Are There Press Release Templates?
Many marketers are terrified at the very idea of issuing a press release. It seems a really big deal calling attention to your company by issuing one because journalists and other media representatives are a powerful force that can make or break your business.
But creating an effective press release isn’t rocket science. Anyone can do it if they follow a few simple rules.
In fact, some marketing companies and publishers have created press release templates for the purpose of guiding marketers through the process of writing a successful press release. They vary from website to website, but in general, there are certain essential elements they all agree on. Here’s a standard template you can use to formulate your first effective press release:
1-It must be newsworthy
A lot of press releases sent out are little more than ads or attempts to trick the search engines into awarding higher page rank. Your press release should convey something newsworthy. Good examples include a new product launch, a live event, or free information available that your target audience would find useful.
2-A great headline
The headline is the first, and sometimes the only, thing that people read. Make it count by writing it vividly in order to grab the attention of any journalist scanning through the headlines of the press release distribution service. Include at least one keyword related to your niche or industry and a strong verb.
3-An interesting subheadline
The subheadline is an additional chance to grab the journalist’s attention. It should give more information about the headline and the story.
4-Include media
Images and video will improve your chances of getting media pickups, especially from online journalists. If you are launching a new product, for example, a high-quality image of it could be worth a thousand words, and a demonstration video tens of thousands.
5-The opening paragraph
In journalism, journalists are trained to include the 5Ws in every news story:
- Who
- What
- When
- Where
- Why
This is a checklist to make sure none of the most important facts is left out. Use this formula in your press release and journalists will be more likely to give you a pickup because they have everything they need to write their own story in time for their deadline.
6-An interesting quotation, facts, figures, and so on
Quotations can liven up a story and grab attention, especially if the quote is from a big name in your niche or industry. Facts and figures can provide a context as to why anyone should pay attention to your press release and care about the information enough to pass it along.
7-A call to action
Your call to action should be based on the goal of your press release. If you’re announcing a new product, for example, your call to action might be, “Please visit URL to learn more.” If you want to get more subscribers, you could say, “Download your free ebook at URL.” If you are hosting a live event, you would send them to a URL where they could buy or get their tickets.
8-The boilerplate
The boilerplate is like a mini-template in its own right. It is a description of your company that you can use in all of your press releases to provide a context as to who your company is and why you are worth paying attention to.
9-Your contact information
This can also be a mini-template. Include the contact information for whoever is going to follow up with journalists about your press release. Provide the name, phone number and email address.
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