Press Release Launches Company to Top of Google

A press release I wrote and distributed on www.PRWeb.com launched a customer of mine to the top of Google. A critical factor contributing to the success was the release’s key word density.

For those unfamiliar with such search engine optimization (SEO) terminology, key word density is the % a key word (or phrase) comprises in a press release relative to the release's total number of words. PRWeb has a tool that measures a press release's key word density and allows you to return back to the release to edit it on-the-fly in order to improve its SEO potential. I strongly recommend taking advantage of that useful tool if you decide to use PRWeb to distribute your press release online.

I’ve read that, as a general rule of thumb, the ideal level for key word density is up to 7% of the total amount of text on a given web page. That means 7% of all words included in a press release must be your key word or phrase. Let me add, however, that if you are able to get the key word density in the release to 7%, you may do well for SEO; but doing so runs the risk of sounding incredibly repetitive, so much so that the release may seem little more than a blatant ad for your company. Don't get me wrong: ads aren't a bad thing; they're just not appropriate in a press release setting.

In my case, two of my key words came in around the 2-3% mark, which allowed me to balance my SEO objectives with my desire to inform and educate. One of the phrases I optimized actually put my customer (http://www.mindoversoftware.com) on the first page of Google for what is a very competitive phrase. The other optimized key word, which was a CRM product name developed by Sage and sold by 1000's of resellers worldwide, put my customer at the top of every reseller and just under Sage itself! Mind you, this was a temporary bump; for such a high ranking to remain permanent requires a consistent combination of SEO, press releases and compelling website content.

Conclusion? Key word optimized press releases can be a significant contributor to a company’s SEO strategy. Nevertheless, the goal of SEO must be balanced with the goal of informing the public, which includes prospective end-customers and, to a much lesser degree than ever before, the media. Caveat: be careful to not overdo the key word density. If you do, you may sacrifice your ultimate goal of attracting new customers with relevant, valuable and timely information.