another person won't pay, doesn't mean people out there won't.
    Signature

    "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
    "


    "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109246].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author enrich
      Banned
      Originally Posted by MaskedMarketer View Post

      People pay more offline for articles and press releases, so the market is out there. Just because "you" or another person won't pay, doesn't mean people out there won't.
      True but I dont believe in ripping people off and if I was charging $97 for a flipping press release Id feel that I was.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109256].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
        Originally Posted by enrich View Post

        True but I dont believe in ripping people off and if I was charging $97 for a flipping press release Id feel that I was.
        I agree with you I don't like ripping people off either. Writing a good press release and have a press release service can involve more than just writing words on paper. If you feel your service isn't worth 97$ and you couldnt give your client a good ROI- then maybe you need to advance your writing, selling , and marketing skills.
        Signature

        "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
        "


        "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109306].message }}
        • Wow, I must be the scam artist of the century... $297 for 10 pages of sales copy. What is that, like, 10 articles... At almost $30 a piece. What a rip off! Because there is absolutely no way my clients will make a HUGE ROI on that price... And I don`t have any testimonials to back that up. Or samples. Or references, for that matter.

          And to beat that, look at what I normally charge! Upwards of $1000 for the equivalent of 10-20 articles. $50-$100 an article, with absolutely no chance of earning that money back - because, after all, Sarah here can`t market her skills to get herself a better paying job in journalism (which there are), so the rest of us should all take pay cuts so she doesn`t feel bad.

          Give me a break. I bill at $75+ per hour, and my clients are happy to pay it. Don`t believe me, take a look at my portfolio. Read my testimonials. Check out my last two WSOs - the previous one sold out completely. This one has only one spot left after less than a week.

          If you want to go ahead and write press releases for the online market for $5 a piece, be my guest. Judging from your obvious understanding of marketing online, it should be an enlightening experience for anyone who was previously unwilling to pay the $97 price tag.

          Sarah, listen up. Journalists make bad money for one reason and one reason only - what they write isn`t what makes the company money. PERIOD.

          It is filler, to draw people in to read the ADVERTISEMENTS. The more informative it is, the more people read, and the more they can charge for ADVERTISEMENTS. That is all.

          In an offline newspaper, for an advertisement and article of an equal size, the person who wrote the advertisement likely got paid more than 10X what the person who wrote the article got. That is not opinion, that is fact. I have been paid $1500 to write a newspaper ad of 500 words. Similar length articles for offline press range from $50 to $200.

          That is because advertising, like press releases, generate money. Profits. Return on investment. Offline articles do as well, but to a much lesser degree. They draw in readers, to read advertisements, to buy products. That`s it.

          Online press releases = advertisements. They are a way of driving traffic, and getting people to buy. Therefore, they are advertisements.

          I sure hope I`m getting through here, because I don`t know of any other way to put it. Personally I`m finding your viewpoint insulting, that all writers should be paid as little as you earn, simply because YOU don`t have the skills to offer a more valuable service.

          Go back to the newspaper... Maybe they need another press release editor to instantly reject all of our useless, profit generating press releases.

          - Cherilyn

          (END RANT)
          Signature
          Take your product from idea to profit in less than 90 days! Work with me to develop and implement a step-by-step plan for success!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109345].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author DeePower
          I earn my living as a writer. I love to write and I've been told I'm good at it. And, yeah, I am. A journalistic background doesn't qualify one to write effective press releases, just as writing a successful business book doesn't qualify one to write fiction. Those are two different types of writing.

          I'm the author of three commercially published business books. I have been paid 5 figure advances, without the decimal point, for each of those books. Not bragging - just stating the facts. That doesn't mean I can write fiction, although I've written a novel and several screenplays. (Are there any movie production companies out there reading this ...hello..... *waves frantically.* No? Oh well.)

          Writing is a skill, an art, and a gift. Being able to monetize that skill, art, and gift is a blessing. But I don't sell my blessings cheap.

          The value of anything is what a willing buyer would pay and what a willing seller would sell for. If you, Sarah, are unwilling to buy or even consider the possibility of anyone buying a well written press release for $97, don't denigrate anyone else who does. Just because that press release at $97 or $597 doesn't hold value for you, doesn't mean it doesn't hold value for others.

          If you need an automobile you can purchase one for $500 or $500,000. Personally I'm not into cars and have a 1965 Mustang and a 2002 SUV of some sort of make.

          Now enough platitudes - don't ya jus luv that word "platitudes," makes me think of lyin' on a divan eating bon bons and sippin the bubbly.

          I know a lot about small businesses. They may have their secretaries - that is such a back in the day term - write press releases, but the odds are those press releases only get picked up by the local media, if that.

          $97, $597, or $997. Each has its market and value.

          Dee

          How to get a book published Authors Brian Hill and Dee Power
          Signature
          FREE Pump Up Your Profits With PLR
          Are You a Writer? Then you need this FREE guide Convert Your Words to Ca$H Make Money Writing Online
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109360].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
            Ok, I finally cracked.....

            Sarah - I do believe you're talking crap.

            Your entire position seems to revolve around the perspective that $97 is expensive - everything else is just waffle trying to justify the fact that you don't see any value in something priced so high.

            Let's consider an alternative perspective - $97 is just a number, not good or bad, not cheap or expensive.

            You seem to be under the misapprehension that only a select few can afford such 'expensive' things and if they want to 'waste' their money, they're crazy.

            You're entitled to your opinion, but to come here and make out that you're somehow enlightended to the 'crazy' situation that none of us are seeing just shows that you have no idea what you're talking about - or you're just bored and looking for an arguement.

            I've happily paid hundreds of dollars for press releases to be done for me, and I've also been paid hundreds to do them for others.

            The amount people charge relates to their market, their skills, the value of their time - aswell as the ROI and intrinsic value of what they create.

            If YOU don't think that any press release you could create would ever be worth $97 to someones business - that's YOUR reality.

            WE don't live in your reality (thank God).

            Every month I happily pay other people to do things that I don't have time to do myself, or that I know they'll do a better job than me on.

            You may think that people have to do everything themselves, and if they can't then they shouldn't pay another person more than they would pay themselves to do that job - but most of us are more focused on getting things done than finding ways to justify not doing them.

            You haven't exposed anything here with your whinging - except that you're an aggressive, negative, opinionated person who likes the sound of their own BS.

            Remember - YOU started this thread.

            Your assumption that $97 is a lot of money completely limits your perspective, so it's not surprising that you don't understand peoples responses.

            Some of the people that have responded to you are people who I've paid many hundreds of dollars on multiple occasions for their services. This is nothing to do with whether I could do that work myself - but because they're good at what they do and I don't want to spend my time doing it.

            That's how business works.

            If I value my time at $400 an hour and someone is asking for $97 to do a great job at something which would take me 1/2 hour - then it makes sense for me to just pay them and get on with something that only I can do.


            I believe you're just a forum troll with nothing in mind other than pushing peoples buttons and I hope no-one else gets suckered into this thread.

            I'm sure you can go elsewhere and find 'less expensive' services which you are more comfortable with, so why waste your time here when we clearly are all deluded and don't understand the wisdom of your words?
            Signature

            nothing to see here.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109414].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
              Nope, you all come back for me. And a troll.... *laughs* go read up what a troll really is. I can probably say thank you that you imagine I am some big scary mythological creature that comes from children's storybooks.

              It's funny... I had a few people reply to me via PM and mentioned that if people do not get people to agree with them, then they are called trolls on here. Shame, I love all the bitchy-ness and the pettiness.

              Get it straight:

              Here it is the official word-

              Etymology

              The contemporary use of the term is alleged to have first appeared on the internet in the late 1980s[3], but the earliest known example is from 1991[4]. It is thought to be a truncation of the phrase trolling for suckers, itself derived from the fishing technique known as trolling.[5] The word also evokes the trolls portrayed in Scandinavian folklore and children's tales; they are often obnoxious creatures bent on mischief and wickedness. The verb "troll" originates from Old French "troller", a hunting term. The noun "troll", however, is an unrelated Old Norse word for a giant or demon. [6]

              I think I will take that as a compliment since I prefer the last part. Remember, you may have a different idea of trolling as pointed out here:

              The definitive guide to Trolls - Ubuntu Forums

              I like the demon part. It suits me, no? Okay enough, you people merely amused me and you have taken up my time to a great deal today. I leave you all in love and in peace.

              Have fun!

              And no, I am not going to answer your post here, because simply like I pointed out earlier...some people bore me to death with their posts and thus I stopped after 3 or so sentences. Time for enjoyment now. Yes, throw another $3 in there somewhere.. I am so waiting for it. Show me how I can improve my life or no, better yet... tell me all about what a failure I am. It amuses me.

              Signature
              "Find the problem and provide the solution."
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109450].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Kyle Tully
                I heard there is a crazy car company called "Ferrari" trying to sell cars for $500,000!

                That's outrageous! They won't sell a single one!

                Don't they know you can get an '82 Miata for like $0.53c???
                Signature
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109483].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author DeePower
                Fricasseed Troll -- or how to get rid of wild pigs

                Have you ever been complacently posting on a board, and suddenly, without warning a troll shows up? You know one of those nasty little critters whose sole intent is to disrupt the discussion and turn all attention to itself? Well now you can do something with them.

                Stun the creature with a well placed retort, then coax into the open with the promise of lots of platitudes. While the troll is mesmerized with its reflection, slowly squeeze the life out by totally ignoring it. Trolls can be stubborn and keep resurfacing, so diligence is required. On occasion a troll will try to escape by whining with a high pitched poooor meeee, poooor meeee, call.

                After the troll is sedated, remove all double entendres with a freshly sharpened wit. Be careful of the narcissist gland, it is located right behind the full-of-it tendons, and must be gently cut out, other wise the bile is released and the entire troll is useless.

                If the troll had a backbone, it would be best to discard it, but it doesn't, so that's a chore you won't have to face. Remove all skin, both thick and thin. The female troll usually doesn't have a lot of substance to it, but what is there, is tough and stringy and must be marinated. The salt brine mentioned in a previous post works well, but in a crunch, piss and vinegar will do.

                After several days in the marinade, chop the troll to pieces and dredge in well edited prose. Season to refined literary taste and garnish with verbiage.

                Then feed the whole d@mn thing to the wild pigs. The troll will never return.

                Dee
                Signature
                FREE Pump Up Your Profits With PLR
                Are You a Writer? Then you need this FREE guide Convert Your Words to Ca$H Make Money Writing Online
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109487].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
                  Dee, you disturb me. *laughs*

                  But since I am the devil or a demon in this case, would you mind going somewhere else and amuse your little mind somewhere else. I am so tired of having to reply to people like you. You annoy no one but yourself.


                  Ah Wait... I will end this off with a story and perhaps people will stop posting their comments in the hopes of attracting my lovely attention...

                  All the earth is a grave and nothing escapes it, nothing is so perfect
                  that it does not descend to its tomb. Rivers, rivulets, fountains and
                  waters flow, but never return to their joyful beginnings; anxiously
                  they hasten on the vast realms of the rain god. As they widen their
                  banks, they also fashion the sad urn of their burial.

                  Filled are the bowels of the earth with pestilential dust once flesh and bone, once animate
                  bodies of man who sat upon thrones, decided cases, presided in council, commanded
                  armies, conquered provinces, possessed treasure, destroyed temples, exulted in their
                  pride, majesty, fortune, praise and power. Vanished are these glories, just as the fearful
                  smoke vanishes that belches forth from the infernal fires of Popocatepetl. Nothing recalls
                  them but the written page.
                  Signature
                  "Find the problem and provide the solution."
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109501].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
                    Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post


                    All the earth is a grave and nothing escapes it, nothing is so perfect
                    that it does not descend to its tomb. Rivers, rivulets, fountains and
                    waters flow, but never return to their joyful beginnings; anxiously
                    they hasten on the vast realms of the rain god. As they widen their
                    banks, they also fashion the sad urn of their burial.

                    Filled are the bowels of the earth with pestilential dust once flesh and bone, once animate
                    bodies of man who sat upon thrones, decided cases, presided in council, commanded
                    armies, conquered provinces, possessed treasure, destroyed temples, exulted in their
                    pride, majesty, fortune, praise and power. Vanished are these glories, just as the fearful
                    smoke vanishes that belches forth from the infernal fires of Popocatepetl. Nothing recalls
                    them but the written page.
                    Sarah, I think your press release needs a bit of work.....



                    Frank
                    Signature


                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109516].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
    Originally Posted by Brian McElroy View Post

    If I were to sell a press release service... I would probably charge
    around $2,500.

    That's because I wouldn't sell a "press release"... I would sell a

    RESULT

    I.E. targeted traffic, mainstream media coverage, leads, sales,
    branding, etc.

    -Brian
    That is my point exactly.

    You would not pay someone for a press release then, you would pay someone to be a marketer/PR of a company who's job would be is to promote the company including press releases. Therefore, no, a company would not pay for a press release. And as I have said before...small businesses do not have the luxury of paying specialized people that write press releases. They get their secretary or personal assistant to do it for them at no extra cost.

    I am just looking at your statement that is all. I am not talking about the few rare people who pay for a press release service. You can talk all you want about a result... in this world you have businesses who pay their secretaries, and you have companies that have a PR departments that handle more than just a simple press release. But then again, I was talking about a press release. Have fun with your ideas!

    Signature
    "Find the problem and provide the solution."
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109264].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jess Hartley
    I have been discouraged from participating at the Warrior Forum because of this type of thread.

    I don't need anyone to tell me I am stupid or ridiculous - whilst clients pay me $500 per press release I guess I am better lurking.

    Jess
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109275].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Cosmo Demopoulos
      $97 for a press release -- ridiculous!

      I'd demand references first, just like I'd want to check references for a $5 plumber.

      I don't pay for cheap -- I pay for good.
      $97 is dirt cheap. Probably too cheap for quality, but who knows . . . ?
      Signature
      Wine - bubbles and more
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109296].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author OnlineMasterMind
        We're all allowed to say something dumb every now and then...

        But it's interesting how the OP needs to defend this futile point, which by now she has to realize was a silly thing to say...

        This is Cialdini's "Commitment & Consistency" principle in action.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109305].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alice Seba
    6 years ago, I wrote press releases for $100 a pop. I had no trouble getting clients and my target market was solo online entrepreneurs.

    Also consider that I only WROTE the releases. I didn't distribute the releases, but I did give tips on building a distribution list and how to get the release out to them. My clients who took the releases and followed my suggestions readily got media attention - interviews, features and the like.

    If I were to offer the same service today, I'd charge more.

    Since quitting the press release business, I have taught people how to do their own. I also do in-depth critiques for people. Seriously, MOST people cannot (without practice and good guidance) create a release that will readily get the media's attention. They can't figure out a good story to present in the release and even when they do, they have troubles writing it in a way that is newsworthy, interesting and doesn't sound like a self-promotional pitch.

    So, if people want to write their own, by all means. They just need to be prepared for a learning curve and should seek out qualified feedback. That takes time and can very well be worth it, but then time is money.

    If people want to hire and only are willing to pay $25, that's okay too. In my experience, I've only receive mediocre releases in that price range. These were releases suitable for online submission only...not for getting any traditional media attention. There are likely exceptions, but I haven't yet come across any.

    Alice
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109438].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sevenish
    FWIW, this individuals exhibits tendencies of a bipolar personality in the midst of a manic phase. The manic responses are not likely to stop until the line of the wave begins its dive back toward the zero line of the graph, and then into the negative (depressive) territory ... OR until he/she takes some meds.

    No offense intended to anyone. It's just an educated observation.

    Note: edited.
    Signature

    100% atrocity-free! No annihilations, assasinations, explosions, killers, crushers, massacres, bombs, skyrockets or nukes.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109525].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      Originally Posted by Kyle Tully View Post

      I heard there is a crazy car company called "Ferrari" trying to sell cars for $500,000!

      That's outrageous! They won't sell a single one!

      Don't they know you can get an '82 Miata for like $0.53c???
      Originally Posted by sevenish View Post

      FWIW, this individuals exhibits tendencies of a bipolar personality in the midst of a manic phase. The manic responses are not likely to stop until the line of the wave begins its dive back toward the zero line of the graph, and then into the negative (depressive) territory ... OR until he/she takes some meds.

      No offense intended to anyone. It's just an educated observation.

      Note: edited.


      Both of these comments are spot on.

      That 82 Miata may be cheap but it ain't gonna drive so good...if you can get it to start.

      Just like your cheap press release is unlikely to get you any real measurable results.



      And I was an expert on depressive disorders and you're right. The behavior is consistent with a bipolar mania episode...or with someone just being unbelievably rude...but then not all the other posts are polite either.

      That's probably the nicest thing you could say about the behavior.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109547].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sevenish
        Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

        And I was an expert on depressive disorders and you're right. The behavior is consistent with a bipolar mania episode...or with someone just being unbelievably rude...but then not all the other posts are polite either.
        Plain rudeness USUALLY doesn't persistently express with such soaring hilarity, sanctimony and scholarly digression and with such circuitous incoherence against so much reasoned, opposing debate. (Sorry about that sentence, I tried to rewrite but it's late here!)

        In any case, my money would be on a mania that will cease shortly, either because of the inevitable opposing phase (crash) that is imminent, or, hopefully, because this individual is undergoing treatment.

        Edit: Half of my family are immigrants from Norway, so I am trying to distract everyone from those, um, ethnic epithets
        Signature

        100% atrocity-free! No annihilations, assasinations, explosions, killers, crushers, massacres, bombs, skyrockets or nukes.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109580].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
    I wish someone would find Willie Crawford's posts about how successful his press releases were. $92k is huge!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109550].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Monetize
      Originally Posted by Angela V. Edwards View Post

      I wish someone would find Willie Crawford's posts about how successful his press releases were. $92k is huge!!
      The $92836.82 Internet Marketing Press Release
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109557].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
      Originally Posted by Angela V. Edwards View Post

      I wish someone would find Willie Crawford's posts about how successful his press releases were. $92k is huge!!
      Angela - it's not necessary.

      Lots of us have made a lot of money (for ourselves and others) using press releases.

      The question is not whether they have value or not, but how long can you feed a forum troll for before people realise that the more you feed them, the more they wriggle.

      We need to ignore this troll and get on with other things - having a discussion about a subject from this ridiculous perspective is a waste of everyones time.
      Signature

      nothing to see here.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109614].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
        I hear what you're saying, Andy...but this thread had some great results; mostly because someone DID post the thread that Willie started. Not only did Patrick Pretty make a sale today, but I got an A+ product that will really, really, REALLY help me with news releases; Patrick's Simple PDF News Release Strategy. It was a true win-win.

        Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

        Angela - it's not necessary.

        Lots of us have made a lot of money (for ourselves and others) using press releases.

        The question is not whether they have value or not, but how long can you feed a forum troll for before people realise that the more you feed them, the more they wriggle.

        We need to ignore this troll and get on with other things - having a discussion about a subject from this ridiculous perspective is a waste of everyones time.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[111430].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author infopreneur
          Hahaha.... I opened this thread thinking, "Oh, someone found a writer who does a good job with press releases and only charges $97!"

          Believe me, if you can write good press releases that deliver real results for $97 in half an hour, you've just created a job that pays you $200 an hour. You'll be booked solid.

          Mike
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[111444].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
          Originally Posted by Angela V. Edwards View Post

          I hear what you're saying, Andy...but this thread had some great results; mostly because someone DID post the thread that Willie started.
          Agreed, Angela. And despite the original intent of the OP and the bizarre turn it took along the way, the case for more expensive press releases was proven time and time again.

          It certainly inspired me to run a WSO, so I can't fault the OP for that.

          Cary
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113103].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dave777
    It all comes down to The Perception of Value...

    And a few other things...

    Of course No two people will every totally agree on the pricing of anything these days...

    Definitely bookmark this thread...

    Because there's a nice little fortune to be made in writing and brokering press release services...

    Don't you think!

    Why not just do it from the endless articles out there...

    Very Smart business idea and opportunity...

    Marcia Yudkin...
    Convert Articles into Press Releases for More Publicity

    Brian McElroy's excellent selling services info product from awhile back can definitely help get you started...

    Just focus on one group of specialized services... Press releases!

    The Perception of Value offers all kinds of business opportunities and great flexibilty on pricing...

    A little food for thought...

    The Perception Of Value And The Decision To Buy | TheVanBlog | Van SEO Design
    louisgray.com: Specialized Perceived Value Trumps Real World Value
    How To Set A Selling Price For Your Product Or Service

    Dave
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109585].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jon White
    I pay my copywriter $300 for press releases. I pay her because :

    a: She is better at writing good copy than I am
    b: I don't have enough time to craft the document to an acceptable level
    c: I can be more productive elsewhere

    The last PR she produced (3 weeks ago) got me an interview slot on prime time radio in the UK (Chris Evans, Radio 2). So far, the 2 minute interview has netted me over $64,000 of new business.

    Good copywriters are worth every penny.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[109623].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chris_King
    Originally Posted by Sarah Harvey View Post

    Okay, call me flabbergasted, but there are tons of people on here that offer services and charge an absolute fortune. I just viewed a thread where someone stated they charge $97.00 for a press release.

    God damnit... with all the information freely available on the internet on how to write your own press release, it should be evident that it will not cost you (the person writing the press release) an arm or a leg to do it.

    That is ridiculous. People assume people are that dumb.

    Realistically any person can write a press release, and if it has newsworthy elements in it, then it will be all fine. An editor checks the work in any case because no one will release a press release they way they accept it. Gosh, I am a freelance writer and this is quite evident in my line of work.

    So people, be aware of others on this forum, and do your research.

    I would die before I pay someone $97.00 for a press release lol.

    Nope...hell would freeze over!

    Good luck!
    Just sign up at need-an-article.com 1000 word press releases for $16.50. Can't beat that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[111068].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rachel Goodchild
    I get paid $300-$450 on a regular basis to write press releases for clients world wide.
    I haven't offered a press release service for IM people mainly because of people with your attitude. $97 is nothing if it sells your product, creates a buzz and is promoted over and over again. Many of my clients use my press release info as part of their branding- and the money is well worth it for that!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[111567].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      Rachel,

      I agree with you!

      I've kept my mouth shut on this topic, but I have to say it's nice to see you (and others like you) thinking this way.

      I'm rather surprised (maybe I shouldn't be) and disgusted by the OP's attitude and expectations regarding the cost of getting press releases written and distributed. $300-$400 is outrageously cheap, not to mention $97. I think that IM in general and the WF in particular have spoiled us all. Your public image is critically important and PR firms get paid HUGE sums of money to create/revamp/maintain the public image of people and businesses every day. Just look at the current presidential election. The political consultants, ad execs and PR experts are getting paid HUGE sums of money. And while there can only be one winner, it's still money well spent. No presidential candidate would dream of running without people like that on his team.

      While I do think it's possible to get more done for a lot less money than the monthly retainer big-name firms typically charge, I DON'T think expecting Rolls Royce results for scrap metal prices is realistic or intelligent. I have to wonder about someone who rants about how "expensive" a $97 press release. Are they really running a real business or a lemonade stand? Are they just pretending (to themselves) to run a business?

      When it comes to advertising and publicity, I firmly believe that a savvy, boostrappin' entrepreneur can get Rolls Royce results for a Honda Civic price. (And make out like a bandit in the process.) I do NOT believe it's realistic or smart to expect Rolls Royce results for a scrap metal price. Whenever I find myself falling into the trap of getting too cheap, I have to re-focus and ask myself whether I'm running a real business -- or just pretending?

      Michelle
      Signature
      "You can't market here. This is a marketing discussion forum!"
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[111620].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rachel Goodchild
    It comes down to one main issue
    We all write. We can all put words on a page- or type them onto a screen
    Becasue we all can do it, alot of people think anyone can be a writer.
    It's funny, I was talking to the head of Penguin the other day about how I still hesitate to call myself a writer. Because at what point are you a writer, when you compare yourself to others?
    There are a whole bunch of people who call themselves a writer who are barely literate.
    Thank god they aren't calling themsleves doctors...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112135].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
      Originally Posted by Rachel Goodchild View Post

      It comes down to one main issue
      We all write. We can all put words on a page- or type them onto a screen
      Becasue we all can do it, alot of people think anyone can be a writer.
      It's funny, I was talking to the head of Penguin the other day about how I still hesitate to call myself a writer. Because at what point are you a writer, when you compare yourself to others?
      There are a whole bunch of people who call themselves a writer who are barely literate.
      Thank god they aren't calling themsleves doctors...
      I agree, Rachel. I can write GREAT articles. I have never struggled with them...not ever. However, copywriting and press releases are something I'm a little shaky on. I'd never call myself a "writer" when it comes to those.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112149].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
      Originally Posted by Rachel Goodchild View Post

      There are a whole bunch of people who call themselves a writer who are barely literate.
      Thank god they aren't calling themsleves doctors...
      Raychell,

      I only triez to maek dem monis on intinets... but yu saes I are baerly litter-traynd.

      I are goin' 2 cry.

      Dr. Warren.
      Signature
      eCoverNinja - Sales Page Graphics & Layout Specialist
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112156].message }}
  • I agree 100%. Who is kidding who?


    Money Grows Online
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112195].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael D
    I really can't believe I just read through this entire thing. I guess its just like when you are driving by a car accident and everyone slows down to take a look.

    Sarah, I am only going to say one thing to you - you may have studied journalism in school but you obviously missed the marketing class.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112381].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steve Taylor
      Originally Posted by Michael D View Post

      I really can't believe I just read through this entire thing. I guess its just like when you are driving by a car accident and everyone slows down to take a look.

      Sarah, I am only going to say one thing to you - you may have studied journalism in school but you obviously missed the marketing class.

      Not only the marketing class but people skills as well.

      -Steve
      Signature

      Ask...Because you never stop learning.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[112403].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DougBarger
    Interesting I just happened to catch this thread today.

    I also just happened to have published a couple of press releases before I caught it.

    Already receiving some good exposure and people taking the action intended.

    Press releases work well with launches because even though we are used to launches all the time, we must remember the mainstream media will push it along provided there's truly a newsworthy hook.

    It was published under a business name and not my name regarding Justin Michie's launch.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113125].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Noel2010
    This is a very long thread. How many press releases could have been written in the time it took to write all these posts?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113787].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Marc Harty
    I have followed the twists and turns of this thread and boy it's a good thing I don't get motion sickness easily! :-)

    As some of you know, I have a press release course called PR Traffic. It grew out of doing press releases for clients way back in 2004. And I've learned a lot along the way. One of the most valuable assets to come out of that product, my clients and customers is an extensive knowledgebase--what works, what's on trend, what doesn't work, you get the idea.

    Granted, I lean more to the corporate side since that's my background. And as many of the posters have commented, it's a free market: if someone wants to charge $97, let them.

    I also agree it's ALL ABOUT CONTEXT.

    A colleague of mine just submitted a press release. Just the distribution cost alone was $1600. (Of course, it was via businesswire and translated into multiple languages.) They didn't overpay because the need and the budget were there and that was the best way to reach their target audience.

    My web marketing company does get approached for requests to online press releases and there is no way we can compete with $97. And yet, we present a compelling value proposition because of our knowledgebase and best practices.

    With respect to the more transactional side of doing releases, I believe doing something is better than doing nothing. What does raise my ire is when people claim a $97 press release is as good as ones costing hundreds of dollars more.

    I can tell anyone reading this post that just the distribution part of the process is time consuming enough. That's one reason I originally created my course, because many
    people didn't know all the features of wire service providers like PR web.

    In our tests, proven time and time again, you do get what you pay for. That's one reason I've encouraged people to pony up and invest $200 for a prweb release with anchor text links.

    That doesn't mean you can't find success with lower price ranges as well as free wire service providers. I just think your odds are better when using wire service providers that have proven superior in the search engine listings. Not just the quick hit in the news search engines (which disappear after 30 days) but also with the regular search engine listings.

    So to sum up...

    • online press releases do work

    • if you want to reach the media, not just get backlinks, using more established and credible wire service providers will increase your chances

    • pricing for press releases will vary, and so will your mileage :-)

    • press releases represent a wide spectrum: from the down and dirty for mere dollars to
    several hundred or thousands depending on audience, scope and the market

    One final thought: i love seeing so many warriors weigh in on press releases! It's great to know how you think and feel. That helps me as I continue to test and explore new avenues for press release marketing in the future.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[113994].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
      Hi everyone,

      I stopped in here because someone just placed an order for one of my press release-related products and said she'd read about it on the Warrior Forum. I'm the author of the book *Six Steps to Free Publicity,* which is coming out in its third edition in about two weeks. Check me out on Amazon.com.

      When I saw the title of this thread, I assumed someone was expressing shock at how low $97 is for a press release. In the real world, $97 is dirt-cheap for a press release. And don't forget, the press release itself is not the goal. The goal is the publicity the release can bring when it's done creatively and professionally.

      People who know what they're doing with press releases generally charge from $350 to $700 to write one. I charge only $395, but that's because I love to do them and I'm very fast. Often enough they get the client into the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, CNBC, etc. - or the local paper, if that's the client's goal.

      And if you think it's easy to write a press release, consider this. I train people to write press releases, and only about 10% of those who try get it reasonably right on their first try. I had a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter in my training course who has seen literally thousands of press releases come across her desk over the years. When she wrote her first release, she told me it was humbling how much harder it was than it looked to put it together.

      My press release web site offers a free sample press release makeover at Press Release Help: Sample Press Release Makeover, which can give you a pretty good idea of some of the factors that separate a mediocre and ineffective release from an excellent one that gives you the best possible shot at media coverage.

      Look and learn!

      Marcia Yudkin, author of 6 Steps to Free Publicity and 10 other books
      Signature
      Check out Marcia Yudkin's No-Hype Marketing Academy for courses on copywriting, publicity, infomarketing, marketing plans, naming, and branding - not to mention the popular "Marketing for Introverts" course.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[139358].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
    TIP: Don't post more than once to a thread like this. You've been suckered.

    I find this person to be extremely condescending, patronizing, aggressive and naive it's beyond belief.

    I won't even agitate why, but heck...the last trolling comment she made actually read like a psychopath.

    Scary + Pointless.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[139534].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author xlfutur1
    Brick and mortar businesses drop thousands of dollars per month on Yellow pages ads. So $97 is nothing if it helps them get tons of exposure and traffic to the website. The press release is not as important as what you do with it to get results. If one $97 press release gets you on Oprah, it was money well spent.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[162867].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
    This thread is NOTHING like I thought it was going to be. I thought I was going to read a reasonable discussion about how $97 would bring in a ton of traffic and sales. OOPS! All this thread made me do is want someone to write a press release and distribute it for me to see if press releases would work for me. Anyone who is experienced with press releases and gets good results feel free to PM me. Thanks. Oh, and OP, don't bother PM'ing me. Your attitude sucks, quite frankly.

    TomG.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[163122].message }}

Trending Topics