Client: An early-stage B2B SaaS startup
PDFGate is an early-stage, Cyprus-based startup whose product is an API that lets companies automate PDF generation, signing, and processing within their software.
Currently, PDFGate operates as a solo-founder business, yet it already has clients based in Europe, the USA, and Latin America.
Goal: Build search visibility with limited resources
PDFGate faced a common early-stage startup challenge: with limited resources, the company needed to ensure product visibility and build a solid SEO foundation.
Mentions in high-quality, niche technical media were one of the ways to achieve this. While such PR placements can be secured through manual outreach, the founder, Demetra Theodorou, did not regard it as a viable option because her main focus was on product development, customer acquisition, and support. She had no extra time for lengthy negotiations.
The startup needed a way to quickly distribute information about its product in relevant media to reach the right audiences.
PDFGate aimed to build a presence across relevant technical platforms by publishing new articles and gaining mentions in existing ones. This approach was meant to support long-term product visibility in search results and gradually build the website’s domain rating from scratch.
Process & Results: Established visibility foundation for future growth through targeted paid placements
For paid placements, the founder of PDFGate chose PRNEWS following a recommendation from a marketing expert with many years of experience. The strategy was simple: regular placements in relevant media within the allocated budget.
The main criterion for selecting media was semantic relevance. Since Google’s algorithms prioritize context, PDFGate focused on the tech-industry and software development websites.
The founder used a variety of formats, including press releases, articles, and mentions within existing content. Considering that PDFGate is a startup, the overall budget was limited. Yet, the founder chose high-authority media outlets that could significantly impact the product’s visibility.
Although PDFGate is still in the early stages of building domain authority, the strategic use of paid placements has already delivered initial results. The website’s DR has increased, and the product has also gained its first presence in search results and across relevant technical platforms, where it previously had no exposure. As a result, media mentions have helped establish a foundation for early traction.
Testimonial by Demetra Theodorou, Founder of PDFGate
“The key value of the PRNEWS is the access I have to the specific publications I want without the need to do manual and lengthy outreach.
If I have a founder friend who is trying to do something similar, I would mention PRNEWS and share what I’m doing so they can get some ideas. I would also recommend it to marketers or anyone who needs to build their product’s online visibility with paid placements in online media.”
Next Steps: Return to regular placements and develop additional channels
PDFGate plans to continue with paid media placements after a pause related to product development. The founder expects to secure them every couple of months, depending on the budget. At the moment, resources are limited, but she is considering more expensive options for the future. She also plans to write articles herself for key media to ensure the required level of quality.
In addition to media coverage, PDFGate is working on integrations with platforms such as Zapier. These integrations are seen as an additional channel for increasing visibility and strengthening domain authority.
