Press release submission sites are platforms where you can publish company news, announcements, or updates so they can be picked up by search engines, readers, and sometimes even journalists. I have been using these platforms for years, and when they are used the right way, they still play a useful role in online visibility and brand growth.

A lot of people assume free press release sites are dead. They are not. In 2026, free press release submission sites still work, but only if you focus on quality instead of shortcuts. I have seen press releases help new websites get indexed faster, bring in referral traffic, and support broader SEO campaigns without risking penalties.

This guide is for anyone who wants real results without wasting time. If you are running a startup and need exposure, managing SEO for clients, working as a digital agency, or growing a small business on a limited budget, this list will help you.

Inside this post, I am sharing a hand-picked list of the top 70 free press release submission sites. These are not random links. Each site is selected based on domain authority, approval speed, and overall quality. You will also find platforms that still deliver real SEO value when used properly.

If you are looking for reliable press release submission sites that are free, easy to use, and worth your time, this guide will save you hours of research.

What Are Press Release Submission Sites?

Press release submission sites are websites where you can submit and publish press releases to share news about your business. It could be a product launch, company update, partnership announcement, or any important event you want people to know about.

Think of these platforms as distribution channels. Instead of posting your news only on your own website, you use press release submission sites to put that same message in front of a much wider audience. Search engines can index it, readers can discover it, and in some cases, other websites may even reference or republish it.

So, now the question is how Do press release submission sites work?

So, the process is usually simple. You write a press release, create an account on a submission site, and upload your content along with basic details like your company name, website link, and category. Some sites publish your press release instantly, while others review it manually before approval.

Once approved, your press release becomes a live webpage. That page can show up in search results, send referral traffic to your website, and support your overall content and SEO strategy. Over time, this also helps search engines understand your brand and what you do.

70 Free Press Release Submission Sites

Sr. NoPR Sites ListDAPASSSr. NoPR Sites ListDAPASS
1npr.org9376536briefingwire.com485111
2businesswire.com9273137theopenpress.com474873
3prnewswire.com9270238express-press-release.net46501
4prweb.com9168639clickpress.com46464
5w.globenewswire.com9056740prfree.org465117
6betanews.com8662141webnewswire.com444934
7mediapost.com8459142marketpressrelease.com434715
8tmcnet.com/usubmit/news/usubmit.aspx8240443free-press-release-center.info424922
9bizcommunity.com7957544freeprnow.com424810
10prlog.org7861645prfire.co.uk42461
11newswire.com7659146forpressrelease.com404710
12openpr.com7157-147xpresspress.com39414
13pr.com6858548press.abc-directory.com39414
14webwire.com67541649travpr.com384017
1524-7pressrelease.com66572050pressrelease.com38484
16pr-inside.com6452151release-news.com3646-1
17accesswire.com6455152pressreleasepost.com36411
18sbwire.com63551153pr9.net364054
19realwire.com6350254prwings.com33376
20releasewire.com6152155freepressreleases.co.uk33406
21pressreleasepoint.com57511556pressabout.com334411
22prsync.com57565057webknowhow.net32402
23prleap.com5652358enewswire.co.uk32427
24pressat.co.uk5653159przoom.com32463
25onlineprnews.com5452160pressbox.com294420
26prunderground.com54493061linkingnews.com263934
27newswiretoday.com5350262powerhomebiz.net24364
281888pressrelease.com53533163pr4links.com23429
29pressbox.co.uk53492464top10orfree.com/postafreepressrelease/index.asp22269
30prurgent.com52481865prbd.net204210
31ideamarketers.com5154666realtimepressrelease.com19421
32issuewire.com5152167freeprnews.co.uk143568
33live-pr.com49452868hungarynewswire.com133911
34emailwire.com4950869sardnews.org11366
35prbuzz.com49481470prnewsdistribution.co.uk33728

How to Submit a Press Release (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you have never submitted a press release before, the process might sound technical. In reality, it is straightforward once you know what to focus on. This is the exact process I follow when submitting press releases to free press release submission sites.

Step 1: Create an Account (If Required)

Most press release submission sites ask you to create a free account before publishing. This usually takes only a few minutes. Use your business email, fill in basic details, and verify your account if required.

Some platforms allow guest submissions, but having an account makes it easier to manage, edit, or track your press releases later.

Step 2: Write an SEO-Friendly Press Release

Before submitting anything, make sure your press release is well written and easy to understand. Focus on one clear announcement and avoid unnecessary promotion. Use your main keyword naturally, include your brand name, and keep the tone professional.

From my experience, simple and informative press releases get approved faster and perform better than overly promotional ones.

Step 3: Add Links and Anchor Text Safely

Most free press release submission sites allow one or two links. Use branded or natural anchor text, such as your company name or a plain URL. Avoid stuffing keywords into anchors, as this can look unnatural and reduce the value of your submission.

The goal here is credibility and referral traffic, not aggressive link building.

Step 4: Choose Categories and Tags

Selecting the right category helps your press release reach the right audience. Always choose the category that best matches your announcement. If tags are available, use a few relevant ones, but do not overdo it.

Proper categorization also helps platforms organize content and improves visibility within the site.

Step 5: Submit and Track Approval

Once everything is filled out, submit your press release and wait for approval. Some sites publish instantly, while others take a few hours or days. Keep a simple record of where and when you submitted each press release.

Tracking approvals helps you avoid duplicate submissions and lets you identify which platforms work best for you over time.

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Benefits of Using Press Release Submission Sites

When press release submission sites are used correctly, they offer much more than just a place to publish news. Over the years, I have seen them support visibility, branding, and SEO in ways many people overlook.

Improve Online Visibility

One of the biggest benefits of press release submission sites is visibility. When you publish a press release on multiple platforms, your brand shows up in more places across the web. It helps your business get noticed by people who may never visit your website directly.

Press releases also help search engines discover your content faster. For new websites or fresh pages, this can make a real difference in how quickly your content gets indexed.

Build Brand Authority

Consistently publishing press releases builds trust over time. When users see your brand mentioned on established press release submission sites, it creates credibility. Even if they do not click right away, repeated exposure helps position your business as legitimate and active in your industry.

This is especially helpful for startups and small businesses that are still building their online presence.

Earn Backlinks (Whatโ€™s Realistic and Whatโ€™s Not)

This is where many people get it wrong. Press release submission sites are not a magic backlink hack. Most links from these platforms are nofollow or branded, and that is completely normal.

What you can realistically expect is link diversification. Press releases help create natural link patterns, branded mentions, and citation-style links. Occasionally, a well-written press release can get picked up by other websites, and that is where the real SEO value comes from.

If your only goal is link building, you will be disappointed. If your goal is brand exposure and long-term SEO support, press releases make sense.

Increase Referral Traffic

A good press release can send steady referral traffic to your website. Readers who are genuinely interested in your announcement will click through to learn more. This traffic is often highly relevant because it comes from users already interested in your topic or industry.

Even a small amount of consistent referral traffic adds value over time.

Support SEO and Digital PR Campaigns

Press release submission sites work best when they support a larger SEO or digital PR strategy. They help amplify content, promote new pages, support brand searches, and create signals that search engines trust.

When combined with quality content, link building, and outreach, press releases become a powerful supporting tool rather than a standalone tactic.

Are Free Press Release Submission Sites Good for SEO?

This is one of the most common questions I hear, and the answer is not a simple yes or no.

Free press release submission sites can support SEO, but only when you understand how Google views them today and what role they should play in your overall strategy.

How Google Views Press Releases Today

Google does not treat press releases the same way it did years ago. Back then, people abused press release sites to build keyword-rich backlinks, and Google cracked down hard on that behavior.

Today, Google sees press releases primarily as content distribution tools, not link-building shortcuts. That means the main value comes from visibility, brand mentions, and content discovery rather than direct ranking power from links.

If your press release looks natural, informative, and written for real readers, Google is fine with it. If it looks spammy or overly optimized, it can be ignored or devalued.

What Type of SEO Value Should You Expect?

From my experience, the SEO value of free press release submission sites is indirect but still useful.

You can expect:

You should not expect instant ranking boosts or strong link equity from the press release pages themselves. That is not how they work anymore.

When Press Release Links Help and When They Donโ€™t

Press release links help whenPress release links do not help when
You use branded or natural anchor textYou stuff keywords into anchor text
The press release is genuinely newsworthyYou submit the same content to dozens of low-quality sites
The content is unique and well-writtenYou use press releases only to manipulate rankings
It gets picked up or referenced by other websites

Best Practices to Stay Google-Safe

To use free press release submission sites safely, always focus on quality first. Write press releases for people, not algorithms. Use links naturally, keep anchor text clean, and avoid over-submitting the same release.

I also recommend spacing out submissions and choosing reputable platforms instead of mass-posting everywhere. This approach aligns with Googleโ€™s guidelines and protects your site in the long run.

When used correctly, free press release submission sites are not risky. They are simply one supporting piece of a balanced SEO and digital PR strategy.

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Criteria Used to Select These Press Release Submission Sites

Not all press release submission sites are worth your time. Over the years, I have tested many platforms, and a large number of them either stopped working, became spammy, or hid important features behind paywalls. That is why this list is carefully filtered.

Below are the exact criteria I used to select each site in this guide.

Domain Authority (DA)

Domain Authority is not a Google ranking factor, but it is a useful quality indicator. Higher DA press release sites tend to be more stable, trusted, and regularly crawled by search engines. I prioritized platforms with decent authority because they offer better visibility and long-term value.

Indexing Status

A press release that does not get indexed has little to no value. Every site on this list was checked to ensure its press releases are indexed by search engines. If Google is not indexing a platformโ€™s content, submitting there is simply a waste of effort.

Approval Speed

Approval time matters, especially when you are sharing time-sensitive news. This list focuses on sites with fast approval, including instant and quick manual approval platforms. Slow or inactive sites were avoided unless they showed consistent publishing activity.

Spam Score and Quality Signals

Many free press release submission sites turn into spam farms over time. I avoided platforms filled with low-quality content, excessive ads, or suspicious outbound links. Sites with cleaner layouts, editorial standards, and reasonable moderation were given priority.

Ease of Submission

Press release submission should not be complicated. The sites included here have a simple submission process that does not require unnecessary steps, excessive verification, or confusing dashboards. This makes them practical for both beginners and professionals.

Free Access Without Hidden Paywalls

Every site on this list allows free submission without forcing you to upgrade at the last step. Some platforms offer paid options, but the free version still provides real value. Sites with misleading โ€œfreeโ€ claims were excluded.

Why This Selection Process Matters

I wanted this list to be something you can actually use with confidence. By applying these criteria, you avoid spammy platforms, save time, and focus only on press release submission sites that are reliable and safe for long-term SEO and brand building.

How to Write an SEO-Optimized Press Release

Writing a press release for SEO is not about stuffing keywords or adding links everywhere. It is about clarity, structure, and making your announcement easy for both readers and search engines to understand. Over time, I have noticed that simple, well-formatted press releases perform the best.

Ideal Word Count

An effective press release usually falls between 400 and 600 words. This is enough space to explain your news clearly without losing the readerโ€™s attention. Shorter press releases often lack detail, while longer ones tend to get rejected or ignored.

If your announcement is important, focus on being clear rather than long.

Headline Best Practices

Your headline should explain the news in one sentence. Use plain language and include your main keyword naturally if it fits. Avoid clickbait or exaggerated claims, as many press release submission sites review headlines before approval.

A clean, descriptive headline improves approval rates and encourages readers to click.

Keyword Placement Tips

Use your primary keyword once in the headline if it makes sense, and a few times in the body where it fits naturally. Also include related terms to support context. Do not force keywords into every paragraph.

Search engines are smart enough to understand meaning, so focus on readability first.

Anchor Text Strategy

When adding links, keep anchor text natural. Brand names, website URLs, or simple phrases work best. Avoid exact-match keyword anchors, especially on free press release submission sites.

This approach keeps your link profile safe and aligns with Googleโ€™s guidelines.

Formatting Tips That Improve Approval Rates

Formatting plays a bigger role than many people realize. Use short paragraphs, clear spacing, and proper capitalization. Avoid excessive bold text, all-caps, or promotional language.

A clean format makes your press release easier to review, easier to read, and more likely to be approved quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Press Releases

  1. Using over-optimized anchor text instead of branded or natural links
  2. Submitting low-quality, thin, or poorly written press releases
  3. Reusing the same press release content across multiple sites without changes
  4. Submitting to spammy or inactive press release submission sites
  5. Choosing sites that are not indexed by search engines
  6. Stuffing keywords into headlines and body text
  7. Adding too many links in a single press release
  8. Treating press releases as a shortcut for link building
  9. Expecting immediate ranking improvements from press release links
  10. Publishing press releases that are not actually newsworthy
  11. Ignoring formatting and submission guidelines of each platform
  12. Submitting press releases too frequently in a short time period

How Many Press Release Sites Should You Use?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the honest answer is that there is no fixed number that works for everyone. It depends on your goals, your industry, and how often you have real news to share.

Recommended Number for Beginners

If you are just starting out, focus on 10 to 20 quality press release submission sites from this list. It is more than enough to get visibility, indexing support, and referral traffic without overdoing it.

Starting small also helps you understand which platforms approve quickly and which ones actually send traffic.

Frequency Guidelines

Press releases should be used for real updates, not weekly filler content. For most businesses, submitting a press release once a month or once every few months is a safe and effective approach.

If you have multiple announcements, space them out instead of submitting everything at once. It keeps your activity looking natural and avoids unnecessary risk.

Quality vs Quantity Approach

Quality always beats quantity when it comes to press release submission sites. A well-written press release on a few trusted platforms delivers more value than mass-submitting poor content everywhere.

From my experience, focusing on quality sites, relevant news, and proper formatting produces better long-term results and keeps your SEO strategy safe.

Free vs Paid Press Release Submission Sites

FactorFree Press Release Submission SitesPaid Press Release Submission Sites
CostNo cost to submit press releasesRequires payment, often per release
ReachLimited distribution and exposureWide distribution across news networks
Approval ProcessInstant or manual approvalFaster approval with editorial review
SEO ValueIndirect SEO benefits and link diversificationStronger branding and citation signals
BacklinksMostly branded or nofollow linksUsually nofollow, but higher authority mentions
Best ForStartups, small businesses, SEO beginnersEstablished brands and major announcements
Submission LimitsOften limited features or placementsHigher visibility and placement options
Media ExposureRare journalist pickupHigher chance of media and journalist exposure
Content ControlBasic formatting and structureAdvanced formatting and targeting options
ROI ExpectationLong-term support and visibilityShort-term exposure and brand awareness

Final Thoughts

Press release submission sites are not a shortcut, but they are still a useful tool when used the right way. The key takeaway is simple, focus on quality, not volume. Free press release submission sites work best when they support your broader marketing and SEO efforts instead of trying to replace them.

To use this list effectively, choose platforms that match your goals, submit only when you have real news to share, and take the time to write clear, professional press releases. Track your submissions, watch which sites bring traffic or visibility, and refine your approach over time.

FAQs About Press Release Submission Sites

Are free press release submission sites worth it?

Yes, free press release submission sites are worth using when you have real news to share and realistic expectations. They help with brand visibility, content distribution, and search engine indexing. While they will not replace strong link-building strategies, they work well as a supporting SEO and digital PR tool.

Do press release backlinks help SEO?

Press release backlinks help indirectly. Most links are branded or nofollow, which is normal and safe. The real SEO value comes when your press release gets noticed and referenced by other websites. This can lead to natural backlinks that do support rankings.

How long does approval usually take?

Approval time depends on the platform. Some free press release submission sites publish instantly, while others take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Sites with manual review usually take longer but often maintain better content quality.

Can press releases increase website traffic?

Yes, press releases can drive referral traffic when they are published on relevant platforms and written for real readers. Traffic may not be massive, but it is often targeted and valuable, especially for new products or announcements.

Are press release sites safe for Google rankings?

Press release submission sites are safe for Google rankings when used correctly. Focus on quality content, natural links, and reputable platforms. Avoid spammy sites, keyword stuffing, and mass submissions. When used responsibly, press releases support SEO without putting your website at risk.