A well-written press release can be an efficient and effective way to boost your content marketing and public relations strategy. The problem is, many people don't know how to write one.
The most important components of a successful press release are: (1) having a newsworthy event to promote; (2) using a quality press release template and distribution partner; and (3) following clear writing guidelines.
We can't help you with the newsworthy event, but we can give you the press release templates and writing guidelines to use for greater success. In this article you'll find:
To get the most from this guide, select one of the templates below and read the instructions. Then, follow our "9 Guidelines for Writing an Excellent Press Release" in the last section.
In this blog, you'll find six free press release templates. Carefully review all the templates and choose the best for your situation. Please download and share these templates however you like!
Our "General Press Release" template is a Swiss Army knife solution that covers many scenarios. This press release ensures that you include everything the media and your key audiences want to see.
Follow these steps when completing this template, and all the other templates in this guide:
Download the "General Press Release" template - CLICK HERE
Before you write your press release, carefully review the "9 Guidelines for Writing an Excellent Press Release" (below).
This template works for special events and community celebrations, especially those that are open to the public. Use this press release to announce:
When writing, use exciting language that "sells" your special event to the public. Give them a reason to show up! How much does it cost? When is it? Who's going to be there?
Download the "Special Events and Celebrations" template - CLICK HERE
Follow the advice in the "General Press Release" section (above) when filling out this template. Also, pay close attention to our "9 Guidelines for Writing an Excellent Press Release" (below).
This press release template is for launching or unveiling a new product, service, technology, etc. The goal is to attract new customers. Use this template to announce:
Make sure you write your "Launch Date Press Release" in a way that it appeals to the widest audience possible. Also, give the media and your key audiences information about (1) the size of the audience, (2) why they'll be interested, (3) how much the product/service costs, and (4) how people can buy it.
Download the "Unveiling or Launch Date" template - CLICK HERE
Don't forget to follow the general advice for filling out the template included in the "General Press Release" section (above). And before writing, scan through the "9 Guidelines for Writing an Excellent Press Release" (below).
Companies are continually developing and growing, and so are their employees. The "Company Developments Press Release" is for important developments and changes that happen within your organization. You might use this template when your company:
Download the "Company Developments" template - CLICK HERE
Don't forget to follow the general advice for filling out the template included in the "General Press Release" section (above). And before writing, scan through the "9 Guidelines for Writing an Excellent Press Release" (below).
Perhaps your company just recognized the efforts of an employee who did something amazing. Maybe a prestigious organization gave your company an award. Use this template to share news about accolades and achievements like this.
When writing an "Awards and Special Achievements Press Release," don't forget to contextualize the award by showing why it's relevant to a wider audience. Not all awards will be interesting to the public, so be selective when promoting something like this to the media.
Download the "Awards and Special Achievements" template - CLICK HERE
Make sure you refer to the "General Press Release" section (above) for more instructions on how to complete the template. Also, follow the "9 Guidelines for Writing an Excellent Press Release" (below).
If you have a contact list of your own, format your press release into a succinct and timely email announcement. The "Contact List Press Release" should be a mandatory extra step no matter which of these six press release formats you choose.
The "Contact List Press Release" template helps you craft an email to send directly to your established audience. Use it to announce:
Remember that emails benefit from an eye-catching, click-worthy subject line. Also, don't forget to include links to your products, services, or webpage in the body of your email.
Download the "Contact List" template - CLICK HERE
Read the "General Press Release" section (above) for tips on filling out the template. Also, use all the "9 Guidelines for Writing an Excellent Press Release" (below).
Media outlets sort through mountains of press releases each day to find the most interesting stories. However, the majority of these press releases don't contain anything "newsworthy."
To get noticed, your press release needs to stand out from the rest. While keeping this in mind, peruse the following guidelines for writing a press release, and try to apply them to yours:
A well-crafted press release is a powerful tool in your communications arsenal. Now you have six templates and the helpful guidelines to get you moving in the right direction.
But how do you ensure that your press releases aren't falling on deaf ears? Moreover, how do you know if your audience is hearing the right message?
At Notified, we provide digital communications solutions to companies of all sizes. Whether you're a Fortune 50 firm or a three-man startup, we can help you share your stories quickly and efficiently across all digital channels. Then, we'll monitor the true impact of those communications to make sure you’re getting the right message across.
Learn more about how GlobeNewswire by Notified can help your organization achieve its communication goals.