The press release still drives the news world today. Every major business, celebrity, or sports occurrence is preceded by a carefully worded press release. Most articles and news stories are created based on press releases. So how can you learn how to write a press release? This web page will show you how to write press release content that works. There are strict guidelines to follow when writing press releases.
Here are the elements of an effective press release:
(source: www.press-release-writing.com )
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: These words should appear in the upper left-hand margin, just under your letterhead or company logo. You should capitalize every letter. Every press release must have this exact phrase!
- Contact Information: Skip a line or two after the "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" statement and list the name, title, telephone and fax numbers of your company spokesperson (the person with the most information). It is important to give your home number since reporters often work on deadlines and may not be available until after hours.
- Headline: Skip two lines after your contact information and use a boldface type.
- Dateline: This should be the city your press release is issued from and the date you are mailing your release.
- Lead Paragraph: The first paragraph of the press release needs to grasp the reader's attention and should contain the information relevant to your message, such as the five W's (who, what, when, where, why).
- Text: The main body of your press release is where your message should fully develop. Be concise and to the point; no need for adjective-riddled language in the press release.
- Company Summary: At the end of every press release, include a short paragraph that provides a quick overview of your company - only 2-3 sentences.
I highly recommend a few outstanding books and guides on press releases and how to write a great press release:
Guide to Preparing Cost-Effective Press Releases. This guide reviews the basics of press release writing, gives examples of successful press releases, and explains how to set up an ongoing press release program that provides effective publicity at very low cost.
How to Write It: A Complete Guide to Everything You'll Ever Write. This authoritative and encyclopedic reference shows how to write a business letter, a social note, a press release, or complaint. The helpful guide includes a time-saving compendium of sample letters that can be used as templates to suit any situation.