The cryptocurrency market has recently seen amazing growth thanks to the emergence of various new blockchain-based businesses and digital assets. Initial coin offerings (ICOs) and “altcoins” have experienced a dramatic increase in demand as a result of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum becoming more generally acknowledged.
One of the biggest obstacles that bitcoin companies and blockchain startups have in this exciting but crowded sector is standing out from the competitors. Gaining visibility and credibility with potential investors, partners, and customers is critical. One way that crypto companies often try to accomplish this is through press releases.
However, the common myth is that it’s possible to issue free cryptocurrency press releases. In reality, effective press releases require investment. Blindly relying on free distribution channels is unlikely to deliver results.
In this article, we’ll explore the misleading notion of free crypto press releases. We’ll look at the real costs involved with impactful releases, alternatives, and tips for crafting compelling content. The goal is to provide an accurate perspective on crypto press releases that helps set realistic expectations.
What is Cryptocurrency
Digital or virtual assets created to function as mediums of trade are referred to as cryptocurrencies. Cryptography, which cryptocurrencies also employ to safeguard and validate transactions, places restrictions on the creation of new units. The first decentralized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has existed since its 2009 debut. A significant number of new cryptocurrencies have been developed since then.
Cryptocurrencies operate on distributed public ledgers called blockchain. Blockchain provides transparency around transactions and allows cryptocurrencies to function without centralized authority. Decentralization, cryptography-based security, and programmability are some of the salient features that distinguish cryptocurrencies from conventional fiat money. The top cryptocurrencies are Litecoin, Cardano, Ethereum, and Bitcoin.
The Myth of Free Crypto Press Releases
Many companies in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space have limited budgets, especially in their early stages. As they work to spread awareness and build credibility, free press release distribution understandably seems appealing. However, while basic press release distribution may technically be free through wire services, effective press releases require much more.
I. Exploring the origins of the misconception
The misconception around free cryptocurrency press releases likely originates from wire services like PR Newswire, PRWeb, and GlobeNewswire. These platforms allow users to upload and distribute press releases for free through their networks. This gives the impression that crypto press releases can be done at no cost. However, simply uploading a release does not guarantee any meaningful coverage or publication pickups. The misconception is that distribution alone is sufficient, when in reality extensive additional work is required for effective crypto press releases.
II. The hidden costs of “free” crypto press releases
While writing and uploading a basic press release is technically free, achieving real impact and results requires substantial additional investments. So-called “free” crypto press releases come with hidden costs associated with aspects like:
- Public relations expertise to optimize the release for publication and create effective promotional strategies
- Targeted, personalized outreach to appropriate journalists and media outlets rather than mass distribution
- Follow up and relationship building to secure coverage after initial pitches
- High-quality written content, visual assets, videos, and multimedia to make the release compelling
- Monitoring and analysis of results to quantify the press release’s impact
The notion of fully free cryptocurrency press releases is misleading. Various costs are attached to the level of effort and quality needed for media pickup and visibility. Effective crypto press releases require investment in key areas beyond basic writing and distribution.
The Real Costs of Effective Crypto Press Releases
While basic writing and distribution of a press release is free, getting meaningful results requires substantial investments of time, resources, and often money. The notion that cryptocurrency companies can issue purely free press releases and still achieve real impact is misleading. Effective crypto press releases come with real costs in areas like public relations expertise, strategic development and distribution, follow-up efforts, and multimedia content creation. Simply put, high-quality press releases that capture media and community attention require upfront financial investment and ongoing promotional work. Cryptocurrency companies need to factor these expenses into their PR budgets and avoid buying into the myth of free press releases. With the right investment, crypto press releases can generate tremendous value through increased awareness, credibility, and engagement.
I. Understanding the expenses involved
Creating an effective crypto press release that captures media attention and drives results requires investing in key areas, including:
- Public relations experts to handle strategy, drafting, editing, distribution and follow-up
- Writing compelling, optimized content aligned with media interests
- Conducting research to identify relevant reporters and publications
- Developing multimedia assets like images, charts, videos to make the release more engaging
- Paid press release distribution services for wider reach beyond free wire services
- Media monitoring tools to track press release performance
Understanding these necessary expenses allows cryptocurrency companies to budget appropriately and invest in the level of quality and promotion needed for impact.
II. The value of investing in quality
Viewing crypto press releases as merely a box to check rather than opportunities to connect with audiences is short-sighted. Prioritizing expert content, strategic distribution, and promotion over upfront costs can offer an impressive return on investment.
Effective press releases can pay for themselves many times over in earned media visibility. The costs involved are an investment in quality and results. Cryptocurrency companies that skimp too much on press releases miss out on potential awareness, leads, and community goodwill.
Alternatives to Free Crypto Press Releases
Rather than relying solely on free wire distribution services, cryptocurrency companies have several alternative options for sharing news and establishing credibility. While no methods fully replace a well-crafted press release strategy, exploring complementary exposure opportunities can extend reach.
I. Leveraging Owned Media Channels
Cryptocurrency projects typically already have communication channels like social media, company blogs, email newsletters, forums, and messaging platforms. While lacking the authority and credibility of earned media publicity, owned platforms allow brands to directly share announcements with their existing communities.
Potential owned media channels to leverage include:
- Company Blog Posts – Official blog on your website allows publishing full announcements as article-style posts. This puts news directly in front of site visitors.
- Social Media Networks – Accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn offer ways to instantly notify followers of updates through posts, tweets, images, or videos.
- Email Newsletters – Send press release-style announcements directly via mailing lists of engaged subscribers who have opted in. Avoid overly promotional language.
- Company or Project Forums – Many crypto brands operate their own forums or message boards which allow community discussion around announcements.
- Messaging Apps – Telegram, Discord, Slack, or other chat tools enable conversing with community members in real-time about news.
- Live Video Events – Webinars, AMAs, or presentations centered around announcements help bring them to life interactively.
Owned media constitutes a free way to ensure core audiences are notified of news, however credibility and overall reach are typically lower than earned media exposure from crypto press releases. Owned and earned efforts should be combined for amplifying reach.
II. Building Relationships with Crypto Journalists
Rather than relying solely on mass press release distribution services, cryptocurrency brands can focus on fostering direct relationships with individual journalists and media outlets interested in the crypto and blockchain space. This involves:
- Researching relevant reporters and publications covering the industry to identify press release targets. Look for writers focused on your specific niche.
- Following journalists on social media and engaging regularly with value-added commentary to organically build rapport.
- Pitching directly to reporters with story ideas related to announcements tailored to their interests and angles.
- Conducting one-on-one briefings over calls/meetings to provide exclusive info and context around news.
- Providing quotes, insights, or expert perspectives to journalists writing existing stories helps build familiarity.
- Establishing your brand as a reliable industry information source that the media can turn to as crypto experts.
Cultivating direct relationships with crypto press takes time and effort but can yield more personalized coverage, from advanced prerelease briefings to follow-up questions after distribution. This adds immense value compared to impersonal wire blasts alone.
III. Participating in Crypto Communities
Rather than relying entirely on press releases and owned channels, cryptocurrency companies can focus efforts on participating in industry forums, groups, and social media platforms to build credibility and organic awareness. This involves contributing value as subject matter experts vs. self-promotion.
Specific ways to actively participate in crypto communities include:
- Joining forum discussions on Reddit, BitcoinTalk, Telegram, Discord, etc. and providing informed perspectives on topics being discussed. Position yourself as a thought leader.
- Commenting on articles or social media posts related to your expertise with unique insights without obvious product pitches.
- Answering questions from community members related to blockchain, crypto markets, technologies, etc. to be helpful. Share your knowledge.
- Moderating and engaging consistently in forums or groups to become a trusted expert member known for adding value.
- Sponsoring or speaking at local crypto meetup events to establish credibility and share your knowledge with grassroots audiences.
- Creating free educational resources, guides, videos, and content for communities beyond just promotions.
The goal is to organically raise awareness by consistently demonstrating specialized expertise versus overt marketing. Active participation lays the groundwork for interest when press releases or owned channels announce newsletter.
Community involvement beyond press releases and owned promotion demonstrates crypto knowledge, builds goodwill and establishes brands as trusted leaders. This ultimately amplifies credibility and visibility for future announcements and releases.
Crafting Effective Crypto Press Releases
The process of creating a high-quality press release designed to capture media attention involves several key steps:
I. Identifying Newsworthiness
The first step in crafting an effective crypto press release is identifying what makes your news timely, relevant, and worth covering. Ask critical questions like:
- Does the announcement coincide with a major industry conference, event, or milestone?
- Is the news likely to significantly impact the cryptocurrency space or community?
- Does it reveal meaningful company growth, product updates, or partnership deals?
- Would it interest crypto journalists and align with current media coverage trends?
Determining clear newsworthiness is crucial for peaking media interest with your press release content.
II. Structuring a Compelling Release
An impactful crypto press release grabs attention right away by leading with a concise, catchy headline encapsulating the news. The opening paragraph provides a hard-hitting summary of the key announcement details. The body expands on the news with quotes from company leaders putting it into perspective. Multimedia elements like embedded video increase engagement.
III. Utilizing Multimedia Elements
Augmenting written press release content with relevant multimedia makes a release more consumable while improving visibility. Effective elements include:
- Images/Photos – Visualize concepts, showcase products/services, or highlight brand personalities.
- Charts/Graphs – Simplify complex data points like financials or growth.
- Videos – Bring press releases to life and boost engagement. Provide demos or testimonials.
- Infographics – Represent information more clearly and interactively through illustrations.
Measuring the Impact of Crypto Press Releases
To determine if press release efforts are succeeding, cryptocurrency companies should define quantitative goals and benchmarks. Useful metrics include:
I. Setting Measurable Goals
Before distributing a cryptocurrency press release, companies should define quantifiable goals and KPIs to track performance. Potential metrics include:
- Number of publications picking up the release
- Increased website traffic and conversions
- Growth in social media engagement and followers
- Click-through rate from press mentions
- Sales inquiries generated
Setting benchmarks for desired results enables optimizing distribution and evaluating the press release’s impact.
II. Analyzing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
After issuing a crypto press release, monitoring key performance indicators helps assess its effectiveness. Useful analytics include:
- Traffic volume and sources – Evaluate site visits driven specifically by media publicity.
- Visitor actions – Track meaningful activities like downloads, sign-ups, purchases.
- Backlinks – Monitor inbound links and domain authority improvements.
- Conversions – Measure sign-ups, leads, sales influenced by the press release.
- Mentions – Use tools like Meltwater to track press pickup and articles citing your release.
Consistently analyzing KPIs provides data-backed insights on press release ROI and guides strategy improvements.
Conclusion
The notion that cryptocurrency companies can issue free press releases and achieve meaningful results is misleading. While basic distribution through wire services is free, effective crypto press releases require investment in areas like public relations expertise, strategic pitching, follow-up, and high-quality content.
Rather than fixating on upfront costs, view press releases as opportunities to connect with target audiences. Focus on crafting compelling, newsworthy releases with multimedia elements and measurable objectives. Build relationships with crypto journalists and participate in industry communities. With the right strategy, crypto press releases can offer valuable visibility, but never for free.
