Crafting the Perfect Press Release Best Practices for Submission

A press release is an official statement issued to the media to announce something newsworthy. It can be about a product launch, company event, new partnership, or any other important announcement related to your business. Press releases are an effective way to get your message to the media and reach a wider audience.

Understand Your Target Audience

Before writing a press release, it is essential to understand your target audience. Ask yourself, who are the people you want to reach with your message? What do they care about, and what language do they speak? Understanding your audience will help you craft a press release that speaks directly to their needs and interests.

Choose a Newsworthy Angle

To grab the attention of journalists and editors, your press release needs to have a newsworthy angle. It should be something that is of interest to the media and their readers. Some examples of newsworthy angles include:

• A significant milestone or achievement
• A new product launch or service offering
• A new partnership or collaboration
• A notable award or recognition

Craft a Catchy Headline

The headline is the most crucial element of your press release. It is the first thing that journalists and editors see, and it needs to grab their attention. Your headline should be short, snappy, and to the point. It should also include the key message of your press release.

Write a Compelling Lead Paragraph

After the headline, the lead paragraph is the next essential element of your press release. It should provide a brief overview of your announcement and entice readers to read further. Your lead paragraph should answer the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) and the H (how).

Include Relevant Quotes

Quotes from company executives or experts can add credibility and human interest to your press release. Make sure your quotes are relevant and support the key message of your press release. They should also be attributed to the correct person.

Provide Supporting Information

In addition to your lead paragraph and quotes, your press release should include supporting information that provides more details about your announcement. This information could include product features, customer benefits, or financial information.

Add a Boilerplate

A boilerplate is a brief description of your company that appears at the end of your press release. It should provide a high-level overview of your company, including your mission, values, and key differentiators.

Incorporate Multimedia Elements

Adding multimedia elements like images, videos, or infographics can make your press release more engaging and shareable. It can also help you stand out in a crowded media landscape.

Optimize for Search Engines

To ensure your press release reaches the widest possible audience, it is essential to optimize it for search engines. This involves using relevant keywords in your headline, lead paragraph, and throughout your press release.

Follow the Correct Format

Following the correct format is crucial when submitting a press release. The standard format includes the following sections:

• Release Date: The date you want your press release to be published
• Company Logo: A high-quality image of your company logo
• Headline: A short, attention-grabbing statement that summarizes your announcement
• Subheadline: A longer statement that expands on the headline and provides more detail
• Dateline: The city and date of your press release
• Lead Paragraph: A brief overview of your announcement that answers the five Ws and the H
• Supporting Information: Additional details about your announcement
• Quotes: Quotes from company executives or experts that add credibility and human interest
• Boilerplate: A brief description of your company
• Contact Information: The name, email, and phone number of a contact person

Proofread and Edit

Before submitting your press release, it is essential to proofread and edit it carefully. This involves checking for spelling and grammar errors, as well as making sure your message is clear and concise. You should also have someone else review your press release to ensure it is error-free.

Distribute Your Press Release

Once you have crafted the perfect press release, it is time to distribute it to the media. There are several ways to do this, including using a press release distribution service or emailing it directly to journalists and editors.

Track Your Results

After submitting your press release distribution, it is essential to track your results. This includes monitoring media coverage, website traffic, and other metrics that help you measure the impact of your press release.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect press release is not an easy task, but it is an essential one. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can create a press release that grabs the attention of journalists and editors and helps you reach a wider audience.