How To Write A Press Release printable pdf download

How to Write a Press Release

A press release, also known as a news release, is simply a written statement distributed to the

media. They can announce a range of news items: scheduled events, personnel promotions, awards,

new products and services, sales accomplishments, etc. They can also be used in generating a

feature story. Reporters are more likely to consider a story idea if they first receive a release. It is a

fundamental tool of PR work, one that anyone who's willing to use the proper format can use.

Write the headline. It should be brief, clear and to the point: an ultra-compact version of the

press release’s key point.

News release headlines should have a "grabber" to attract readers, i.e., journalists, just as a newspaper

headline is meant to grab readers. It may describe the latest achievement of an organization, a recent newsworthy

event, a new product or service. For example, "XYZ Co. enters strategic partnership with ABC Co. in India & United

States."

Headlines are written in bold and are typically larger than the press release text. Conventional press

release headlines are present-tense and exclude "a" and "the" as well as forms of the verb "to be" in certain

contexts.

The first word in the press release headline should be capitalized, as should all proper nouns. Most

headline words appear in lower-case letters, although adding a stylized "small caps" style can create a more

graphically news-attractive look and feel. Do not capitalize every word.

The simplest method to arrive at the press release headline is to extract the most important keywords

from your press release. Now from these keywords, try to frame a logical and attention-getting statement. Using

keywords will give you better visibility in search engines, and it will be simpler for journalists and readers to get the

idea of the press release content.

Write the press release body copy. The press release should be written as you want it to

appear in a news story.

Start with the date and city in which the press release is originated. The city may be omitted if it will be

confusing, for example if the release is written in New York about events in the company's Chicago division.

The lead, or first sentence, should grab the reader and say concisely what is happening. The next 1-2

sentences then expand upon the lead.

The press release body copy should be compact. Avoid using very long sentences and paragraphs.

Avoid repetition and over use of fancy language and jargon.

A first paragraph (two to three sentences) must actually sum up the press release and the further content

must elaborate it. In a fast-paced world, neither journalists nor other readers would read the entire press release if

the start of the article didn't generate interest.

Deal with actual facts - events, products, services, people, targets, goals, plans, projects. Try to provide

maximum use of concrete facts. A simple method for writing an effective press release is to make a list of following

things:

Communicate the 5 Ws and the H. Who, what, when, where, why, and how. Then consider

the points below if pertinent.

What is the actual news?

Why this is news?

The people, products, items, dates and other things related with the news.

The purpose behind the news.

Your company - the source of this news.

How To Write A Press Release