How to Format a Press Release Correctly
A solid press release gets the media's attention and it provides them with a story that they can instantly report. Don't use your press release as a marketing or sales pitch -- most reporters know right away that you're trying to make a sale. Instead, tell them company news, grab their attention with an exciting development and provide factual information.
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Instructions
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Provide newsworthy content that is not about generating revenue. Include the most essential elements of news reporting -- who, what, where, why and how. The press release may alert the media to a new, high-profile hire, an event, service or change in the organization.
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Use a strong headline. The headline should grab attention. The headline and first sentence should provide the essential story and the following paragraphs give the details.
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Include the essential components such as the directive: "For Immediate Release," the company contact information along with a main press person contact. Keep the headline short and descriptive. Provide the date, city and state information on a dateline. The introductory paragraph summarizes the key components of the story and the subsequent paragraphs provide background, quotes from company officials and statistics if necessary. Provide some historical background on your company. End the press release with "###" at the bottom of the page.
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Tips & Warnings
Demonstrate the impact of this development on the industry. Tell reporters why your story is important so that they have a story to follow.
Don't make the pitch self-serving or sound like a sales letter
