Writing a Press Release
Writing and submitting press releases are a great way to market your business involving little cost and effort. Writing a press release is easy when you understand two basic facts:
- Press Releases are written in the third person
- Press Releases are all based upon the same template
Third Person
Press releases are written in the third person. If this is confusing, just remember, avoid "you", "I", "we" and "us" and replace them with "he" and "they". When you speak of yourself or your company, use terms like “XYZ Company announced” rather than “We would like you to know.”
Press Release Template
I. Heading
II. Opening Paragraph
III. Body
IV. Closing Paragraph
Headline
The headline of a press release should be about ten words or less and sum up the action of the situation or event. Examples would be:
- “Jones Company Announces Expansion”
- “Feel Good Health Plans Event”
- “John Doe Receives Certification”
Opening Paragraph
Try to remember that the opening paragraph may be the only paragraph that your audience reads so it should sum up your message. This information should be brief and to the point. It should answer these questions:
- Who is this about?
- What is this about?
- When did it happen or when will it occur?
- Where is the event or when did the situation occur?
- Why this is occurring or being announced.
The Body
The body of a press release is where you can expand upon the information in the opening paragraph, be more descriptive, and give details. Use specific examples of what was done or will be done.
Remember, this is a press release and not an advertisement for your company so stick to the facts and avoid using descriptive sentences that promote your company.
Examples of good descriptive facts would be:
- Blair Automobile has won the coveted Automobile Service Award for outstanding service to its customers. (There is a fact to back you up)
Examples of bad descriptive facts would be:
- Blair Automobile provides the best service in Blair County
The Closing Paragraph
Repeat the main points, and supply contact information
Formatting
This formatting is not necessary for articles submitted to The Chamber Web site. However, if you are submitting to other mediums you may want to consider proper press release formatting. The following are the rules that apply to formatting a press release.
Press releases should be printed on company letterhead or at least include the company name, address, phone number, URL and an email address if possible. The Word "PRESS RELEASE" should be spelled out in all CAPS and centered in bold. If the press release is for IMMEDIATE RELEASE, say so, on the left margin directly above the title in all caps. This should be followed by the date.
Next is the headline or title. This is centered and bolded.
End with a contact person’s name and phone number.
Download this information as a word file.
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