A press release is a formal document used to announce news, events, or important developments to the media and the public. It follows a specific format to effectively convey information and capture the attention of journalists and readers. Here's a basic outline of what a press release should look like:
Letterhead or Company Logo: Place your company's letterhead or logo at the top of the press release. This helps establish your brand identity and gives the release a professional appearance.
Release Date: Include the date you intend the press release to go live. This is generally placed below the letterhead or logo.
Headline: Write a clear and attention-grabbing headline that summarizes the main point of the press release. Make it concise and engaging, capturing the essence of the news.
Subheadline (Optional): A subheadline can provide additional context or a supporting angle to the main headline. It's not always necessary, but can be useful for more complex stories.
Dateline: Include the city and state (or city and country) where the press release is originating. This is typically placed at the beginning of the first paragraph and is separated from the first sentence by a comma.
Introduction/Lead Paragraph: Write a compelling opening paragraph that answers the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the news being announced. Keep it succinct and engaging to capture the reader's interest.
Body Paragraphs: Use subsequent paragraphs to provide more details, context, and quotes from relevant individuals. Each paragraph should cover a specific aspect of the news and contribute to a complete understanding of the topic.
Quotes: Incorporate quotes from key stakeholders, such as company executives, experts, or partners. Quotes provide a human touch to the press release and can emphasize the importance or impact of the news.
Supporting Information: Include any additional information that supports the main news, such as statistics, background details, or relevant facts. This can help journalists in their reporting.
Boilerplate: A boilerplate is a brief description of your company, organization, or individual. It's typically placed at the end of the press release and provides essential background information about the entity making the announcement.
Contact Information: Provide contact details (name, email, phone number) for media inquiries. This should be placed at the end of the press release to facilitate follow-up questions.
About the Attachments (if applicable): If you have additional materials like images, videos, or documents related to the press release, mention them in a brief note at the end.
Remember, clarity, accuracy, and brevity are key when writing a press release. Journalists often receive numerous releases, so making yours easy to understand and compelling can increase the likelihood of it being picked up and covered.