How to Write a Press Release

You may not think as an online writer that knowing how to write a press release is necessary, but having an extra service to offer on top of writing blog posts, web pages, social posts and emails can be a nice little money-spinner.

You'll find that as an online writer, you already have all the skills you need to write a press release. Writing a press release for a client’s new product, service, news etc. is surprisingly simple. Just follow these five steps:

1. Find the angle

Sometimes this isn’t obvious, so you need to use all of your detective skills to unearth why the reader should care about the subject.

A reader doesn’t care if a company has a new product out, but they will care if that product is rumoured to be popular with – oh, I don’t know – a member of the royal family (for instance).

2. Incorporate your angle into a catchy title

This needs to be edgy yet factual and, unlike with blog posts, it doesn’t matter if your title is a little on the long side.

3. Write an opening paragraph that includes all the important facts

Write in third person.

Then check that if the client or publication were to cut everything that follows your opening paragraph, it would still include all of the story’s most important facts.

This should cover the who, what, where, why and when of the topic/angle.

4. Support your angle using a second and possibly third paragraph

Use this space to expand on your story, add more information about the company and explain why this new announcement/service/product should be of interest to readers. Use quotes from your client to liven it up!

5. Conclude with facts and details

Provide a fact about the company in context and tell the reader where they can get hold of their products or services, i.e. “Princely Pens have been selling their unique take on office stationary since 2002. Their friendly, family-run store can be found on Wood Lane in London.”

Don't forget to include a contact for any press enquiries.

There, you're done.