What Is a Press Release?

A press release is a written statement that its purpose is to be shared within media outlets to announce new information, such as events, launches, research and organizational updates. Companies use press releases as a tactic to earn media coverage, communicate with the public and build credibility.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing A Press Release

  • The headline should be a clear message that summarizes the main announcement. The headline grabs the reader’s attention by highlighting the most newsworthy angle in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

  • The lead paragraph answers the questions: who, what, when, where and why. This section lets the readers immediately understand the purpose of the announcement. A strong lead allows journalists to quickly assess the story’s value.

  • The body paragraphs provide context, background information and supporting facts. This is where additional information, data or explanations help strengthen the announcement. Each paragraph should be concise and easy to follow for journalists and the general public.

  • Quotes add credibility and a human voice to the press release. Quotes should come from CEOs or stakeholders who provide insight rather than repeat facts. Strong quotes help journalists easily incorporate the story into their coverage.

  • The boilerplate is a short “about” section that appears at the end of the press release. The boilerplate provides background of the organization and explains who they are and what they do.

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  • Linked to the left is a PowerPoint simplifying the press release writing process.