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• Don’t send out an outdated news release.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!