What is the most effective press release format?

A press release is a written document that announces news or events related to your organization, product, or service. It is intended to generate media coverage, attract attention, and inform your target audience. However, not all press releases are equally effective. To maximize the impact of your press release, you need to follow a clear and concise format that covers the essential information and answers the key questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how. In this article, you will learn what is the most effective press release format and how to apply it to your own communication strategy.

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1 The headline

The headline is the first and most important element of your press release. It should capture the attention of journalists, editors, and readers, and summarize the main point or benefit of your news or event. The headline should be short, catchy, and relevant, and use active and descriptive words. Avoid jargon, exaggeration, or vague statements. A good headline should make the reader want to know more and click on your press release.

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Lorena Marinelli

Psicologa | Generalista en RRHH | RRLL | Selección | Capacitadora | Softkills-
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En mi humilde opinión sobre comunicación, cuando existe la intención de comunicar, debe ser un momento en el que podamos controlar las emociones! Muchas veces comunicamos visceralmente y el impacto de lo que queremos decir es el contrario. El titular atrapa al lector, pero el contenido lo espanta! muchos artículos son contados con tanto detalle innecesario que la comunicación queda trunca en un cansancio de lectura y un conjunto de palabras carentes de contenido! Comunicar, informar, transmitir debe ser una acto con intencionalidad y evaluación de impacto!

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2 The subhead

The subhead is a short sentence that expands on the headline and provides more details or context. It should support and complement the headline, not repeat it. The subhead should also be clear, concise, and informative, and use keywords that relate to your news or event. The subhead should not be longer than one line and should be separated from the headline by a dash or a colon.

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Lorena Marinelli

Psicologa | Generalista en RRHH | RRLL | Selección | Capacitadora | Softkills-
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El titulo marca el macro, el subtitulo marca una abreviación del contenido! no puede superar una oración de 5 a 7 palabras, por que si explicamos mucho en el subtitulo, se pierde el interés en el contenido.

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3 The dateline

The dateline is a brief statement that indicates the date and location of your press release. It should be placed at the beginning of the first paragraph, before the body of your press release. The dateline should follow the standard format of city, state, and date, and use abbreviations for states and months. For example, "NEW YORK, NY - June 15, 2021".

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Lorena Marinelli

Psicologa | Generalista en RRHH | RRLL | Selección | Capacitadora | Softkills-
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La cronicidad sirve para que ese articulo de comunicación tenga sentido de temporalidad, muchas veces termínanos buscando información y nos encontramos con Art interesantes pero caducos. Es importante la linea de tiempo y espacio para darle contexto al sentido de lo publicado.

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4 The body

The body is the main part of your press release, where you provide the details and facts of your news or event. It should follow the inverted pyramid structure, which means that you start with the most important information and then move to the less important ones. The body should answer the questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how, and provide quotes, statistics, or testimonials that support your message. The body should be divided into short paragraphs, each with one main idea, and use clear and simple language. The body should not be longer than 500 words and should end with a boilerplate statement that summarizes your organization's mission, vision, or background.

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5 The contact information

The contact information is a section that provides the name, phone number, email address, and website of the person or organization that is responsible for the press release. It should be placed at the end of your press release, after the body and the boilerplate. The contact information should be labeled as "For more information, contact:" or "Media contact:" and use a standard font and size. The contact information should make it easy for journalists, editors, or readers to reach out to you for further questions or comments.

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6 The notes to editors

The notes to editors is an optional section that provides additional information or resources that are relevant to your press release, but not essential for the main message. It should be placed at the very end of your press release, after the contact information. The notes to editors should be labeled as "Notes to editors:" or "Additional information:" and use a smaller font and size. The notes to editors can include links, images, videos, or documents that illustrate or supplement your news or event. The notes to editors should not be longer than 100 words and should not repeat or contradict the information in the body.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What is the most effective press release format?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 The headline

2 The subhead

3 The dateline

4 The body

5 The contact information

6 The notes to editors

7 Here’s what else to consider

Communication

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What is the most effective press release format?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 The headline

2 The subhead

3 The dateline

4 The body

5 The contact information

6 The notes to editors

7 Here’s what else to consider

Communication

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