How to Write a Press Release

A press release, also referred to as a press statement or a media release, is a written statement given to the media, in order to publicize a particular piece of information with news value. It is an important concept of public relations (PR), whereby attracting the media gives the said entity, the required exposure to the masses. Generally, a press release is written and sent to the print media, through mail or fax. Even though writing press releases in not a Herculean task, many people get nervous with the basic thought of having to write one. This is basically because of lack of knowledge about how to write a press release, which, according to many, is a tedious task.

How to Write a Good Press Release?
A good press release can earn you a lot business by promoting your ideas and products, and hence, you should not leave any scope for errors in it, so spelling mistakes and grammatical errors should be thoroughly checked for. When quoting sources or giving statistical data, one needs to ensure that they are factual, by cross checking them before the final release. Never exaggerate or falsify things to make them more interesting. Keep the press release concise, it should never use more than two pages, in fact one is considered ideal. Over-hyped and biased quotes are best avoided and so is flowery language. The emphasis should be on the product or event first and then on the company.

How to Write a Press Release - Template
Press release writing can become even easier, if you are provided with a general format of the same. Given below is a press release template which will give you a brief idea of how to write a press release.

Press Release Template

[MAIN TITLE IN BLOCK LETTERS] [Introductory paragraph: Summary of entire press release.] [Second paragraph: Get into the details.] [Third paragraph: A brief history of the particular news.] (Optional) [Fourth Paragraph: Boilerplate - About the company and future plans] ###

PS: Ideally, the press release should be printed on the letterhead of the company.

How to Write a Press Release - Sample
Given below is a sample press release, along with a brief explanation about how to write a good press release. Going through this sample will make the concept of press release writing even easier for you.

Press Release Sample

ABC Company Ltd. For Immediate Release: (Date) Title in Bold: (For instance launch of a new product) New York City, New York, (Date): This is the introductory paragraph, and hence, should cover all the important details about the product that was launched. In 4 to 5 lines try to summarize the product, the launch date, promotion plans etc. An important thing to keep in mind is that, this paragraph will catch the attention of the reader and hence, the focus should be on the product/event and not the company. The second paragraph should talk about the details of the product. This will include what age group you are targeting, the benefits of the product etc. Ideally, this paragraph should cover all the positive aspects of the product. You can also mention who all attended the event, as well as the comments made by one or two distinguished personalities present at the event. The third paragraph will contain the source from which the readers will find out more about this product. You can either mention the website of the company, or give the contact number of the concerned person. (For instance: In order to know more about the product you can contact our PR manager at XXXXXXXX, or in order to interview our VP for further information about the product, you can call on XXXXXXXX and fix an appointment). The last paragraph, generally known as the boilerplate, will contain brief information about the company and its history in not more than 3 or 4 lines. You can also mention in brief about the future ventures or the goals of the company. ###

This was a general press release sample, which you can modify according to your convenience and need. Make sure that you proofread the write up, or get it proofread by someone, before sending it to the media.

Media has come a long way to become one of the most powerful sources of mass communication. In such a scenario, press releases have become one of the best means of spreading word about product launches or events. Owing to the importance of press releases and the impact the media has in influencing the society today, knowledge about how to write a press release can be of great help at some or the other point in life.