By doing a press release, you can get the word out to over 20,000 members of the media that you've launched a site. If the PR is done well, it can attract a tremendous amount of attention to your web site.

For getting out an effective press release, we recommend Internet Wire. They're the oldest internet based press release distributor, and they've earned a reputation for really knowing what they're doing. Their basic cost for doing a PR is $275.

A more basic service that will get the word out about your site at a significantly lower rate is Mindset Netwire. Mindset currently offers press release services for as little as $99, although they are planning on reducing their rates to $89 in the near future. They also offer more advanced press release services which are similar in price and quality to those offered by Internet Wire.

Internet News Bureau will send your press release to 5,000 journalists.International services are also available. Their price starts at about $250. Their site also includes tips on making an impact in the media.

We have found a free press release site, but cannot yet verify whether it is effective. Whereas with the pay services you get a report of to where and to whom your press release was sent, you may get mixed results with Powertalk's Press Release service.

Another free service, with paid options, is at SoloNews.com. SoloNews offers Free Press Release posting on SoloNews. Check it out.

• Mindset Netwire
• Internet News Bureau