by Taylor Morelli
The difference between a successful event or campaign often relies on the distribution of a message. A public relations professional uses many tools to convey messaging, the primary tool being press releases. Press releases highlight the newsworthy aspects of a story.
Every organization and PR professional has a different format, style, and tone when writing a press release. Although every press release is different there are key elements that every press release needs. In this blog, we will go over the 8 major elements of a press release.
1. Header
The header should include the company logo, company information and media contact information (phone and email).
2. For Immediate Release & DateLine
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE should appear in the upper left-hand margin with all letters capitalized. The dateline should appear after the immediate release and be the date that the press release is issued.
3. Headline & Subhead:
The headline is the title of the press release and should include the who and what.
The subhead is underneath the headline to provide a further description of the who and what.
4. Lead Paragraph:
A descriptive line about the event; who, what, when, where, & why.
5. Body 1:
The body starts with the who, what, when, where, why and how. Specific dates and times are highlighted in this section as well as any important details to note.
6. Body 2:
This section should contain information regarding the history of events, speakers or special guests.
7. Body 3:
For more information, contact information and where tickets can be purchased and when.
8. Company Boilerplate:
Your press release should end with a short paragraph that describes your company, products, service and short company history. If you are filing a joint press release include a boilerplate for both companies.
**note: quotes are vital to a persuasive press release, including two quotes from a CEO or speaker is important to consider when writing press releases.**
Using industry terms and research competitors' press releases can help spark the writing process. Consider the audience and the media outlets the press release would be distributed to.
Taylor is a graduate student in the Monmouth University Corporate and Public Relations program. She is the Vice-President of Monmouth PRSSA Shadow PR Firm. She is currently a communications intern at a boutique public relations agency.