How to Write a Press Release: Best Tips and Template

All You Need to Know on How to Write a Press Release
Are you seeking a way to get your message out to the public? Knowing how to write press releases is a great way to do just that. In this article, we'll take you through the basics of writing a press release, including what it is, how to format and outline one, and how to cite it in APA style. We'll also provide a free press release template with some tips and an example for a clearer understanding. So, let's get started!
Understanding What is a Press Release
In a time when attention is limited and competition fierce, the right press release may be key to gaining the attention of the media. But what exactly is a press release, you may ask? Well, a it is an official statement issued to various media outlets providing information on a particular topic of interest. It can be used to announce new products or services, changes in company policy, or other newsworthy events. Press releases are often written by PR professionals or representatives of companies and organizations, but anyone can write one with the right guidelines.
A typical press release template contains two main components:
- The body of the text explains why the news is important and relevant. It should be concise and provide all the necessary details in an easy-to-understand manner.
- A headline that summarizes the release in just a few words. It should hook readers in and make them want to read more about what's being said.
In addition to these two components, several other key elements should be included when writing a press release:
- Contact information for an individual or organization who can answer questions about the news item;
- Any relevant quotes from people involved with the story;
- Links to related stories where appropriate;
- Images, graphics, or videos that illustrate what's being reported;
- A call to action at the end of the release encourages readers to take further action if they want to learn more.
Ensuring that all press releases adhere to APA formatting guidelines is also important. This includes providing citations for any sources used in support of statements made within the text of your press release as well as including any additional notes at the bottom that might help clarify certain points made throughout your document.
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The Benefits of Writing a Press Release
Press release writing is a way to communicate important information about your company or organization to the public and the media. The use of press releases provides numerous advantages:
- Increased Visibility: A well-crafted press release can help get your message in front of a larger audience and increase brand visibility.
- Enhanced Credibility: Most press releases are seen as more trustworthy than advertisements because they are written in a journalistic style and are distributed through respected media outlets.
- Improved SEO: Including targeted keywords and links in your press release can help boost your website's search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find your business online.
- Cost-Effective: Writing press release examples can be a relatively inexpensive way to promote your business compared to other marketing strategies.
- Greater Reach: Press releases can be distributed to various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and online publications, which can help expand your reach to a diverse audience.
Guide on How to Write a Press Release: Format and Outline
Successful press release writing can be essential for any organization looking to increase its media exposure. A good press release should be well-written, include important information about the organization or product, and follow a standard press release format.
Here we will provide a step-by-step process on how to format a press release, including a brief overview of the different types and outlines used in creating one. Meanwhile, you might want to first understand how to write an essay introduction, which is no issue. We've got you covered with any of your academic requests!
Types of Press Releases
When it comes to spreading the word about your business, a well-crafted press release can be an effective tool. One crucial aspect of writing a press release is determining which type to use. From events to executive promotions, there are several types of interactive press release releases to choose from. So, when you're wondering how to write a press release for an event, first, you should understand these different formats to select the best approach to communicate your message to the media and the public.

Breaking News
Breaking News press releases are used to inform the public and media about significant, unexpected events that could have a significant impact on a business or industry. These types of press releases are typically issued when there is a sudden change in leadership, major financial news, or a significant acquisition or merger. The goal of a breaking news press release is to provide timely, accurate information and to ensure that the public and media are aware of the latest developments.
Product Launches
Product Launch press releases are designed to create excitement and generate buzz around the introduction of a new product or service. These types of press releases typically highlight the unique features, benefits, and solutions that the product or service offers to the target audience. By providing a detailed description of the product or service, the press release aims to pique the interest of potential customers and generate media coverage.
Events
Event press releases are used to promote and generate publicity around a particular event, such as a fundraiser, charity event, conference, trade show, or product launch event. The goal of the event press release is to attract media attention, generate buzz, and drive attendance to the event. The press release typically provides details about the event, including the date, time, location, and any keynote speakers or special guests. By effectively communicating the event's unique features and benefits, event press releases can help to create a positive perception of the event, enhance the brand's visibility, and increase the chances of media coverage.
Product Updates
Product Update press releases are used to announce any changes or improvements made to an existing product or service. The purpose of a product update press release is to keep customers informed about the latest developments related to the product or service and to maintain a positive relationship with them. Product update press releases could cover anything from software updates, and bug fixes, to new features and other improvements made to the product or service.
Executive Promotions
Executive Promotion press releases are used to announce changes in the leadership of a company or organization. These press releases highlight the promotion of an executive and may provide information about their experience and qualifications. The purpose of an executive promotion press release is to communicate important news stories about a company's leadership and to establish the promoted executive's authority and vision.
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How to Cite a Press Release in APA Style
As discussed above, when writing a press release, using an APA Style citation is an important step for ensuring accuracy and credibility. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), press releases should be cited as such:
- Author last name first initial.,
- Year published in parentheses (YYYY).
- Title of Press Release in sentence case followed by period [Press Release].
- Publisher's Name.
- Retrieved from URL or DOI if available (without brackets)
For example, Smith J. (2020). New product launch announced [Press release]. Publisher Name. Retrieved from https://examplewebsite.com
Here are a few extra tips for writing a press release with APA citation:
- Add relevant details: In addition to the basic information required for citation (i.e., author, publication date, title), provide any other relevant information about the source material that may be helpful for readers.
- Mention larger context: If you are citing a report or study that is part of a larger project or initiative, include this information in your citation.
- Placement of information: Mention this additional information after the publisher's name and before any URL/DOI details provided.
By including this information, readers will have an easier time locating further information about the original source material if they choose to do so at a later point in time. And if you'd rather use a professional essay writing service, you can contact us anytime!
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Press Release Template
Press release templates are one of the most important tools for creating an effective press release. They provide a structure and framework for all the elements that should be included in a press release, as well as guidance on how to best organize and present the information.
When writing a press release, it's important to keep in mind that each individual element must have a purpose and provide value:
- the headline should be attention-grabbing and informative
- the lead paragraph should introduce the main point
- body paragraphs should provide supporting details in chronological order
- boilerplate should contain facts about your organization or product
- contact info should include details on how to find out more
- hyperlinks can link back to other relevant sources of information.
You should also consider other factors when unsure how to write a press release template properly:
- Font size and type, text spacing, graphics, layout, etc.
- It's recommended that you keep it concise and stick to just one page if possible.
- Consider using bullet points to break down complex topics into manageable chunks of information.
- Make sure any images used are high-quality and properly credited where necessary.
How to Write a Good Press Release with Tips
During your press release writing, there are some key tips to keep in mind that can help make your press release more effective.
All of those components should be concisely worded to keep readers engaged and interested in what you have to say while still providing them with all of the relevant facts they need.

- Use the Classic Inverted Pyramid - The classic inverted pyramid is commonly used when crafting press releases. This style begins with the most important information at the top and gradually moves towards less important details as you go down, ensuring that readers get all of the necessary information without becoming overwhelmed. When following this style, it is also important to keep your paragraphs short and sweet – no more than three sentences each – to make sure that busy editors don't skip over your content.
- Include Important Elements - In addition to using an appropriate press release format, it is also essential that you include all of the necessary elements in your press release. Generally speaking, these elements include:
- a headline;
- dateline;
- lead paragraph;
- body paragraphs;
- boilerplate (or background info); contact info;
- and hyperlinks if applicable.
- When crafting the headline, create one that is attention-grabbing and succinct. The catchy headline should clearly convey the main point of the press release and be concise enough to fit within the character limit on news websites or directories.
- Consider including quotes from important people in the project or organization as they provide powerful personalization and emotion to a story. Quotes also help break up large blocks of text and add credibility to an article. It can be helpful to include quotes that have been pre-approved so they don't need further review by a PR team before publication.
- Add Perspective to Your Press Release - It is also helpful to think about how you can make your press release announcing stand out from others by including something unique or unexpected in your storyline so that it grabs the attention of journalists who may already be familiar with similar pieces. Additionally, placing quotes from key people involved in the project can add another layer of interest for readers and help strengthen your narrative even further by adding personal perspectives on why this project matters.
- Make sure the body of the press release contains all relevant information about the project or organization being announced. This includes background information such as awards won, new partnerships formed, etc., while keeping things brief and focused on what makes this announcement unique. It's also important not to forget any contact information for additional questions or inquiries at the end of the press release so interested parties know who to reach out to if needed.
- Use language that is tailored to your target audience's reading level—avoiding technical jargon and highly specific terms when possible—to ensure that it is easy for readers from all backgrounds to understand your message. Additionally, consider using active voice throughout your writing, as it helps draw readers in more effectively than passive voice does.
- Employ APA Style Citation - Finally, although not required for certain outlets like social media platforms, learning how to cite a press release in APA Style may help give your piece greater credibility as a legitimate news source when published elsewhere online or in print publications.
- Proofread your work several times before submitting it for publication since spelling mistakes and grammar errors can take away from its effectiveness. While it can be difficult for authors who write their own content to catch every error themselves due to bias blindness, using our editing or writing help can get closer to perfection with each piece you produce, resulting in higher quality output overall. You can even buy research paper from us if you need them!
Example of a Good Press Release
If you're still unsure how to write a press release example, remember that the goal should be to create an effective piece of communication that captures the attention of readers. Here is a good press release example that will give you a clear understanding of how to format a press release properly.
A good example of a press release is one written by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 2020, announcing their victory on a case against the Trump administration. The headline reads 'Federal Court Rules To Protect People Seeking Asylum In US From Unlawful Trump Administration Policy' and effectively summarizes the news while being concise. The lead paragraph then further expands upon the headline by providing relevant details about the case and how it relates to asylum seekers. It also includes a quote from ACLU's Deputy Legal Director, who provides context for why this ruling is significant. The body paragraphs provide more information about the case and its implications, using language tailored to laypeople yet still remaining accurate and informative. Finally, all necessary contact information is included at the end for those wishing to learn more or donate to their cause. This press release does an excellent job of summarizing key points while providing enough detail for readers to understand what happened without overwhelming them with too much information.
References:
American Civil Liberties Union. (2020, September 15). Federal court rules to protect people seeking asylum in the US from unlawful Trump administration policy [Press release].
Final Thoughts
To create an effective press release, it's essential to carefully organize content and formatting into a cohesive package that appeals to audiences while highlighting key points related to the project or organization. This requires thoughtfulness in both structure and substance, as well as proper citation when necessary. By tailoring the release to specific goals rather than relying on generic templates alone, organizations can maximize their outreach efforts.
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