Get featured on Smart Home Media Outlets in 48 hours

Yes, a founder can do their own PR, but it's important to understand the work involved. DIY PR means manually building lists of journalists, crafting personalized pitches for each one, and conducting endless follow-ups. It's a full-time job with a very low success rate. Writing and sending a press release to a wire service is more manageable. However, you still need to ensure the release is formatted correctly and meets strict editorial guidelines, which can be a learning curve. Services like Mediaboost streamline this with an AI-powered editor and direct submission channels, handling the formatting and distribution so you can focus on the news itself.

The cost varies widely. Doing it yourself is technically free but costs significant time and has no guarantee of success. Using a wire service for broad distribution can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the network. Hiring a traditional PR agency is the most expensive option, typically involving a monthly retainer of $5,000 to $15,000 with no guarantee of publication. One-time distribution packages offer a middle ground, providing guaranteed placements for a fixed price. You can see our current packages and pricing for specific networks and deliverables on our pricing page.

With a distribution service, the process is very fast. After you submit your press release and it passes an editorial review for compliance with publisher guidelines, publication typically begins within 24 to 48 hours. The editorial review is a key step to ensure your announcement is newsworthy and not just an advertisement. This check usually takes a few business hours. You can expect to receive a full PDF report with links to your live placements, including backlink data and DR scores, within 3 business days of your release being approved and distributed.

Announcements with tangible impact on customers and the market perform best. This includes new product launches with unique features, significant partnerships with major tech ecosystems like Apple HomeKit or Samsung SmartThings, and securing large funding rounds. Data-driven reports also work well. For example, releasing a study on smart home adoption trends or energy savings from your devices can position you as an industry expert and generate valuable backlinks. Announcements about achieving key security or interoperability certifications, especially the Matter standard, are also highly effective as they address major consumer concerns in the smart home space.

The key is to ensure your release announces actual news, not just marketing claims. It must be objective, factual, and written in the third person. Avoid hype words like "revolutionary," "game-changing," or "world's best." Your release must have a clear news hook. A new product, a partnership, a certification, or new data are all valid hooks. A release that is just a sales pitch for an existing product will be rejected. Our AI-powered editor helps guide you on tone and structure to meet these standards. Finally, ensure all claims are verifiable and include a clear "About Us" section and contact information. Editors reject releases that feel anonymous or make unsubstantiated claims.

Yes, but indirectly. A customer is unlikely to read an article on AP News and immediately buy your smart thermostat. The value comes from the trust and credibility that coverage builds over time. When that customer later sees "As Seen On Business Insider" on your website, or when they Google your product and see multiple news results, it validates your brand. This social proof is critical for a product that will be in their home, handling their data and security. For B2B sales, like pitching to home builders or retailers, these media assets are even more crucial. They demonstrate market validation and legitimacy, making you a safer choice than an unknown competitor.