How to Write a Press Release

2/11/2020

3 simple tips for writing a press release.

Most recently, I wrote a press release for a client, which got me thinking: How many people could benefit from knowing how to write a press release? Most people probably have no idea of where to start, let alone where to send it.

In this blog post, I’ll answer three questions.

How do you write a press release?
When should a press release be sent?
Where should you send a press release?

What is a press release?

A press release is an official statement that gives information to newspapers, magazines, television news programs, and radio stations (Merriam-Webster definition).

Why should you write a press release?

A press release is an easy way to spread the word about an upcoming event for your business, the launch of your business, or something the public would like to read about. But, you need a good angle for your press release that news outlets will want to share. In other words, if there isn’t anything significant that their readers will want to know, then they’re less likely to distribute your release.

Above all, the reason you should write a press release is that it’s free publicity.

How do you write a press release?

Writing a press release can seem daunting at first, but once you’ve written one, you can use that same template to write others. According to Just Reach Out, a typical press release is comprised of five things: a headline, a location of the event, a lead (the first paragraph), the body (list important information first), boilerplate (a description of your company to the audience; keep this short and sweet), and a press contact (whom the news should contact).

For a press release example, check out one of mine from 2017, which was published in Insite Magazine. To view a more recent press release sample (in raw form) that I submitted for a client, view it here. For a general press release template, download one here.

When should a press release be sent?

When it comes to time-sensitive news, press releases need to be sent as soon as possible. But depending on who you’re sending your press release to, some news outlets (such as magazines) may need notice months in advance. However, local news stations and papers may only need it a couple of weeks in advance. For more information about when to submit your press releases to places, JournoLink offers detailed insight.

Where should you send your press release?

Is your event, product release, or news story happening locally, nationally, or globally? Your answer will help you decide where to submit your press release.

In Bryan College Station, you can send press releases to The Eagle, KBTX, KAGS, The Battalion, and Insite Magazine. When perusing their websites, search for a person to send your press release to at that specific news outlet. If the information isn’t clear, search for the Editor. Reach out to him/her by phone or email to find out where to send your press release.

If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it. And if you need help with creating, proofreading or editing your press release, contact me at [email protected].

Author

Dawn Husted progressed into offering her editing services to clients in 2016, eventually opening Yaupon Berry Press LLC. She's constantly learning new ways of helping her clients stay relevant in today’s market, whether by using an SEO strategy targeting high-trafficked keywords or simply fine-tuning their content. Dawn lives in central Texas with her husband, two energetic kids and an adorable golden retriever.

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