How Press Release Writing Works

A press release is a written communication to the media that announces a newsworthy event or occurrence. It is a way for businesses, organizations, and individuals to get their message out to the public.

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Press releases are typically written in a journalistic style and should be clear, concise, and informative. They should include the following elements:

• Headline: The headline should be catchy and attention-grabbing.
• Lead: The lead should be the first paragraph of the press release and should summarize the key points of the release.
• Body: The body of the press release should provide more detail about the newsworthy event or occurrence.
• Call to action: The call to action should tell the reader what they should do next. This could be to visit a website, contact the company, or read more about the event.

Press releases should be submitted to media outlets in a variety of ways, including email, fax, and mail. They can also be submitted through online press release distribution services.

When writing a press release, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep it brief. Press releases should be no more than one or two pages long.
• Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon and technical terms.
• Proofread carefully. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.

If you follow these tips, you will be well on your way to writing a press release that gets noticed by the media.

Here are some additional tips for writing a press release:

• Start with a strong headline. The headline is the first thing that journalists will see, so it is important to make it catchy and attention-grabbing.
• Write a clear and concise lead. The lead should summarize the key points of the press release in a few sentences.
• Use active voice and strong verbs. This will make your press release more engaging and interesting to read.
• Use quotes from key people. Quotes from experts or other stakeholders can add credibility to your press release.
• Include links to relevant websites. This will give journalists a place to go for more information.
• Track the results of your press release distribution. This will help you see how effective your press release was and make adjustments as needed.

Press release writing can be a great way to get your message out to the media and the public. By following these tips, you can write a press release that gets noticed and helps you achieve your business goals.

Further reading

Check out some of our recommended books to give you an edge in PR:

• Propaganda by Edward Bernays
• How to Write Perfect Press Releases by Steven Lewis
• Is It News?: Writing press releases that really work by Peter Labrow
• The DIY Guide to FREE Publicity by Christina Daves
• A Modern Guide to Public Relations by Amy Rosenberg
• The Art and Craft of PR by Sandra Stahl

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