PRWeb® vs. PR Newswire?

I had this question asked by someone about a month ago… PRWeb vs PRNewswire? It’s not really a question of “vs.” as it is “or”… PRWeb or PRNewswire? As with a lot of things, it depends on who you are and what you’re doing. Since I’m a get to the point type of guy: Go with PRWeb and grow into PR Newswire. If you think you have that hit podcast, gadget people won’t be able to do without, small business idea, etc. and you have some cash to invest upfront (and you’ll be able to sustain it), go directly to PR Newswire.

Sign-up and Cost
You can go the websites and check out the features, but you can tell a lot from a companies membership application. PRWeb (PRW) has an on-line instant free sign up form with a few required fields and PR Newswire (PRN) charges $125 a year for membership, has a four page form you can email or fax in, and they will set up your account in a day or two. (That right there is enough to realize which one you’re likely to go with.)

Minimum for Press Release
PRW $10. PRN over $100. The services are obviously different.

Normal Press Release
By normal, I mean an average run of the mill nothing fancy release for their company. PRW $40-$120. PRN $645. Again, not exactly apples to apples comparison… you get a lot more with PRN, and as I said, if you can afford it go with them.

Extras
PRW… not so much compared to PRN… regional distribution $170 – $360, targeted distribution to markets $395 – $1985, and global distribution $8000.

Bottom line, if you’re reading this, you’re probably an independent podcaster wanting to know how to get a bit more visible. So unless you’re already a large company, or as I said, have that for sure thing that will bring in the big bucks: Go with PRWeb and grow into PR Newswire.

UPDATE:

Mr. Business Golf (http://clickcaster.com/businessgolf) commented on a different post (prweb vs. prnewswire):

businessgolf – October 13, 2006[Edit]

I am looking for a free site that hits the markets of people who would want to know about Business golf…(another shameless plug). Until the cash flow is formed I am not in shape to move off into one of the sites that deposit an arm and a leg into their bank account each day. (speaking about hosting services)

My response:

5. Jeff – October 13, 2006[Edit]

Go check out http://www.jasonvanorden.com. He’s just released a book on podcast marketing and it may help you out. Also, see my post about on-line press release companies and consider sending a press release out.PR Newswire has what they call a ‘Microlist’ where they deliver your press release directly to reporters covering niche industries. I checked Golf correspondents / magazine writers… and they have 309 different writers that they will give your press release to for $325. Who knows, you might be called for an interview, get an article in a magazine, or have your book featured in a review?Not cheap, but the one time fee may be worth getting the recognition…?