Sample Press Release Format
Writing a press release requires you to write a persuasive story that will compel journalists and consumers to take action. Our sample press release format is just a guide for the structure of a press release, but keep in mind that any story can be told from many angles. Try visiting the news sections of industry leaders Web sites or go to the newswires and see how others are telling their stories.
Headline
Create an active and descriptive headline that will capture the reader’s attention. The headline should appeal to journalists as newsworthy.
Summary
Write a summary of your press release that helps clarify the headline, and describes what the press release is about.
* While not all press releases have a summary, if you are distributing your press release to PR Leap it must include a summary.
Body (Answer the Where, When, Who, and What)
Lead Paragraph
City, State - Month Day, Year - Organization Name - Answer the “what” in the rest of this paragraph.
Include Quotes
After the first paragraph of the body it is a good idea to include at least one quote from an executive that discusses why this is an important news event. Add credibility to your press release; identify the people you quote using their title, and company name in addition to their name.
Answer the Why and the How
The second paragraph of the body should connect the first paragraph to more detailed information about the “why” and the “how” of the news event.
Additional paragraphs should contain supporting information, industry statistics, and quotes.
Call to Action
The last paragraph is where you can make a call to action. This is your opportunity to prompt your target audience to do something.
- (Use three number signs to denote where the press release ends)
Corporate Summary
Include a short summary about your organization.
Contact Information
Include the contact information of a person the media can follow up with. (Name, Company Name, Phone Number, E-mail Address, Company URL)
