21 Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Press Release
A simple do’s and don’ts checklist. Use this before writing, when you’re writing and after you’ve written your press release.
Do’s
- Follow a press release template.
- Keep it clear and concise (between 500-800 words).
- Provide as much contact details per release.
- Have a summary that describes the main gist of your news.
- Write a factual, relevant, newsworthy, exciting story.
- Find a good angle, differentiate yourself from the others.
- Write an appealing headline.
- Try and leave readers wanting to find out more.
- Include a link to your main site and your press release page.
- Double-check press release before submission.
- Cite and credit sources.
Don’ts
- Don’t include company history.
- Don’t continuously submit the same or slightly modified press release.
- Don’t send out multiple press release at the same time.
- Don’t put in the unavailable contact names of people.
- Don’t send out a release without it being reviewed and approved by appropriate staff.
- Don’t send out a release about something unimportant.
- Don’t send out an outdated news release.
- Don't use hyped-up promotional language with too many adjectives.
- Don't repeat information.
- Don't ask questions, you’re supposed to give answers.
*Want to learn how to write awesome press release headlines? Click on the link to learn how!