There are several rules to follow when writing a press release. The lead should follow the “miniskirt rule,” which states that the release should be long enough to cover the essentials but brief enough to retain the attention of the reader. The goal is to pique journalistic curiosity, not deliver all the details at once. Cite sources and include links to legitimate news sites and media outlets to increase credibility and avoid fake news.
Five Ways of writing a press release
To write a good press release, the author should understand the Five Ws of writing a press release. The headline, or first sentence of the release, should be a beacon that draws the reader’s attention. Make it bold or use larger type, and keep it short. Include about 80 to 125 words. All words should be capitalized. The next three paragraphs should give readers the essential information about the release.
The dateline identifies the date on which the announcement was made. The dateline is separated from the first sentence by an en dash. List the abbreviated city name and state, and the full year of the announcement. Then, answer the six W questions in the opening paragraph. Your press release is now ready to be published! Just follow these five basic steps to create a winning press release.
Avoid head-and-shoulders shots
One of the best ways to ensure that your photographs get the attention they deserve is to avoid using head-and-shoulder shots. Photographs with large logos in the background are less appealing and don’t make a good impression. Instead, choose photos that show people in action. Include captions with the names of the people in the photograph and other relevant information. A head-and-shoulder shot tends to be boring and will be a turn-off to the journalist.
Use short, interesting paragraphs
Press releases should be written in three parts, each with a different purpose. The opening paragraph should be strong and concise, and the lead paragraph should address the questions of “who, what, when, and how.” The lead should pique the reader’s interest but remain short and concise. Providing background information and quoting sources is crucial to gaining credibility. Links to authoritative websites will help protect you from fake news and promote the credibility of your company.
If you’re writing a press release to distribute to media outlets, include boilerplate, a short copy of the organization’s mission, goals, and other facts. Boilerplate can include your company’s logo and contact information (phone and email). This gives reporters an easy way to get in touch with you. Also, include pictures. Photos add credibility to your press release. Remember, people scan press releases in just three seconds.
Follow AP style guidelines
AP style is an industry standard for writing and presenting information. This format focuses on presenting key information at the beginning of your press release, while less important information can be presented after the quotes from sources. It also helps journalists to understand the five Ws of a press release. By following these guidelines, you will ensure that your press release will be read properly by journalists. Read on for some tips to make your press release stand out from the competition.
Editors care about details, so it is crucial to follow the AP style guidelines when writing a pressrelease. This style is used to make sure your press release is easy to understand and easy to read. Agility PR, which sends out over 3 million press releases a day, helps brands and organizations reach journalists through their press release distribution. It also helps journalists find content. The format allows you to include photos, videos, and links as well as newsworthy information in an easy-to-read format.