Are you looking to write an effective press release?
You need to know the dos and don'ts of writing a successful press release!
In this article, we'll cover the formatting guidelines, key information to include, choosing a distribution service, crafting your message, proofreading, utilizing visuals, and following-up. So, let's get started!
You'll want to pay attention to the formatting guidelines when writing a press release. Use a single-spaced, block paragraph format with no indents for the body of the text.
Don't exceed one page, and don't use any fancy fonts. Include the date on the top-left corner and contact information on the top-right corner. Include a headline, and keep it concise and catchy. Capitalize the first letter of every word except for prepositions and conjunctions.
Don't forget to include a boilerplate - a short paragraph that provides context about the company. Finally, be sure to include a call-to-action.
You need to make sure to include key information when crafting your release. Make sure that your headline is crisp and engaging, so that readers will be drawn in. Also include a dateline so readers know when the release was published.
Your lead should provide a concise summary of the news. Include the five W's in your body: who, what, when, where, and why. Add quotes from key people involved to provide more insight into the story. You should also include contact information for further information and questions.
Finally, add a boilerplate section to provide context and background on the organization or individual at the center of the story.
Choosing the right distribution service for your press release can make all the difference in how it's received by your audience. Do your research to find the best service that meets your needs.
Make sure it has a wide enough reach and the right targeting options for your specific audience. Also, check its reputation for reliability and customer service. Price is also a factor, but don't be afraid to invest in good distribution.
Finally, look at any extra features or services they offer, such as analytics or media contact databases. Take the time to explore all of your options so you can make an informed decision.
Once you've chosen a distribution service, crafting your message is the next step. It's important to get your point across in a clear and concise way that will capture the attention of your target audience.
Keep it brief and only include essential information. Avoid jargon and marketing lingo, as well as overly-promotional language. Stick to the facts and don't make any exaggerated claims. Make sure to include a call to action that encourages readers to take the desired step or learn more.
Lastly, include a link to your website or another relevant source. Follow these tips and you'll have a great press release that's sure to make an impact.
Proofreading is an important step in ensuring your press release is free of errors and conveys your message in a professional manner. You don't want to risk sending out a document with typos or incorrect grammar; it could have a negative impact on your credibility.
Take the time to review your press release several times before submitting it. Make sure to check for typos, misspellings, and grammar mistakes. Additionally, confirm that all facts are accurate and that the information is up-to-date. Don't rely solely on spell check; it won't catch all errors.
Have another person read the document to get a fresh perspective. That way, any mistakes you overlooked will be flagged. Ultimately, proofreading is key to making sure your press release has a polished, professional look.
Including visuals in your press release can help draw attention and showcase key information. This can be an image, a graph, or even a video, but it should be relevant to the message you are trying to convey.
When selecting visuals, make sure they are of good quality and represent the story you're telling accurately. Additionally, use visuals that are high-resolution and formatted correctly for the platform you are using. Also, be sure to include captions to help explain the importance of the visual and provide context for the reader.
Finally, take the time to make sure that your visuals are correctly attributed and properly credited. Doing so will help ensure that you are using visuals ethically and responsibly.
To ensure your press releases are reaching the right people, consider what type of audience you want to target. Research which publications, websites, blogs, and social media accounts are popular among that group. Then, create a list of contacts and send your press releases to them. You can also consider using press release distribution services to reach a larger audience quickly. These services can provide valuable feedback on how well your press releases perform.
Generally, press releases should be no more than 400 words in length. Your press release should be succinct and to the point, while still providing enough information to engage the reader. It should be written in an active voice, and make use of contractions to keep it succinct. Keep in mind that the goal is to communicate your message quickly and effectively. If you can, try to limit your press release to a single page.
When writing your press release, it's important to use the right format. The standard format for a press release includes a headline, an introductory paragraph, the body, quotes, and a call-to-action. It should be concise and written in an active, second person point of view. Contractions can be used to make your writing sound more conversational. Remember to include all the necessary information, and to keep it under one page to make it easier to read.