A press release is an official statement sent to the media to make a public announcement and generate interest. Press releases support companies in getting publicity for broadcasting their message. No matter the size of your business, you can benefit from a press release distribution service.
Key Components of a Press Release
The standard parts of a press release are:
- Logo
- Release date
- Contacts
- Headline
- Body
- Boilerplate
- Attachments
Most parts remain unchanged. The components depend on type, purpose, objectives, and multimedia elements included.
Writing and Formatting Your Press Release
Understand the real purpose of a press release – to show you have a news story. This is essential for public relations. If you have genuine news you have a good chance of media coverage.
When formatting a press release, write it in a straightforward way so a journalist can envision it as an article. Basics to include:
- Contact information top left
- "For immediate release" top right
- A headline explaining the news
- Company location in the first sentence
- And a company bio at the end
Steps to an Effective Press Release
Writing a press release has 7 key steps:
- Craft an engaging, precise headline in a few words to grab attention, like "Company Launches Groundbreaking Tech Gadget."
- Share something newsworthy.
- Ensure the press release is well-written and error-free.
- Keep it concise with an overview, pertinent details, and one or two quotes.
- Link for more information.
- Format with contact information top left and "For immediate release" top right.
- Include company location in the first sentence and a company bio at the end.
The Goal of a Press Release
The standard format has 1-inch margins, single-spacing, and standard fonts. The intro paragraph highlights key details. The body elaborates on the announcement, with the most important details first. Two to three paragraphs are ideal.
This format binds press release elements in a standard structure for easy reading. Sections include logo, date, headline, body paragraphs, and company bio. Pitch and messaging creativity have the greatest impact, not just templates.