Press Release Writing 101

To help you get started quickly, we are going to give you some press release writing tips. In writing a press release, the general structure and format are pretty standard as you’ll see in many press releases across the web. If you want to learn how to write a good press release then you’re at the wrong place.

But if you’re entirely new and you want some groundwork on how to actually write the most basic and standard of press releases, you’ve arrived at what I personally like to call, “newbie sanctuary”.

To start off with, here’s a template which you can download or view as reference when writing your press release. A press release would always, always have and need these things for publication:

1. Headline: This should be as clear and concise as possible and captivate audiences. Think of it as a headline “that will change the world”. Only then, you’d know it’s newsworthy.

2. Summary Paragraph: Most press releases sites allow readers to view a press release headline and summary, but not the body paragraphs. Hence, take this opportunity to illustrate the main gist of your news, and once again include why your information provided is relevant and newsworthy. This paragraph should be in italics.

3. Date Line: You’d have noticed how many press releases have a location and date under the summary paragraph, this is just where and when this news was made public.

4. Body: This is the main bulk of it all, giving all the details about everything that has happened and dissecting it into a few key paragraphs, each having their own specific sub-idea. Even though we’re talking about detailing facts here, it is ideal to keep word count under 800 because you don’t want to bore readers and people aren’t willing to spend so much time reading if it doesn’t cut to the point quickly. Keep in mind that less is more here.

5. Company Information: This is the standard paragraph that contains a short, factual overview of the business or organization. It’s pretty much a template itself and your brand or company can reuse the same information statement in each press release.

6. Contact Details: Lastly, if the press distribution site doesn’t have a form for you to fill this out in, include details on how readers can contact the appropriate person for additional information on the press release itself. So apart from the writer’s name, include telephone number; email address; social media profile(s); and the URL for the organization’s website.

*Already know the basics? Learn how to write better Press Releases here.