Even in a world driven by social media, a press release is essential for businesses. Many even choose to write their own.
The easiest way to write your own press release is with a press release template.
What is a press release? And why should you use a template?
This guide will explain everything you need to know about press releases and press release templates.
What is a Press Release?
A press release is an official, prepared statement on a given subject matter.
The goal of a press release is to give journalists the essential information they need to spread a companies message. The journalists generate the content that the average person will read about.
In a sense, press releases instigate content marketing for your business.
Why Should You Use a Template?
Most businesses will use a template to write their press releases. The reason is so that the writer doesn’t start with a blank slate every time.
There are several tangible benefits to using a press release template.
Saves Time
Using a template will save a lot of time when writing a press release.
The template will have some information already written down. This usually includes notes on brand language or a copy of the company’s mission statement.
There will always be some information that every press release has. By keeping that information in a template, it speeds up the drafting process.
The Distribution System Works
While they can be shared on social media, most businesses use a press release distribution system.
This automates most of the process without compromising on quality.
A press release distribution system will first optimize the press release. This includes fact-checking and doing an SCO audit.
The system will then put your press release in front of the right journalist. They do this through an intricate network of journalists covering various beats. By putting a press release in front of the right journalist, it gets in front of the right audience.
This is a tried-and-true practice of public relations.
Using a template helped this process move faster. It also enforces quality standards across all press releases.
The Formula Works
There is a proper way to write a press release. This makes sense when you consider that they have been around for over 100 years. The result is a formula that is fast and efficient at conveying key information.
The template is constructed with the ideal press release format in mind. Using a template also ensures consistent quality throughout the press releases.
How to Write a Press Release
The formula for writing a good press release is not difficult to implement. It makes it easy to convey the information you want effectively. A few key principles will take care of most of the formatting.
A Good Headline
Like any piece of content, the title is of the utmost importance. It’s your first chance to hook whoever is reading it.
If the press release is in front of a journalist, this is the best chance it has at getting an article written about it.
Perfectly Framed Information
Press releases are generally 4 to 8 paragraphs long. The rhythm of these paragraphs has refined itself throughout the years.
The first paragraph should contain all the important information. A busy journalist should be able to read the first paragraph and know the essential details.
Next, you’ll want to share important context.
The press release likely has to do with an announcement or new release. Whatever the subject, it likely ties into a larger narrative your company is weaving.
This narrative could be about anything. It could be about your companies push to innovate in the market. It could be part of a PR push to highlight brand values.
Whatever it is, this section is the chance to tout that narrative.
Finally, there’s the “About” section of the template. This is a one-paragraph summary of the company. While many companies use their mission statement, it is an important section.
A Note on Buzzwords
The point of a press release is to be clean and efficient. A template saves time in pursuing that goal.
One mistake a lot of press releases make is adding too many buzzwords. Buzzwords tend to do very well for marketing materials and copy. It’s an easy way of sounding trendy and enticing.
But journalists are very leery of them. They can often view buzzwords as lazy or contrived. It may seem menial, but it is also devoid of context.
Most journalists see close to 100 press releases per day. Only a handful of these press releases will they write an article about. If they have any reason to skip your press release, they might do it.
For this reason, it is best to avoid using buzzwords whenever possible.
There will be situations, of course, where using a buzzword is the best option. This is not to deter you from using buzzwords altogether. This is to make you aware as you use your press release template.
Using a Press Release Template
A good press release template will keep the formula omnipresent. As long as the standards and presets are clear, the quality will be persistent.
Many companies have several press release templates. This allows them to create a diverse array of press releases just as fast. To see more examples, follow the link.
Ready to Make a Press Release?
Using a press release template will save time and maintain quality. Getting your company’s message out is important, so it is important to be consistent.
Get your press release template today and follow the blog for more helpful tips!
