Did you know that press releases can boost the sales of products? If you want tips on how to write a good press release, we can help. In this guide, we’ll go over the steps to take to write a press release. Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Defining a Press Release
News from a company helps a brand stand out and build connections with journalists. An organization will release an official announcement to the news media. Press releases might also get called “news releases,” “media releases,” or “press statements.”
Your heading in a press release should contain action verbs. The first paragraph will cover the where, why, what, and who. Write your press release in understandable language and use a quote.
A lot of press releases will only be one or two pages. Companies want to give enough information to news outlets. This way, reporters can write their own stories about what the company announced. Let’s look at how to write your press release.
Create a Catchy Headline
Once you know what you’ll announce, think about how you will share it. You will be sharing it with your industry, followers, and community. Setting up your press release will begin with the headline. You have one line to capture the attention of new and old followers.
Make sure your headline is short and straightforward and one line long. Focus on the topline message. What is the message that you want people to remember? Reporters get hundreds of releases every day. Think of a compelling headline that will stand out.
What Makes Your Press Release Noteworthy?
For people to share your announcement, tell them why they should care. The beginning paragraph will cover the who, why, what, where, and how of your update. A reporter won’t have a lot of time to decipher fluffy background details.
You want to present the facts so that they can share your story with someone higher up. Don’t add newer or more crucial information later in the press release.
Provide a Unique Quote
After you write the headline and first paragraph, add in a quote reporters will use for context. The quote should reveal how the release will affect the customers and industry. Quotes should come from key stakeholders like project leads or the executive team. When you quote authorities, you highlight the importance of your announcement.
The quote should reflect the narrative and the central part of the announcement. Pick a few critical spokespeople in the company and use their quotes.
Give Background Information on the Subject
When the reader reaches the last paragraph, they should have the main details to spread the word. You might want to provide facts or details about the development of the announcement. Yet, you want your press release to remain concise and valuable to the reader. Don’t fill it up with extra information.
Here, you can add in some details that will strengthen the main narrative. Explain a creative way that your company developed the project. You could also provide insight into the future implications of the project. You can also add value to the release when you use newsjacking. One way to relate your press release to something going on is to make it more valuable to the reader.
Remember Your Word Count
A press release should remain between 300-600 words long. When you’re writing your press release, the shorter the press release, the better. Some smaller news outlets will share the press release itself. A bigger news publication won’t share your press release on its own. Aim to make your press release simple and short.
If you have more to share about the announcement, let journalists know they can follow up. Mention that you are open for interviews and will wait to hear from them.
Summarize the What and Who
On Twitter, you’ll find many reporters lamenting that pitches or press releases aren’t precise anymore. The reporters might say that they are unclear about the focus behind the announcement. Make sure your release is easy to reference.
Explain clearly what your company does. Make sure you add a link to your company’s website. Your written text should be direct and concise. If you end up citing any data, make sure there’s a reference link. Names in the release should have an associated title and company too.
Ask Someone to Read Your Release
Ask a colleague to read the release. Don’t give them any context. After, ask them if they can explain the release and why it matters.
Ask them if they understand what your company does and why the executives were quoted. If your friend or colleague has questions, rework the release.
To keep your press release strategy working, focus on creating valuable content. A traditional press release is helpful when done well. Give your press release a modern flair and boost your marketing efforts.
Look into a free press release distribution.
Start Working On a Press Release Today
We hope this guide on writing press releases was helpful. Make sure you clearly explain the why of the press release in the beginning. Create a compelling headline.
Ask someone to read your press release after, and ask them to explain why it matters. If they are unclear about the message, consider rewriting it.
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