Starting a press release site

where to begin

[gecko1]

I have an idea to start a niche press release distribution site (electronic only).

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how or where to start.

[Syzygy]

Is it technical advice you seek, or insight as to how the idea could be developed?

Syzygy

[Quadrille]

First, be clear as to what your aims are.

There are now so many press release sites, that the early advantages of having a site populated by content freely donated content, have been seriously diluted.

There may still be room for some niche sites (usually is!), but you need to check out the competition. Adding yet another outlet to a crowded market just means more confusion among release witers, further division of available adsense income, and more duplicate clone pages in Google. No-ne really gains by simple duplication.

Sorry to be so pessimistic, but I suggest you've arrived a little late to that particular party.

[Syzygy]

Jeesh - every silver lining has a cloud!

Syzygy

[rogerd]

I think Quadrille brings up a key issue, gecko - in planning your startup, you'll have to determine what your "value add" is, i.e., what will make your service better than my many existing outlets.

If your service is in a particular niche, perhaps you can market better to the key players (who may not be doing electronic releases yet), or develop a very good list of media individuals specializing in that topic. By catering to both ends of the process, you may be able to do a better job than a general agency.

[kneoteric_V]

Niche...

What will it address to (and what not)?

[Turbulence]

The key idea for a starter is, by no doubt, considerate planning. Before you begin, take some time to research your rival-sites as much carefully as possible. Let your notion of the competitive advantageyou would offer (that value added mentioned above)crystallize and then spend enough time to convey it in the most influential way.

Best regards and good luck.