Have you ever wondered how long should a press release be? If you want your business to reach a wider audience, a press release is a great way to do it. But not just any press release will do. You need to write one that will get results.
In this article, we will discuss how to write a press release that will generate publicity for your business and how long should a press release be to be effective.
We’ll go over tips on how to make yours stand out from the crowd. We’ll also discuss the necessary information you need to include in your press release.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how to write a press release that will get results and how long should a press release be without losing the attention of your audience. Let’s get started!
How Long Should A Press Release Be?
One common question we get asked is, “How long should a press release be?” The answer to this question isn’t as cut and dry as you might think.
Your press release should be long enough to include all of the necessary information but not so long that it loses your reader’s attention.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your press release to one page, or about 400-500 words.
This may seem like a short amount of space, but you’ll be surprised how much you can fit into one page if you get straight to the point.
How to Make Your Press Release Stand Out
Making sure your press release stands out is as important as knowing how long should a press release be.
With so many businesses issuing press releases, it can be challenging to make yours stand out from the crowd. But you can do a few things to ensure that yours gets noticed.
One way to make your press release stand out is to include a quote from someone important to your company.
This could be the CEO, founder, or another executive. This will give your press release a personal touch, making it more interesting to read.
Another way to make your press release stand out is to include a photo or graphic.
This will help your press release stand out visually and make it more likely to be picked up by online news outlets.
What Information Should You Include in Your Press Release?
Now that you know how to make your press release stand out (and how long should a press release be), out let’s discuss what information you should include.
First and foremost, you’ll need to include the basics such as who, what, when, where, and why.
You’ll also need to have a quote from someone at your company and a photo or graphic.
In addition, your press release should include a brief description of your company.
And finally, you’ll need to include contact information so journalists can contact you if they have any questions.
7 Tips For Writing A Press Release That Gets Results
You’ve written a killer press release since understanding how long should a press release be, and are ready to send it to the world. But before you do, you should keep a few things in mind if you want to get results. Here are seven tips for writing a press release that gets results:
1. Start with a catchy headline
No one likes a press release. That’s all dry facts and no personality. Before you even start writing, come up with a catchy headline that conveys your story’s essence. Think about what would make someone want to read more.
A good headline will pique curiosity, generate interest, and prompt readers to learn more about your topic. And that’s precisely what you want from a press release!
With that in mind, here are some tips for writing headlines that will get results:
- Keep it short and sweet – A headline should be no more than 6-8 words long. Any longer, and you risk losing your reader’s attention.
- Use keywords wisely – Choose relevant keywords to your story and help boost your search engine optimization. But beware of keyword stuffing – too many keywords will make your headline look ‘spammy’ and could turn off potential readers.
- Make it enjoyable – A catchy headline will entice people to read your press release. Be creative – avoid bland, boring headlines that state the obvious.
It is ineffective if your press release is the perfect length – since knowing how long should a press release be – if the headline fails to grab and maintain the attention of the audience.
2. Write in a clear, concise style
Understanding how long should a press release be does not mean it should be as lengthy as possible. When it comes to writing an effective press release, less is definitely more. Keep your language clear and concise, and avoid using industry jargon or flowery language. The goal is to communicate your message in a way that is easy for the average reader to understand. So take a step back and make sure that your press release is understandable before you hit “send.”
Note that press releases should be no more than 300 – 400 words. Any longer, and you risk losing your reader’s attention. So if you find yourself long-winded, cut it down to the essentials.
- Use subheadings – Breaking your press release into smaller chunks with subheadings makes it more readable and easier to digest.
- Avoid background information in the opening paragraph – The opening paragraph should be reserved for the essential information. Save the background information for later in the press release.
Being concise is integral to knowing how long should a press release be.
3. Make sure your facts are accurate
One of the worst things you can do when writing a press release is to include inaccurate information. Not only will this damage your credibility, but it could also result in your press release being ignored altogether. So before you send out your next press release, ensure that all of the information therein is accurate and up-to-date.
To fact-check your press release, here are a few things you can do:
- Consult an expert – If you’re writing about a complex topic, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert. This will help ensure that the information in your press release is accurate.
- Do your research – When in doubt, look it up! There’s no excuse for not being able to back up your claims with hard evidence.
- Double-check your sources – It’s essential to ensure that your sources are reliable. Any information that you include in your press release should be able to be verified.
4. Keep the tone upbeat and professional
Your press release should always maintain a professional tone, even if announcing something less favorable. For example, don’t try to downplay the situation or make excuses if you’re promoting a recall. State the facts and let your readers come to their conclusions.
Likewise, avoid using inflammatory language or making personal attacks likely to cause hate. Remember, your goal is to communicate your message clearly and concisely – not to ruffle any feathers.
You can make your press release stand out by using an active voice. This will give your press release a more personal touch, making it more relatable to your readers.
In addition, avoid using industry jargon or ” insider speak.” Remember, you want your press release to be understandable by the average reader.
5. Use strong quotes from experts
If you want your press release to pack a punch, include strong quotes from experts in your field. These quotes can help to add credibility to your story and give readers a better sense of what your company is all about. Let the quotes you use are truly reflective of what the expert said.
When using quotes in your press release, ensure they provide insights and expert opinions, not information. One common mistake people make is to use quotes that state the obvious. For example, “We’re excited to launch our new product.” This type of quote adds no value and doesn’t do anything to further your story.
A good rule of thumb is to ensure that your quotes are at least 50 words long. This will give you enough material to work with to craft a robust and impactful quote that packs a punch.
Furthermore, avoid the use of technical terms or jargon in your quotes. Remember, you want your press release to be easily understood by the average reader.
6. Include a call to action
While knowing how long should a press release be is significant, including a call to action takes it to the next level.
Your press release should always include a call to action, inviting readers to learn more about your product or encouraging them to contact you for more information. Your press release will likely fall flat without a call to action. So make sure you take the time to craft a strong one that will resonate with your audience.
Here are a few tips for writing a compelling call to action:
- Be clear and direct – Your call to action should be easy to understand and not require any guesswork on the reader’s part.
- Make it relevant – The call to action should be directly related to the content of your press release. For example, if you’re announcing a new product, your call to action might be to “learn more about the product.”
- Be specific – The more specific you can be with your call to action, the better. For example, rather than saying “contact us,” you might say “contact us for more information.”
7. Target the right media outlets
Lastly, if you want your press release to get you the results you want, you need to make sure that you’re targeting the right media outlets.
Research which publications or websites would be most interested in your story, and then send your press release accordingly. By targeting the right media outlets, you’ll significantly increase the chances that your press release will be a success.
By following these seven tips, you can write a press release that is more likely to get results. Just remember to focus on creating a compelling story and include all the essential elements, and you’ll be well on your way to success.
Understanding how long should a press release be is just one component to writing an effect pr.
Distribute Your Press Release with PressReach
If you need the help of a professional press release distribution service, PressReach can get your story in front of the right people. We have a vast network of media contacts and can help to get your story the attention it deserves. Contact us today to learn more.
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