How to Write a Press Release
Body copy
When writing the body copy of a press release, you should follow the inverted pyramid format. This structure will help you organize the information in your press release. Include at least two quotes – either from your company or a third party. The boilerplate is the section of your press release that provides information about the company or organization you are writing about.
The headline should capture the reader's attention. It should be intriguing enough to make them want to read the rest of the press release. The body copy should support the headline and continue the momentum. Use bold fonts to emphasize key points and to make the sentences short and concise. In general, use 12-point Times New Roman font.
The body copy of your press release must contain the information that is relevant to your business or organization. This includes the important facts and less-important details. It should also contain quotes that add credibility to your news. It should also include your media contact information, such as your email address and phone number. This gives journalists a point of contact and makes it easier for them to write a piece about your company.
Besides the headline, the body copy must include the name of the company, city, and date of the press release. However, you may opt to omit the city if it would make the press release confusing for the reader. It is also important to avoid excessive use of jargon or fancy language in the body copy.
The second paragraph of your press release should feature supporting quotes from your company. They should be from industry experts or company leaders. It should also contain supporting data in a list format, such as product specs, usage data, or customer feedback. In addition to these, you should include your contact details and a link to your website.
Headline
The headline of a press release is one of the most important parts of your press release. It should be short and enticing and convey the main message of your release. In addition, it should include keywords that can help your release rank well in search engines. The headline should also be simple and concise, without using hyperbole or jargon.
The headline should be similar to the headline in newspapers, but it must be shorter and catch the reader's attention. Generally, the headline is the most important part of your release, but it is also important to include a sub-head that is slightly longer than the headline. This way, it's easier for the reader to scan through the rest of the release.
The headline should include the company's logo or other imagery related to the company. Make sure the headline is in initial caps and catchy. Similarly, you should avoid the use of exclamation marks. Sub-headlines should include a summary of the information in the headline, but they should not repeat the main information.
Using the word “you” or “us” in your headline is also a good idea. It will show that you're serious about the subject. The headline will attract readers and generate traffic. Besides, it will increase your company's visibility. Headlines are also an important component of email marketing, since your list is a list. If you have an email list, make sure the subject line says “read” or “opened.”
The headline should also be shared. It should evoke strong emotions in the readers. If the topic is controversial, it is more likely to generate a viral effect. For example, a post by Tim Ferris on Facebook has over 10,000 likes.
Place stamp and date in a press release
Adding a dateline to a press release makes it easier to determine if the release is timely and relevant. The dateline contains the date on which the press release will be published and should be placed before the headline. Including the dateline makes it easy for journalists and other media representatives to contact the author if they have any questions.
When writing a press release, place stamp and date on the first paragraph. It's best to put the date and location in bold. This gives the audience an idea of when and where the news item was published. This information is often the main point of the press release, so it's important to include it in the first paragraph.
After the date and location, the body of a press release should begin. The body should follow the format of a newspaper story. The body of the press release should include a concise summary of the main news. This can be done in 25 words or less. Once the press release is written, make sure that it follows the AP style.
Creating a newsworthy press release
In order to increase your chances of being covered in the media, you need to create a newsworthy press release. You should write your release with your audience in mind. You want to keep it short and simple, with clear information in an easy-to-copy format. Journalists are often too busy to read lengthy releases; they want clear, concise information that they can copy and paste. Press releases written in the form of articles have a higher chance of being published and read widely.
Besides a headline that grabs attention, you must also include a compelling body of the press release. The first paragraph should contain a statement announcing the announcement, followed by quotes from a business executive or spokesperson. Finally, the last paragraph should contain the company's contact information. This should include a phone number and an email address.
When creating a press release, it is essential to remember to send it to several news outlets. Not only does this increase your chances of free press coverage, but it also builds brand recognition. The media may remember your company name and be looking for sources in your industry. Furthermore, your newsworthy press release can help you establish your role as thought leadership.
You can also use templates for press releases. For example, a television show press release template announces an upcoming show or an update to an existing show. A good press release template will also include the cast and background information about the new show. It's also useful for recording artists, who want to stand out from the crowd of other artists. This will help boost their career.
It is crucial to include a significant story in your press release. Remember that data is one of the most important components of a newsworthy press release, as it helps validate the story and shapes the angle of the release.