How to Write a Press Release
Learn how to write a press release with news angle, headline, dateline, lead, quote, boilerplate, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.
Quick Answer
To write a press release, choose a real news angle, write a clear headline, add a dateline, summarize the who, what, when, where, why, and how in the first paragraph, include a useful quote, add details, end with a boilerplate and media contact.
What You Need
- Newsworthy announcement
- Key facts
- Approved quote
- Company boilerplate
- Media contact
- Relevant date and location
Safety Precautions
- Do not exaggerate or invent news.
- Verify names, dates, numbers, and claims.
- Get quote approval before publishing.
- Avoid confidential or legally sensitive details unless cleared.
- Keep promotional language restrained.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1
Confirm news angle
Identify why the announcement matters now.
- Step 2
Write headline
Make the headline specific and factual.
- Step 3
Add dateline
Include location and release date if appropriate.
- Step 4
Write lead paragraph
Cover the essential who, what, when, where, why, and how.
- Step 5
Add supporting details
Explain context, impact, and relevant facts.
- Step 6
Include quote
Use a quote that adds perspective, not repetition.
- Step 7
End with contact
Add boilerplate and media contact details.
Practical Example
Example: A nonprofit announces a new food pantry location with a headline, opening date, service area, quote from the director, background, and media contact.
Common Mistakes
- No real news angle
- Too promotional
- Buried key facts
- Unapproved quote
- Missing contact
- No fact-check
Troubleshooting
Release sounds like an ad
Lead with news value and facts, not sales language.
Headline is vague
Include the organization, action, and news.
Quote adds nothing
Use the quote for viewpoint, stakes, or human context.
Too long
Cut background details and link to supporting resources.
Helpful Internal Links
FAQs
What is a press release?
It is a formal announcement sent to media or published for public information.
How long should it be?
Often one page or a few concise paragraphs is enough.
Do I need quotes?
A useful approved quote helps, but it should add insight.
What is a boilerplate?
A short standard description of the organization.
Related Guides
How to Write a Business Plan
Learn how to write a business plan with executive summary, market, offer, customers, operations, marketing, finances, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.
How to Write Meeting Agenda
Learn how to write a meeting agenda with purpose, topics, owners, time boxes, decisions, preparation notes, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.
How to Proofread Effectively
Learn how to proofread effectively with a checklist, fresh eyes, read-aloud method, formatting review, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.
Help us improve this guide
Tell us about an outdated instruction, unclear step, broken link or safety concern. Do not include passwords, account numbers, medical records or other sensitive information.