How to Format a Press Release
If you are the person who sends out press releases for your company, it's a good idea to have a template prepared for when you need it. When you need to make a quick announcement or head off a catastrophe, you'll be glad you already have a format ready to send out a press release.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
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Put the words "For Immediate Release" at the top of the press release when you want the information out as soon as possible. The media looks for that phrase when considering using the information. If it's not there, they may put it aside until they have time to find out more exact information.
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Include your contact information at the top of the form. Make sure that it's clear and includes all the phone numbers and email addresses of people who can follow up on the announcement. Be available to respond to calls when you send out a release.
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Make the headline clear enough that it will tell the whole story of what is to follow, making it easier on journalists who must wade through tons of press releases each day. They won't bother to read yours if they can't get the gist of the contents in a few seconds.
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Add the date and the location of the event on the line just before the first paragraph. You can then write in all the details that you want to get out in the release.
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End the press release with a boilerplate statement. This is a paragraph or two with background information about the person or company detailed in the press release.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the release on one page if possible, but if it runs longer, add "--more--" to the bottom of the page so that the reporter knows there are additional pages of information.
Use the symbols "# # #" to indicate the end of the press release.
