Free Press Release Distribution: What You Actually Get
You can publish a press release for free. Whether that's enough depends on what you want from it. Here are the free options, what they realistically deliver, and where paid distribution makes a difference.
Ways to send a press release for free
1. Free press release websites
Several sites let you post a release at no cost, usually after creating an account. Typically your release gets a page on that site only, and free posts often have limits on links, images or how quickly they're reviewed.
2. Email it to journalists yourself
Find the reporters who cover your industry or town and send a short, personal email with the release pasted in. This is free but slow, and replies depend on your news and your list.
3. Post it on your own website and social channels
Create a "News" or "Press" page on your site. It won't reach new audiences on its own, but it gives journalists and customers an official source.
4. Local and industry outlets
Local papers, community sites, chambers of commerce and trade associations often accept news submissions for free, especially for openings, hires and awards.
What free distribution realistically gets you
- A page with your announcement you can link to.
- An official record of the news on your own site.
- A chance of pickup if your news is strong and you contact the right people.
The limits of free press releases
- Reach: usually one site, not a network of news sites.
- Credibility: free-posting sites aren't recognizable news brands, so there's little "as seen on" value.
- Time: emailing journalists yourself can take hours per release.
- No writing help: you write, edit and format it yourself.
- No proof: you rarely get a report of where it appeared.
Free vs. paid press release distribution
| Free options | BrandInTheNews | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | From $195, one time |
| Where it appears | Usually one posting site | 50 to 400+ sites in our news network |
| Writing | You write it | Written by our editors |
| Google News inclusion | Rarely | Included on every package |
| Proof of results | None | Report with every live link |
| Your time | Hours per release | About 15 minutes to order |
Free is a good fit if you have a small local announcement and time to pitch it yourself. Paid makes sense when you want the news on many sites quickly, need coverage to show customers, or want your brand to appear in search and AI answers. For price ranges across the market, see how much a press release costs.
Getting the most from free distribution
- Start from a clean structure: use our free press release template.
- Put the news in the headline and first sentence (see how to write a press release).
- Email a short list of relevant reporters personally rather than blasting hundreds.
- Post it on your own site's news page the same day.
- Share the link on your social accounts and with customers.
Our editors write your press release, publish it across our network of news sites, and send you a report with every live link. One-time price, live within 5 business days.
Start My Order — From $195 See pricing »FAQ
Is there really free press release distribution?
Yes. Free posting sites and pitching journalists yourself cost nothing. What you don't get for free is broad placement on established news sites, writing help or a results report.
Do free press releases help SEO?
A little. A single page on one posting site does less than your news appearing across many established news sites, and search engines value original news coverage more than copies.
Can I get a free press release template?
Yes: copy or download ours on the press release template page.