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by The Notified Team on Jan 14, 2025 6:05:52 PM
Creating an effective press release is all about smart formatting. With just a few simple tweaks, you can make your news more enticing for journalists and consumers alike.
Here are some formatting tips we’ll explore in detail:
- Grab attention with bolded text
- Use headers to break up sections
- Add bulleted lists
- Include engaging quotes
Let’s dive in!
1. Grab Attention with Bold Text
When a reporter reads a press release, they often skim the content. By bolding keywords or phrases, you help guide readers straight to the heart of your message.
But remember, less is more. Use bold sparingly to make sure it enhances readability instead of overwhelming the reader.
For example: In a press release announcing a company’s merger, you could write: “New Partnership: Company A and Company B have merged as of November 1, 2024, creating the largest provider of cloud-based business solutions.”
This approach makes the merger date, key players and new offering pop out.
2. Use Headers To Break Up Sections
Headers are signposts that help a journalist navigate through your content. When sections are broken up with clear headers, readers can easily find the information they’re interested in.
For example: If announcing information on a new product line, add headers to clarify different sections:
- “Product Features” followed by bullet points about new features.
- “Availability” with details about when and where the product will be available.
- “Customer Testimonials” with short quotes from users.
With headers, readers can quickly jump to the section they’re most interested in, making it easier to digest.
3. Add Bulleted Lists
Bullets are perfect for breaking down complex information into snackable bites. They help readers quickly scan through points, rather than reading dense paragraphs.
Bullet points are especially great for listing statistics, benefits or key product features.
In a press release introducing a new software update, you could present the main improvements in a list:
New Features Include:
- Enhanced data security
- User-friendly design
- Real-time collaboration tools
- AI-powered insights
By breaking information into a bulleted list, you can make technical details easier to understand.
4. Include Engaging, Relevant Quotes
Quotes add a human touch and make your message feel more authentic. Including short, engaging quotes from company leaders or industry experts helps you to reinforce messages and gives you the opportunity to expand on facts.
It’s important to avoid generic language and aim for creative, memorable statements that resonate with your audience.
For example: In a press release about a new company initiative, include a quote that goes beyond the specifics of the product and connects with your mission:
“This launch represents our commitment to innovation and to supporting our clients in new, meaningful ways,” said CEO Jane Doe. “We’re excited to see how our customers leverage these tools to build a brighter, more connected future.”
Pro tip: Avoid quotes that dive too deeply into product features. Instead, focus on quotes that expand on the announcement's broader significance. This approach helps readers understand the bigger picture and aligns the announcement with your organization's core mission and values.
With these press release formatting tips, your news will be more reader-friendly, helping journalists quickly find essential information.
Great formatting doesn’t just make your release look good; it makes your story easier to understand.
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