How to Write a Press Release

Want to get your company noticed? A good way is with a press release. It's like telling the world, "Hey, check this out!" This guide will show you how to press release like a pro. Whether you're a PR expert or new to communication and marketing, you'll learn how to write releases that get results.

What's a Press Release and Why Should You Care?

A press release is a message you send to news people. Think of it as your official announcement. It helps you tell your story, your way. Knowing how to press release can really help because:

• You control the story: Tell the media exactly what you want them to know.
• Reach lots of people: News outlets can share your story with tons of potential customers.
• Look like an expert: A good press release shows you know your stuff.
• Help people find you online: Use the right words to boost your website in search results (SEO).
• Get more website visitors: Add links to your site so people can learn more.

What Makes a Great Press Release?

Knowing how to press release means knowing the parts. Here's what you need:

1. Headline:

This is super important. Make it short, interesting, and clear. Keep it under 60 letters so it doesn't get cut off online. Use a main keyword, too! To help people find you on search engines

Example: "Local Coffee Shop Donates 1,000 Cups of Coffee to Hospital Workers"

2. Subheadline (Maybe):

Want to add a bit more info? Use a subheadline. It can be a little longer than the headline.

Example: "Donation Helps Doctors and Nurses Stay Energized During Long Shifts."

3. Dateline:

Tell people when and where the release was written. Easy!

Example: "ANYTOWN, USA – October 26, 2023 –"

4. Introduction (First Part):

Get right to the point! Sum up the news in one short part. Answer: Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How?

Example: "Anytown Coffee, a local coffee shop, today donated 1,000 cups of coffee to the staff at Anytown Hospital. The donation aims to support healthcare workers during their demanding schedules."

5. Body Paragraphs:

Give more details here. Share facts, numbers, and examples. Keep it simple and easy to read. Why is this news important? Who does it help?

6. Quotes:

Get some quotes! Ask your boss, an expert, or even a happy customer. Quotes make your release sound more real.

Example: "We wanted to show our appreciation for the hospital staff," said Jane Doe, owner of Anytown Coffee. "They work so hard to keep our community healthy."

7. Boilerplate:

This is a short blurb about your company. Put it at the end. What do you do? What are you about?

Example: "About Anytown Coffee: Anytown Coffee is a family-owned coffee shop serving the Anytown community for over 20 years. They are committed to providing high-quality coffee and supporting local causes."

8. Call to Action:

What do you want people to do after reading the release? Visit your website? Call you? Tell them!

9. Media Contact Information:

Who should reporters call if they have questions? Give their name, title, email, and phone number.

Tips for Writing Awesome Press Releases

Knowing how to press release means writing it well. Here are some tips:

1. Know Who You're Talking To: Write for your audience. What do they care about?
2. Keep it Short: Don't waste anyone's time. Get to the point!
3. Be Honest: Don't lie or make things up.
4. Use Strong Words: Make your writing exciting.
5. Read it Again! Check for mistakes before you send it out.
6. Help Search Engines Find You: Use the right words (SEO).
7. Add Pictures or Videos: Make your release look good!
8. Time it Right: Don't release news on big holidays.
9. Send it Out Wide: Use a press release service to reach more people.
10. Talk to Reporters: Follow up with reporters to see if they're interested.

How PR, Communication, and Marketing Fit Together

Knowing how to press release connects to other things, like PR, communication, and marketing. Think of the press release as a tool in a bigger toolbox.

• Public Relations (PR): PR is about managing your image. A press release helps you build relationships with the media.
• Communication: It's all about sharing info clearly. Your press release needs to be easy to understand.
• Marketing: A press release can help you sell stuff! It can get people to visit your website and learn about your products.

Some Good Examples

Want to see how to press release the right way? Here are a couple of examples.

Example 1: New Product

Headline: "Local Company Invents New Kind of Water Bottle"

Introduction: "Anytown, USA – Today, Local Products announced its new self cleaning water bottle. It is able to clean itself, and keep your water pure for a full month."

This release gets right to the point and tells you why the new water bottle is so different.

Example 2: Local Charity Event

Headline: "Anytown to Host Charity 5k to Support Local Park"

Introduction: "Anytown, USA – The city of Anytown will host a 5k, starting at 9AM in the town square. All money will be donated to the park's new playground fund."

This release is great, it is short, and gives the need to know facts. It gets people excited to join.

Did it Work? How to Measure Success

Understanding how to press release means knowing if it worked. Here's how to check:

• Did the News Cover It?: See how many news places wrote about your release.
• Website Visits: Did more people visit your website after the release?
• Social Media: Did people share or comment on your release online?
• Search Results: Did your website show up higher in search results?
• Sales: Did you sell more stuff?

Check these things to see if your press release was a success. Then, do even better next time!

Wrap-Up: Be a Press Release Pro!

Knowing how to press release is important for anyone in PR, communication, or marketing. Write well, be clear, and track your results. If you do these things, you'll be a press release pro in no time!

So, go out there and write some awesome press releases. Tell your story to the world!