One of the most effective tools in disseminating important news regarding a business, an event, or a product in today’s fast-paced digital landscape is the press release example. Having said this, however, the landscape has evolved, and that old-fashioned one-page release no longer cuts it. Whether it’s announcing a new product, announcing a significant partnership, or responding to a crisis, it’s essential to know how to write a compelling press release.
In this blog, we outline the essential ingredients of a well-crafted press release and provide examples to lead them on how to make their news stand out.
Why Press Releases Matter in the Digital Age
Despite the fact that there are direct-to-consumer communication tools and social media channels, the release still holds value. It is an official statement from the business, and this factor alone ensures establishing trust with the audience and, as a resource, has even more chances of media usage of the news. Most importantly, it helps to push up the SEO ranking of that brand, attaining further exposure for the brand.
But however, a hasty release can be the most minor read or potentially damage the brand. The importance of knowing how to pen the proper pr distribution has never been greater.
Essential Elements of a Press Release
Before we take a few examples at the end, let’s explain the necessary anatomy:
- Headline: The headline has to be clear, concise, and catchy. It’s where a journalist or reader looks first. Make it worth their time.
- Subheadline: The sub-headline does all but spell out the main headline but gives more leeway with the context.
- Dateline: This includes when and where it was released. The dateline tells journalists when and where the news story occurs.
- Lead Paragraph: This is the meat of the release. In one paragraph, summarize the essence of what the news is all about. Answer the who, what, when, where, and why.
- Body: In the body, expand on the announcement, providing further context, quotes from key figures, and other relevant details that make the story come alive.
- Boilerplate: This is the short, standardized paragraph that describes the company and is included at the end of every press release. The boilerplate clearly states who they are and what they do for the reader.
- Contact Information: Provide the names and information on who to contact if members of the press want more information.
Example of a Press Release
Let’s look at an example press release below to see how all the pieces come together. Here is a simple example of a fictional launching of a new product by a tech company:
For Immediate Release
Tech Innovators Launch Next-Generation AI Assistant
August 20, 2024, New York, NY – Tech Innovators, a leading developer of artificial intelligence, announced today that it is launching its latest AI Assistant next generation. This assistant promises to change the pattern of productivity in the workplace. The AI assists will be cutting-edge machine learning algorithms differentiated and adapted to the needs of their users and repetitive tasks made easy due to automation.
We are excited to introduce this new product that would change the way companies work,” said Jane Doe, CEO of Tech Innovators. “Our AI Assistant is made to make work processes productive, error-free, and easy.”
The product will be launched for sale on September 1, 2024, and will be promoted to small to medium-sized companies that target streamlining their operations.
For more information, please visit www.techinnovators.com.
About Tech Innovators
Tech Innovators is a company focused on artificial intelligence, providing business solutions with new efficiencies through technology.
Media Contact
John Smith
Public Relations Manager
john.smith@techinnovators.com
(123) 456-7890
The sample news release discussed below has all the elements associated with a well-designed news release: an informative headline, a pertinent quote, and additional information that communicates their launching of the product well.
Press Release Examples for Different Occasions
While the example above is for a product launch, there are plenty of other applications for which you could write a press release. Here’s a list of some other examples:
- Event notice: If it is an organization conference, then the call should be about the agenda, place, and participants of the company. All the participants should be invited to register.
- New Hire: When making statements about essential people changes, be sure to note experience, role, and what this person brings to the organization.
- Crisis management: Such a release should include transparency, facts, and the steps the company is taking to mend the problem. The news release, in this case, should focus on reassurance and tell what the company is doing about controlling the situation.
How to Write a Press Release That Gets Noticed
Now that they’ve looked at several sample forms of press releases, how do they write one of their own in such a fashion that will make their press release stand out? Here are several essential dos and don’ts:
- A Headline That Grabs Attention: The headline is the first impression. Use it to your advantage by being clear and concise. Do not use headlines that are too lengthy or contain jargon that might confuse those who read the story. In other words, a not-so-complicated yet attention-grabbing headline will encourage journalists to go on reading.
- Focus on the Most Important Information: Say it all quickly. If readers skim your release, then the news release should deliver all its critical message upfront. If you expect the audience to plod through paragraphs to find your point, you lose them.
- Quote from critical executives or stakeholders: This makes the news release very personable, gives it a human touch, and adds credibility to this particular announcement. It should provide value and insight into the news being shared.
- Optimize for search: Optimize that press release and see a rise in visibility on search engines. Try to include relevant keywords, like “AI Assistant,” in our sample press release; however, don’t keyword stuff. End.
- Use Multimedia: We are in a digital communication age, so the words in the form of a press release don’t stand alone anymore. Set some flavor into the announcement by adding some images, infographics, or even a small video. The more multimedia they have, the more they will pick up the news in the media houses.
- Be Brief: Good writing for the press release demands it to be short and not wordy. The ideal length lies within the words of 300-500 to capture their attention. If one exceeds that, there is a sure loss of interest.
Final Words
The press release is a good, well-written, hot way of spreading news and creating credibility while generating media interest. Whether it is a product launch event or a crisis update, the art of writing an exciting press release is crucial for success.
Use the examples given and be reminded of clearness, relevance, and engagement. In this way, the effort will pay off in terms of using the press release as a vital element in the communications strategy, raising visibility and trust in the brand.
