Press Release Templates
It has become clear that old-fashioned PR does not have the same impact as it did in the past. Currently, a vast majority of customers and potentials check social media to see what is trending. This is where press releases come in, they are an opportunity to connect to the audiences that you care about including existing customers, potential clients, and media outlets.
In this guide we will be looking at:
- What is a press release?
- Press release formats
- How to write a press release
- Press Release Templates
What is a press release?
A press release is an official statement/announcement that a company issues to media outlets, customers, and potential clients. Most press releases are quite succinct but also provide enough information so that media outlets have enough material to produce and publish their own stories and articles about what the company wants to announce in the release.
While it may seem like it is important to embellish and twist facts about the product or service that your company is trying to launch, you need to remember that press releases are not just about earning news coverage, it is also a valuable piece of marketing content that lives in the public domain and everyone can see it.
Press Release Format
- Title and Italicized Subheading to Summarize the News
- News Location and newspeg in opening line
- Two to Three paragraphs to add information
- Bulleted facts or figures
- Company description
- Contact Information and “For Immediate Release” at the top
- Symbols to signify the end of the release
How to write a Press Release
Rule 1: Make an eye-catching headline
Much like any type of writing with the intention to share with a community, industry, and followers is to create a catchy headline. You definitely need to put some thought into it because you only have one sentence to work with and you need to figure out the language you want to use to create a captivating headline. Use clear, understandable language and capture people’s attention.
Another aspect is to make it interesting. You need to understand that media outlets can get dozens to hundreds of releases a day, so you definitely need to spend time writing a headline and press release that is interesting to them, it will be worth the time and effort in the long run.
Rule 2: Convey the value of the news to the press
Who, what, where, why, how.
For anyone; reporters, analysts, influencers, or influencers to be interested in sharing your announcement, they need to know upfront why they should care. They need to know the 4 Ws and the how of your launch, update, or development. Media outlets do not have time to go through all the minor details and background information, so just state the facts that are pertinent to your launch and your company.
Rule 3: Provide valuable background information
The reader already has all the viral information they need to write a story and spread the word of your launch. As mentioned before,you want your press release to be helpful and concise. So, the details that you add in your paragraphs should help strengthen your story, you can make it creative and noteworthy about your company, the project, and the announcement at hand. If it helps, you can also comment on the future of your announcement and your company.
Rule 4: Offer a tempting quote
Information is all good and great, but sometimes you need to bring some life and reality into what you are talking about. A great way to do that is to add a quote that media outlets can use to help paint a picture of how you product can affect the given industry, customer base, and landscape.
The quotes used should be from key stakeholders in your company which includes; your executive team, project leads, and people directly impacted by your announcement. They should shape your story and emphasize the main part of the announcement. It is not necessary and can seem quite redundant to ask everyone in your company or a comment, just pick one or two important people and focus on their quotes with their unique perspective.
Rule 5: Summarize the “who” and “what” in a boilerplate
For those who do not know what a boilerplate is, it is standard and common wording in a contract without being changed. Something that is inserted in documents that rarely get changed. There are quite a few press releases and pitches out there that do not clearly explain what a company does and what they are trying to announce, so you need to make sure that your release is easy to reference.
You should clearly describe what your company does in a jargon that everyone can understand, include your company’s website or homepage, and make your boilerplate succinct and straightforward. If you use data, make sure to include a reference link for the data source and also make sure that every name in the release has its associated citation title and company as well.
The important thing about PR strategies and and press releases is, rather than thinking about the preconceived notions of what public relations is, you should focus on creating great content and traditional press releases can be very valuable when they are executed well, so rather than thinking that they are old school, just give them a makeover to adapt to their ever-changing digital world.
Our press release templates range from standard press releases to events, launches, news, and awards among others.
For entrepreneurs considering creating a press release, these templates show you how and when to write what. Pressfarm’s packages are tailored to making your press release efforts a success. In our starter plan we improve your written press release and give it the best chance at distribution by us. In our launch and campaign packages we take the writing off your desk, take charge of crafting your press release and shooting for the stars with it. This works hand in hand with building a custom media list for personalized media outreach for your brand. That way, in the campaign package we kill many birds with just one stone at affordable startup-focused pricing.
Having said that, here are the best templates to guide you through the process of writing your release. Remember, if it looks difficult you should not be too worried about it, just pick a Pressfarm package from our pricing page and let us do the rest of the work for you and your company.
Select a template
STANDARD PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
[Company Name]
[Contact Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
RELEASE DATE:
[Date]
[MAIN PRESS RELEASE HEADLINE {*ALL CAPS*}]
[Optional Subhead {*Title Case / Italicized*}]
Dateline: [CITY, STATE, Month Date] — Lead: [Briefly and explicitly state the information you need to share. Include who, what, when, where, why, and how and lead with the most important information.]
Body paragraphs: [Background information, rich quotes, etc.]
[Boilerplate]
[Call to Action]
This press release template includes space to accommodate all the necessary aspects of a standard business press release. Insert your company logo, and provide contact information, release date/time instructions, a direct, engaging headline, boilerplate text, a call to action (CTA), and end notation. Of course, make sure that you write in a journalistic style (perhaps following the AP guide, though The Chicago Manual of Style, APA, MLA, and others are acceptable) and include all the pertinent information without overwhelming your audience.
EVENT PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
[Company Name]
[Contact Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Headline: {Company/Individual} Presents {Name and/or Description of Event}]
[City, State] – [Company/Individual] will present [Name of Event], taking place at [Location of Event] on [Date], and featuring [performers, guests, showcases, etc.].
[Company/Individual] is proud to bring [Name of Event] to [Location of Event] for [the first time, the tenth year in a row, etc.]. [Name of Event] will [further description of what will take place at event].
[More details about event, including ticket prices, if applicable, and where/how to purchase tickets]
[Quote from performer, guest, previous attendees, critics, etc.]
[Boilerplate about company/individual, event, and/or any prominent performers and/or guests]
###
Use this template to announce any type of event, be it a film, fashion, restaurant, art, or sports engagement or a grand opening. In addition to the must-have press release elements, this template provides sample copy that you can edit to introduce your event as clearly and concisely as possible. Customize the template by adding your organization’s logo and any other relevant information.
LAUNCH PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
[Company Name]
[Contact Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[{Company} Announces the Launch of {Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc.}]
[City, State] – [Company/Corporation] is excited to announce the launch of [Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc.], a [description of Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc.] that will [basics of what this Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc. will do]. The official launch date for [Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc.] is [Date].
[Company/Corporation] believes [Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc.] will [further details about the Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc.] impact functionality, etc.
[Product/Publication/Campaign/Etc. launch details: marketing, events, etc.]
[A rich, informative quote from someone related to this launch]
[Boilerplate]
###
This template can serve as a formal announcement for a product, magazine (or other publication), or book release or a campaign launch. Simply provide the information required for a standard press release, and use the sample copy to write clear, direct information about the forthcoming launch. Since the point of a launch press release is to attract new customers, take extra time to research and understand your target audience when writing it.
BUSINESS NEWS PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
[Company Name]
[Contact Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Headline: {Name} Appointed as {Name of Company/Position}]
or
[{Company Name} Announces Merger with {Company Name}]
[City, State, Date] – [Company] has announced the appointment of [Name] as their new [Role]/a merger with [Company Name]. [Information about the role and/or purpose of the merger.]
[Background information on the new appointee, the reasons for their appointment, and their new duties. For a merger or other piece of business news, explain the purpose, background info, and consequences.]
[Quote from appointed employee or merging company executives]
[Brief bio covering the new hire’s personal background, education, and previous work experience and/or additional background information on the merging companies]
[Boilerplate]
###
Use this template to deliver a piece of business-oriented news, such as a CEO or other executive appointment, a noteworthy new hire, a strategic partnership, or a merger and acquisition. Edit the sample copy to fit the type of news event you are reporting, and provide more or less background information depending on the complexity of the issue. This template can be used by nonprofits and small businesses, as well. However, remember that your press release should be 1-2 pages maximum, so be succinct.
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
[Company/Individual]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Social Media Outlet] Announces [New Feature, New Website, Charitable Donation, Etc.]
[City, State] – [Social Media Outlet] will [description of what the outlet is doing], which will [details on what this will do and/or who it will target], starting on [date].
[Details about what consumers can expect from this update/news.]
[Background information or a specific story about the update.]
[CTA: For example, a follow-up or walk-through of the functional update.]
[Boilerplate]
###
If you need to create a formal announcement about a social media update, such as a new feature or channel, download this template. The body paragraphs in this type of press release will include background information on the social media outlet, as well as detailed information on the update. If you plan to circulate the press release online, include links to your social media accounts or a new functionality walkthrough. Of course, you can customize the copy as you see fit.
AWARD PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
[Company Name]
[Contact Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Headline: {Company/Employee} Wins {Award Name} Award for {Year/Month’s} Top {Category}]
[City, State, Date] – [Company/Employee] was presented with the prestigious [Name] Award on [Day] for outstanding [Category/Accomplishment]. [Company/Individual] received recognition over [Number/Names of Nominees].
[Brief background of award’s history and summary of ceremony]
[Rich quote from someone related to the award: presenter, recipient, judging committee, etc.]
[Quotation from {Company Executive} congratulating {Individual/Organization} for winning]
[Boilerplate about winning {Company/Employee}]
###
One way to generate buzz about your organization — outside of its products or services — is to report on awards it receives. Use this award press release template to create a news blast about a prize or recognition that a company, department, team, or individual receives for its efforts. Sample copy is included for you to flesh out the particulars of the award, and you can customize the template to suit your needs.
EMAIL PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
[Company/Individual]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Headline about Your News, Event, Product Launch, Etc.]
[City, State] – [Basic outline of what this news release covers]
[Provide more information on the previous paragraph, including links to any relevant websites or other pieces of content marketing.]
[Embed or include a link to a video or other multimedia related to your piece of news.]
[CTA, such as a free trial or request information]
[Boilerplate]
###
Increasingly, people receive business news online rather than through print or broadcast outlets. This email press release template provides all the aspects of a standard press release template, but also provides space to include relevant links or embed multimedia. Additionally, note that an email press release is shorter than its print counterpart, as you’ll need to account for screen size (and optimize for mobile). Once you refine the content and language of your email press release, copy and paste directly into the body of your email or your social media management platform.
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Which PR agency package should " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which PR agency package should I choose?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Every client is unique.However, we can make a couple of recommendations:• Small startups with a single story to pitch will probably find the Power Pack is the most cost-effective option.
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