August 14, 2024

How to Write a Press Release in 5 Steps

Brian Balbirnie • August 14, 2024
How to Write a Press Release in 5 Steps

How to Write a Press Release 

Press releases can help you communicate effectively, increase brand awareness,
reach more people, and boost sales.


But, there’s an art to crafting press releases that pique the press and public’s interest. 

A person is typing on an old typewriter on a wooden desk.


In today’s blog, we’re getting back to basics by covering: 

  1. What is a press release? 
  2. Press release format 
  3. Types of press releases 
  4. How to write a press release 
  5. Press release distribution tips 

1. What is a press release?


A press release is an official announcement an organization sends to share their news. 


Typically, press releases cover news about events, quarterly earnings, new employees, and industry data, to name a few topics. 


The overarching goal is to amplify the news, expand reach, and connect with the press and public. 

Our blog, What is a Press Release? Definition, Benefits and How Tos has more information.  

2. Press release format 


Your campaigns should follow a standard press release format to capture media attention. 


The format of your press release should be as follows: 


  • Headline 
  • Subheadline 
  • First paragraph 
  • Body paragraphs (including a quote) 
  • Call-to-action 
  • Boilerplate 

Now that you have the format, we suggest using the inverted pyramid to include the most important details every time. The inverted pyramid is a framework that addresses the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your news. 

3. Common types of press releases


As mentioned before, a press release is a communication vehicle that helps companies share their newsworthy updates to a larger audience. 


Common press release topics include but aren’t limited to: 


  • Product announcement 
  • Mergers and acquisitions 
  • Events 
  • Quarterly earnings 
  • Crisis communication 

Here are five more press release topics to consider. 

4. How to write a press release 


When writing a press release, consider the following: 



5. Tips for press release distribution 


Press release distribution can help you capture media attention and reach your target audience. 

In this blog, we’ve given you the basic information you need to craft a compelling and newsworthy press release. 


We’re not stopping there. Here are a few more resources to maximize your press release distribution efforts: 



Your News, Our Press Release Services 


When you use our press release services, you never have to worry about being nickel and dimed to maximize your results. 
 
What you see is what you get thanks to our flat-fee, predictable pricing. 
 
Our tried-and-true press release distribution services have helped thousands of public and private companies around the globe break through the noise of an overcrowded market and secure their piece of market share. 

 

Send a Press Release  

A man and a woman are standing in front of a laptop computer.
By Jennifer Hammers February 28, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the board, and public relations (PR) is no exception. From press release optimization to media targeting and real-time media monitoring, AI is empowering PR professionals to work smarter, not harder. But let’s be clear: AI is not replacing PR strategies or content—it’s enhancing them. AI is a tool that allows PR teams to streamline their workflows, analyze data at scale, and improve the accuracy of their outreach, ensuring that their efforts are more targeted, timely, and effective. So, how exactly can AI help optimize press releases, fine-tune media targeting, and enhance media monitoring? Let’s explore.
A man and a woman are looking at a marketing report on a clipboard.
By Jennifer Hammers December 20, 2024
Discover the benefits of simplifying your data reports for public relations (PR) and marketing professionals. Simplified data reports allow you to focus on actionable insights that truly matter.
A woman is sitting at a table looking at a piece of paper.
By Jennifer Hammers December 16, 2024
Discover why public relations is vital for small businesses and how targeted PR strategies can help you b
A blue and white logo with a check mark next to it
By Jennifer Hammers November 8, 2024
Compare ACCESS Newswire and Business Wire to determine which press release distribution service best meets your needs for cost, reach, and efficiency.
A logo for accesswire next to a logo for rack
By Jennifer Hammers November 8, 2024
Analyze the differences between ACCESS Newswire and Muck Rack to choose the platform that offers the best features and value for your public relations campaigns.
A blue background with the word access on it
By Jennifer Hammers November 7, 2024
Weigh the pros and cons of ACCESS Newswire versus Cision PR to decide which media outreach platform aligns best with your goals and budget requirements.
A man and a woman are standing in front of a building talking to each other.
By Jennifer Hammers October 31, 2024
Understand why building strong media relationships is crucial even when you have no breaking news, and learn strategies to stay top‑of‑mind consistently. Start building a media outreach plan now.
A city skyline overlooking a body of water at sunset.
By Jennifer Hammers October 30, 2024
Read the story of a Sarasota franchise owner who gained major media exposure through targeted outreach and persuasive storytelling techniques. Read the PR Case Study now.
A woman is talking to a man in front of a camera.
By Brian Balbirnie October 28, 2024
Uncover top tips for forging strong relationships with journalists, ensuring ongoing media interest and robust coverage of your PR announcements. Strengthen your brand presence now.
A black letter board with the words `` keep it simple '' on a blue background.
By Brian Balbirnie October 22, 2024
Learn how the KISS method streamlines your PR messaging and delivers clear, compelling communications that boost media engagement consistently. Read the full insights now.
Show More
A man and a woman are standing in front of a laptop computer.
By Jennifer Hammers February 28, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the board, and public relations (PR) is no exception. From press release optimization to media targeting and real-time media monitoring, AI is empowering PR professionals to work smarter, not harder. But let’s be clear: AI is not replacing PR strategies or content—it’s enhancing them. AI is a tool that allows PR teams to streamline their workflows, analyze data at scale, and improve the accuracy of their outreach, ensuring that their efforts are more targeted, timely, and effective. So, how exactly can AI help optimize press releases, fine-tune media targeting, and enhance media monitoring? Let’s explore.
A man and a woman are looking at a marketing report on a clipboard.
By Jennifer Hammers December 20, 2024
Discover the benefits of simplifying your data reports for public relations (PR) and marketing professionals. Simplified data reports allow you to focus on actionable insights that truly matter.
A woman is sitting at a table looking at a piece of paper.
By Jennifer Hammers December 16, 2024
Discover why public relations is vital for small businesses and how targeted PR strategies can help you b
A blue and white logo with a check mark next to it
By Jennifer Hammers November 8, 2024
Compare ACCESS Newswire and Business Wire to determine which press release distribution service best meets your needs for cost, reach, and efficiency.
A logo for accesswire next to a logo for rack
By Jennifer Hammers November 8, 2024
Analyze the differences between ACCESS Newswire and Muck Rack to choose the platform that offers the best features and value for your public relations campaigns.
A blue background with the word access on it
By Jennifer Hammers November 7, 2024
Weigh the pros and cons of ACCESS Newswire versus Cision PR to decide which media outreach platform aligns best with your goals and budget requirements.
Show More