In this article, you’ll learn the basics of what to include in your press release. Read on to find out what information you need to include, the five ‘w’s of press release writing, and examples of boilerplate. Once you’ve got these down, you’ll be ready to create your own press release. Then, you can get started! Hopefully, these tips will help you write a great press release.
Information that should be included in a press release
While preparing your press release, you need to consider what information is essential for the audience. You should only use information that is related to your product or service, as a faulty press release can damage your reputation and image. As a result, you need to only use reliable sources for your figures and statistics. As for the rest of the text, you need to include the most relevant information in the first paragraph, while saving the other details for the body.
To begin with, create a headline for your press release. Make sure that it catches the reader’s attention and clearly explains the topic of the release. Write the body of the press release so that it is easy to scan and digest, and use quotes to back up your arguments. Also, identify a press contact, which is typically a communications executive or media coordinator. Use a common font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
The second paragraph should contain additional information, such as statistics or case studies. If your press release has two pages, place three centered pound signs at the bottom of each page. These symbols let the media know that they have reached the end of your press release. Lastly, include contact details for potential sources, such as email addresses and telephone numbers. By including contact information, you can avoid potential errors in your press release.
Dateline of a press release
The dateline of a press release is one of the seven basic components of a press release. Although it may seem unimportant, it plays an important role in the press release’s format. Datelines are typically found in news articles and press releases, and they represent the geographic location of the story. Using the correct dateline format can help you score extra points with journalists. Listed below are some tips for incorporating datelines into your press releases.
The dateline should begin the body of the release. There are several different styles for datelines, each with their own rules for how to format the information. Associated Press style calls for all capital letters for the dateline, while other styles put it in lower case, and use a dash. Regardless of the format chosen, it is important to follow the AP stylebook when formatting your dateline. Otherwise, your dateline might be ignored or overlooked.
In addition to the date, the press release should include the location of the event. The release date is important because it tells the media whether the news is relevant to their audience. In most cases, the more recent the news release is, the better. However, if the event is regional, you should include the location there as well. This way, journalists and media outlets will know which city to cover. The next step is to write the body of the press release.
Five ‘w’s of a press release
The five ‘w’s of a press release should be addressed in every press release. They boost credibility and effectively communicate information. But what do they mean? What makes them so important? In today’s world of busy journalists, they are not always able to read a full press release. To make their work easier, experts have developed a new method for answering the five W’s: “what, why, where, and when.”
While most journalists have a basic understanding of press-release writing, they may not know how to create a well-written news story. In general, journalists look for a press release that contains all five W’s in a clear, concise manner. To avoid this, they may spread the five W’s throughout the entire article, but you want to make them visible upfront. If possible, include the five W’s in the first paragraph. For example, Johnson recommends putting a short description of the company’s products, its social media accounts, and its contact information.
Another important element of a press release is its headline. The headline is the beacon that draws readers’ attention. It should be in bold type with a large font. There should be no more than 80-125 characters. Capitalize every word. Moreover, remember that the headline is the most important part of the press release. But if it is not, the rest of the content is unimportant.
Examples of boilerplate in a press release
When writing a press release, it is important to include a call to action in the body of the press release. A great press release will likely leave the readers wanting more information, such as signing up for a newsletter or scheduling an interview. In this section of the release, you should provide your primary contact information. It is also a good idea to include a link to your website or business website. Using this method will allow journalists to contact you for additional information.
Some examples of boilerplate in a press release include the company’s headquarters, a link to its website, and a list of customer testimonials. If a company is publicly traded, this section should also include its stock ticker symbol and other relevant data. If a company has an impressive track record, it should be noted as such. Adding a testimonial from an employee or past client is also a good idea. Aside from a call to action, a press release should contain a positioning statement that showcases the company’s uniqueness.
Among the boilerplate in a press release, keywords are crucial for boosting SEO and finding a high-quality audience. In addition to providing SEO benefits, keywords help journalists find your press release more easily. In addition to ensuring searchability, keywords are important to include in the press release as long as they feel natural. However, they should not be overused. Make sure they fit in naturally with the rest of the press release.
Examples of high-quality images to include in a press release
To increase your chances of being quoted in a press release, you should make sure your image is in focus and of high quality. Images should be sharp and of a normal exposure, without filters or fish-eye effects. Avoid wide-angle panoramic pictures of factories or ports. Your images should be at least 450 x 600 pixels, and ideally, they should be of the highest quality.
Regardless of what you’re writing, high-quality images will catch the attention of journalists and make them want to read your press release. Choose photos that are related to your subject matter, as examples are a great way to catch a journalist’s eye. It is also important to avoid overloading the press release with images – fewer is better. Remember: quality always wins over quantity!
It is important to remember that images are not required in your press release, but they can boost its odds of being picked up by media outlets. Remember, the attention span of the average person has shrunk to eight seconds, so you need to capture their attention quickly. An image can also make your brand memorable to potential clients. Use the right balance between quantity and quality. You may want to consider using multiple images and videos.
Tips for proofreading a press release
As you write a press release, the last thing you should do is rush through it, even if it is only for a few minutes. You’re under a lot of pressure these days, so you might have been quick to publish something, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore the basics. First, proofread the press release thoroughly. Look for proper spelling, factual accuracy, and working links. A journalist will appreciate your efforts when you make your writing as flawless as possible.
To begin, turn off any distractions. If you have a TV on in the background or music playing in your headphones, you may end up making a mistake. Another important thing to do is to read the release with fresh eyes. If you’re feeling particularly lazy, you may want to change the font to Comic Sans or make the text color vermilion. You can also print out the finished release and make corrections with a blue pencil.
Secondly, avoid putting too many words in the press release. A journalist reads hundreds of press releases every day, and he or she will be able to notice misplaced commas easily. Avoid using flowery language. Besides, journalists will be able to scan through hundreds of press releases before choosing one. They may also be looking for something that interests them. In the end, your press release will be more effective if it is error-free.