How to Write a Press Release

How to Write a Press Release That Works

Hey there! Want to get your news out there and make a real impact? A well-written press release is your secret weapon. It's how you share exciting stuff with the world, and it can really boost your organization. This guide shows you exactly how to do it.

1. Planning: Know Your Stuff

Before you even start writing, you need a plan. Ask yourself these questions:

• What's the one key message? Keep it short and sweet.
• Why are you writing this? New product? Company news? A big event?
• Who are you talking to? Think about the specific journalists and publications you want to reach. Write for them.
• What do you want to happen? More people knowing about you? More website visits? More sales?

Getting clear on this makes writing way easier – and more effective.

2. The Headline: Make it Count!

Your headline is EVERYTHING. It's the first thing people see. Make it grab their attention! Here's what to do:

• Keep it short – under 10 words.
• Use strong verbs. Think action!
• Highlight the most important news.
• Use keywords so people can find it online.

A boring headline? No one will read it. A great headline? Game on!

3. The Lead: Grab 'Em Fast

The first paragraph is your hook. It needs to answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how. Think of it like this: if someone only reads this part, would they get the whole story? It should be short, engaging, and informative.

4. The Body: Tell the Full Story

Now you expand on that first paragraph. Use short, easy-to-read sentences. Add details, quotes from important people, and any numbers or data that support your story. Remember: journalistic style, not a sales pitch.

5. Add the Proof: Quotes, Numbers, and Facts

Make your press release believable. Include quotes from key people – gives it a human touch. Numbers and data add weight to your claims. Always say where you got your information.

6. Make it Easy to Read

Use bullet points and short paragraphs. Avoid confusing jargon. Use bold and italicized text to highlight important parts. The goal? Crystal clear communication.

7. Keywords: Get Found Online

Use keywords throughout your release. Think about the main words (like "how to write a press release") and related words (like "public relations" or "media outreach"). Don't overdo it though – it should sound natural.

8. Call to Action: What Now?

What do you want people to do? Visit your website? Learn more? Sign up for something? Make it super clear what you want them to do next.

9. Company Info: Who Are You?

At the end, add a short description of your company. It shows who you are and builds trust.

10. Formatting: Look Professional

Keep it consistent. It should look like this:

• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (at the top)
• Date
• Headline
• City, State
• Contact Information
• Body of the press release
• Boilerplate
• ### (at the end)

11. Proofread: Catch Those Mistakes

Before you send it out, carefully check for any mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Little mistakes can make you look unprofessional.

12. Get it Out There!

How do you get your press release seen? Try a few different ways:

• Press release services: These services send your release to lots of journalists.
• Email outreach: Send it directly to journalists you know.
• Social media: Share it on social media.
• Your website: Post it on your website's news section.

Getting it to the right people is key.

13. See What Happened

After you send it out, keep an eye on things. Track what's happening – did people see it? Did it help? Use that information to improve next time.

Conclusion: Press Releases Work!

By following these steps, you can write press releases that actually get results. It takes practice, but the more you do it, the better you'll get. Good luck!