6 Best Practices for Writing a Press Release

Even as social media and technology continually evolve, press releases remain a trusted source of news. Companies use press releases to promote new products, event details and other newsworthy items to the media and the public. The whole point of writing a press release is to have a reporter pick it up, so your writing plays an important factor. Here are the six best practices for writing a press release.

1.     Have a hook! You can’t write a press release without having a good reason. There needs to be a strong hook to draw the reader, and reporter, in. Is it something unique that you offer? Is it something time-sensitive and newsworthy?

2.     Attention grabbing headline. Why should anyone care? People decide if they will read your story solely from the headline, so make it informative and interesting.

3.     Follow AP Style. Learn it and live by it. You will make reporters very happy.

4.     Be brief. Be accurate. People want to know the facts, not the fluff.

5.     Use correct grammar and punctuation. It goes without saying, but we’ll say it again because of how important it is – you must have correct grammar and punctuation that has been triple checked before sending out or posting your press release.

6.     A well thought out boilerplate. The boilerplate is a press release standard and a place where you can expand upon who your company is, what your company does and how people can reach you.

Are you ready to secure your press release in a publication like the New York Times? Follow these six best practices for writing a press release and you just might be able to. We’ve had some exciting news lately, so read some of our releases today.

Updated: Apr 13, 2022