Site Launch: PRBeam.com for $99 Press Releases

Yesterday, I launched my newest Web site, the first HTML/CSS based site I’ve designed in several years. I decided not to use WordPress as my content management system for PRBeam.com, my $99 press release promotional Web site, due in part to some recent hackings that have taken place with WP.

Those problems are now behind me, but it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Besides, with HTML I can keep my six static pages in place and leave it at that. No temptation to add a blog post and dilute my freelance writing message found here. I’m still tweaking the site to make it render nearly the same to viewers across major browser platforms; it actually looks better in Chrome and IE than it does in Firefox. Go figure.

Of course, PRBeam.com is not an end to itself. I’m hoping that it translates into new business for me while allowing small business operators to find an experienced press release copywriter who can give them what they need for less. Under my current arrangement, customers will receive a newsworthy press release for up to 400 words and distribute it themselves.

And I’m advising these same customers to use a quality distributor and to disseminate their news carefully. SEO is certainly important as is targeting your news release to the right people. Print newspapers are fading fast, but many journalists have transferred what they do to the Internet. Those people may be interested in your news too, using your release as a jumping-off place for a fresh article.

So where is my own press release announcing my press release service? I’m actually going to wait until June to publish it so that I can tend to the needs of my customers first. Besides, if PRBeam.com is a raging success, I might want to tweak that $99 offer or add a distribution option. Stay tuned!

Send Those Copywriting Samples My Way

You can thank Dina over at Wordfeeder for inspiring me to write this article. It seems that I am not the only one who enjoys a freebie sample, even if it is only a game of Gator Golf!

One of the perks of copywriting is that you’ll occasionally get the opportunity to actually sample one of the products you write about. My most recent “gift” was a rechargeable thumb-size flashlight that can be attached to the car’s cigarette lighter and pulled out to read maps and/or provide just enough light under the hood when needed. I don’t get too many samples, but I should!

Sampling A Dodge Challenger

My automotive blog frequently features some of the top car models on the market or those which will soon be released. If I like a particular ride then I will write about it. If not, I generally will not.

For the past few years I have been tracking the progress of the Dodge Challenger, a muscle car built by Chrysler from 1970-1974, the years when I was in my teens and craving a driver’s license. I eventually got use of a Chrysler Newport convertible (mom’s car), but I always imagined driving a Challenger. By the time I was driving, the Challenger was no longer being produced. Besides, I couldn’t afford one.

Not that I won’t continue to write about the Challenger, which is being resurrected for the 2008 model year, but after so much free publicity, wouldn’t you think that the folks from Chrysler LLC would show their appreciation and give me one? It isn’t as if I would want or need the SRT8, the R/T will do and I’ll take it in white as pictured.

A Lease Is Fine Too (Paid, That Is)

All right, a free sample might be too much to ask, but I’ll take a two-year lease instead, especially if Chrysler cancels the payments. I’ll fork over the insurance, registration, taxes, and gas (ouch), but you can have your people drop it off at my front door.

To show my appreciation, I’ll even donate my 2001 Dodge Neon (see, I’m brand loyal!) to charity especially if you extend that lease out to three years.

Deal or no deal?