Press releases don’t fail because the tactic is outdated. They fail because the distribution is weak. Most services focus on inflated placement numbers instead of where those placements actually land. That leads to a lot of noise and very little lasting impact. If the network behind the distribution isn’t clean and credible, even a well-written release won’t move the needle. In this post, we break down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to judge real distribution quality.
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The one recommendation we keep coming back to
For press release distribution, we recommend Press Advantage.
We’ve used it since 2014, and we have also tested other services over the years. The consistent pattern is simple: the other platforms would send out our press release, it would show up somewhere, and then the results would not hold up.
With Press Advantage, we’ve stayed. Not because it is the cheapest option, but because the distribution is better. And in this space, better distribution beats “more links” every time.
Our history: why we stuck with Press Advantage since 2014
We started using Press Advantage when they were first launching back in 2014. We were even on their launch webinar, which helped us understand what they were building and how they talked about quality.
Since then, we have kept Press Advantage as our main option. We did not stop because we “settled.” We stopped because we saw what happens when a network is built for quality instead of just selling packages.
We also value the relationship behind the tool. Jeremy, the owner, has been hands-on for years. He is not just letting the platform run on autopilot. He builds features based on feedback, including input from SEOs who use the service.
That matters because it usually means the platform keeps improving, and it is not stuck in old ways.
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Why we canceled other press release distribution services
When we tested other press release distribution services, we noticed a common issue. They often focus on output metrics that look impressive on paper, like:
- High counts of “placements”
- Big numbers in reports
- Lots of syndicated links across many domains
But when we dug deeper, the quality did not match the marketing.
That is why we kept canceling other services and only kept Press Advantage. We were paying for something that looked like distribution, but it did not behave like distribution.
What most people get wrong: the “WordPress network” trap
Here is the problem we see over and over: many press release distributors build a network of low-quality WordPress sites and call it their “distribution network.”
To be blunt, this is not real syndication. It is spam.
It works like this:
- Your press release gets pushed to a bunch of sites that are not really news sources.
- Your announcement ends up on pages that do not help users and do not build authority.
- Reporting shows many placements, but the placements are weak.
Jeremy has been very particular about eliminating spammy publications from networks like this. That is one reason Press Advantage costs more than the cheapest options.
And honestly, it should cost more. If a service is selling you access to real sources, real pickup, and real syndication, there is cost involved. When a service is just manufacturing “coverage,” the price is lower, but so is the real impact.
Quality beats volume (and it shows over time)
We are not chasing press release “blast volume.” We are chasing outcomes.
A good press release distribution network should do things like:
- Place your content on real sites that are not obviously spam
- Get actual pickup where the announcement can be found
- Maintain consistency so results do not vanish after a short time
That last point is important. Lots of networks can create a quick burst of activity. But if the network is built on junk domains, the authority does not stick, and the results fade.
When you use a cleaner network, the exposure is more likely to have a real footprint.
How to choose a press release distribution service
If you are deciding what to use, don’t start with price. Start with the network.
Here are questions we recommend asking before you pay:
- Is the distribution network real? Or is it mostly automated pages on low-quality sites?
- How do they handle spam? Do they remove low-quality publications or just keep adding more?
- What do placements look like? Are they on trusted sources, or random pages with no credibility?
- Do they have different service levels? Good providers usually give options, not one-size-fits-all.
- Do they offer real support? If the owner or team is responsive, it often signals better oversight.
Also, pay attention to claims. If you see inflated metrics or vague language that ignores network quality, that is a warning sign.
Is Press Advantage worth the cost?
No press release distribution service that is truly effective is “cheap.” That is not a sales pitch. It is math.
Real distribution means you are paying for:
- Cleaner publisher relationships
- More careful curation
- Less spam and more legit coverage
So yes, Press Advantage is not the lowest priced option. But it is priced in a way that fits the fact that the network is cleaner and the placements are more meaningful.
That is also why we have been able to keep using it for so long.
How to get started (book a call and ask questions)
If you want to explore whether Press Advantage fits your needs, go to pressadvantage.com and try to book a call.
We have seen that you can schedule time with Jeremy, the owner. If he is not available, the team can still help you figure out the best level for your goals.
Before you choose, have a short list ready:
- What type of announcement are you sending?
- What is your goal: brand visibility, entity building, or link acquisition?
- What markets or audiences matter to you?
Then ask how their network handles quality and spam.
Where press releases fit in an SEO and brand strategy
Press releases can play a role, but they should be part of a broader plan. For example, they can help with:
- Entity building and brand signals
- Brand amplification when your news has real interest
- Link acquisition when placements are on credible sources
If you are using press releases for these goals, the distribution platform matters more than people think. A good press release on a bad network is still stuck. A good press release on a clean network has a better chance of being picked up and referenced.
In other words: garbage distribution equals garbage results. Full stop.
FAQ
Do press release distribution services still work for SEO?
They can work, but only when your distribution network is real and clean. If your press release lands on spammy sites or low-quality WordPress networks, the SEO impact is usually weak or short-lived.
What’s the biggest mistake when choosing a press release provider?
Choosing based on placement counts and cheap pricing, instead of the quality of the network. High “volume” reports often hide low-quality placements.
Why does Press Advantage cost more than other services?
Because effective distribution costs more. Press Advantage focuses on cleaner networks and works to remove spammy publications, rather than padding metrics with junk domains.
How can we tell if a distribution network is spammy?
If the network is mostly automated pages on low-quality WordPress sites, and the placements look random or untrusted, it is likely spam. Ask how they manage and remove low-quality publications.
How should we get started with Press Advantage?
Go to pressadvantage.com and book a call. Ask about the available levels, distribution quality, and whether the network fits your goal (brand amplification, entity building, or link acquisition).
Final thoughts
Press releases are not dead. What is dead is the idea that you can buy “coverage” and expect it to automatically turn into rankings or authority.
The real deciding factor is the distribution network. We prefer networks that are clean, actively remove spam, and provide real placements across trusted sources.
That is why we use Press Advantage. It is not the cheapest option. It is the option we trust to be effective.