Most people think of press releases as a tool to announce newsworthy events, but they can be used for much more. A good press release can help you get the word out about a new product or service, increase brand awareness, and improve SEO. 

This article will show how press releases are essential to any public relations campaign. We will explain how to write a press release that will stand out and make an impact. We will also provide some free press release examples to help you get started.

What is a press release/news release?

A press release, also known as a news release, is a written statement that is typically sent to media outlets to announce something newsworthy. For example, a business might send out a press release when it launches a new product or opens a new location. 

While press releases can be sent directly to journalists, they often end up on news websites or newspapers. A press release must be well-written and include all of the essential information that reporters need to be effective. It should also be attention-grabbing and use language that will appeal to the target audience.

Why are press releases important?

Press releases are an essential part of any public relations campaign. They can be used to generate media coverage, build relationships with journalists, and increase brand awareness. 

Press releases can also be repurposed into other content marketing materials, such as blog posts or infographics. When done correctly, press releases can be a powerful tool to reach new customers and grow your business.

Types of press releases

There are several types of press releases, each with its purpose. The most common press releases are product announcements, event announcements, and company news.

1. Product announcement: A product announcement type of press release is used to generate buzz around a new product or service. This press release should include information about what the product is, what it does, and why it is unique or different from other products on the market.
2. Event announcement: This press release is used to promote an upcoming event, such as a trade show or conference. It should include information about the event, such as the date, time, location, and speakers. It should also have a call to action, such as inviting readers to register or learn more.
3. Company news: Here, you announce changes or updates within the company, such as a new CEO or the launch of a new product line. This type of press release can also promote positive news stories, such as awards or industry recognition.
4. Mergers and acquisitions: You can also use press releases to announce a merger or acquisition. This type of press release should include information about the new company, such as the name, size, and focus. It should also include quotes from CEOs about the merger or acquisition benefits.
5. Awards: An award type of press release is used to announce when a company or individual has won an award. This type of press release should include information about the award, such as the name, date, and location. It should also include quotes from the winner about their achievement.
6. Rebranding: A rebranding type of press release is used to announce when a company has changed its name, logo, or other branding elements. This press release should include information about the new brand, such as the mission statement or tagline. It should also include quotes from the CEO or other executives about the reasons for the rebrand.
7. Executive promotions: An executive promotion type of press release is used to announce when a company has promoted an employee to a new position. This press release should include information about the new position, such as the title and responsibilities. It should also include quotes from the CEO or other executives about the reasons for the promotion.

How do press releases work?

In the past, press releases were sent to journalists hoping they would be picked up by news outlets and shared with the public. However, nowadays, most press release distribution services will post your release on their website and send it out to their list of media contacts first. This gives you a better chance of getting noticed, but it also means you need to make sure your press release is newsworthy and exciting enough to capture attention.

You can use different press release distribution services, but the most important thing is to ensure your press release is well-written and newsworthy. PressReach is a  great option that will post your press release on their website and send it out to their list of media contacts.

Sample press release format

Here is a sample press release format you can use as a template:

[Write a catchy and captivating headline for your press release]

[Summarize your story with a subtitle]

[Write location and date using MM, DD, YY format ]—[Make the announcement using the who, what, when, where, and why of your story]

[Discuss events, stats, milestones, and appropriate research using paragraphs and bullet points if needed]

[Add quotations from the leading experts]

[Reiterate what makes the press release newsworthy]

[End with boilerplate providing more information about your company and how you can be reached, such as a media contact]

Press release examples you can learn from

Below is a press release example from NinjaCat announcing the acquisition of a new company, Shape.io.

You’ll notice the use of an enticing headline, short subheadline summarizing the PR, action words, and quotes in the body. The boilerplate also includes information about the company’s media contact.

NinjaCat Acquires Shape.io, Furthering Vision of Delivering An All-In-One Platform and Single Source of Truth for All Marketing Data

Expands Digital Marketing Performance Management Platform with Integrated PPC Budget Management and Reporting

NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2022 /Ninjacat Inc/ — NinjaCat, the digital marketing performance management platform purpose-built for agencies, media companies, and multilocation brands, today announced the acquisition of Shape.io, a leading pay-per-click (PPC) budget management software suite. The integration of Shape.io’s budget monitoring and automation capabilities together with the addition of its leadership, engineering, and sales teams will accelerate NinjaCat’s mission to deliver an all-in-one platform to store, report, monitor, analyze, and act on marketing data at scale.

According to NinjaCat CEO Paul Deraval, the acquisition signals a major shift in the market, as the company moves closer to delivering an alternative to the status quo; a “frankenstack” of point solutions, cobbled together for digital marketing analytics and reporting.

“The current landscape of multiple, disparate data sources and solutions makes it virtually impossible for marketers to implement and manage programs at scale. It’s simply no longer a viable option,” said Deraval. “By integrating Shape.io directly into the NinjaCat platform, our customers can now seamlessly track cross-channel ad spend alongside a wide range of other metrics. This allows us to move even faster towards our goal of delivering a single source of truth for all marketing data in one place.”

Shape.io helps marketing departments and agencies who operate at scale optimize their budgets with the ability to control, organize, and collaborate on ad spend. For those who manage PPC marketing efforts for potentially thousands of customers, this creates efficiency everywhere, with the ability to set automations that limit overspending, provide recommendations where budgets are being under-deployed, and monitor budget pacing to hit targets right on time.

“It’s never been more challenging for companies to effectively manage the sheer volume of marketing and advertising data businesses create, and bringing together data from disparate sources is the key,” said Chris Vlessis, CEO of Shape.io. “NinjaCat has a powerful vision and roadmap for delivering a tightly integrated platform that will enable our clients to report and act on their marketing campaigns with greater accuracy and efficiency than ever before. We’re extremely excited to be a part of it.”

Shape.io’s capabilities are already being utilized by the companies’ joint customers, and will be made available to new and existing customers in coming months. 

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. As a result of the acquisition, NinjaCat will increase to 350 customers managing more than half a million digital campaigns and $7B in advertising spend across the platform.

About NinjaCat

NinjaCat is a digital marketing performance management platform built for agencies, media companies, and brands. The NinjaCat platform is powered by the industry’s most transformational data model for multi-channel digital marketing performance analytics, connecting hundreds of marketing data sources into a single platform. Marketers using NinjaCat can build and automate beautiful reports and dashboards at scale. By eliminating manual data wrangling and accelerating time to insight, NinjaCat’s reporting and campaign monitoring solutions empower teams to communicate quickly and insightfully to prove the effectiveness of their marketing efforts to business stakeholders. Learn more at www.ninjacat.io.

How to write a good press release

The best way to write a press release will vary depending on your organization’s specific needs and goals. However, there are some general tips and guidelines that can help you create an effective press release.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing a press release:

1. Keep it newsworthy

Your press release should highlight something newsworthy about your organization or event. This could be a new product launch, a significant milestone achievement, or anything else that would interest the media and general public.

2. Make it attention-grabbing

To get your press release noticed, you need to make it attention-grabbing. Write a headline that is clear and to the point. Use an appealing headline for your press release.

3. Provide a story synopsis in the subtitle

In addition to a catchy headline, you should also include a subtitle that provides a brief summary of the story. This will give readers an idea of what the press release is about and help them decide if they want to read more.

4. Include necessary information

Be sure to include all of the necessary information in your press release. This consists of the date, time, location, and any other relevant details. You should also include quotes from key people involved with the story.

5.  Provide your company’s boilerplate

Your press release should include a boilerplate, a summary of your company or organization. This should be placed at the end of the press release and provide basic information such as the company’s history, mission statement, and contact information.

Tips for press release distribution

1. Cold pitch media outlets
2. Use a press release distribution service
3. Hire a PR professional
4. Send time-sensitive news articles early
5. Generate buzz with a press release

Press release FAQ

Can a press release improve SEO?

A well-written, informative press release distributed to the right publications can help improve your site’s SEO. It can be a great way to get your website and brand in front of new audiences, but you need to ensure that you’re doing them the right way.

How to optimize a press release for SEO?

1. Make sure your titles are catchy and attention-grabbing.
2. In your release, include links to your website and other online properties.
3. Make sure your release is well-written and error-free.
4. Include keywords and phrases throughout your release, especially in the title and body copy.
5. Distribute your press release through reputable online PR agencies or wire services.

What are the 7 parts of a press release?

A press release is traditionally comprised of seven elements, including the:

1. Title
2. Subtitle
3. Dateline
4. Introductory paragraph
5. Body paragraphs
6. Boilerplate (or About Us section)
7. Endnotes

What makes a good press release?

A good press release needs to be well written, concise, and informative. It should include all the essential information about the product or event being promoted and be easy for journalists to read and understand.

It’s also important to target the right audience with your press release. For example, if you’re promoting a new product, you’ll want to distribute your press release to technology reporters and editors. And if you’re holding a special event, you’ll like to send invitations to local reporters and bloggers.

What is the most important part of a press release?

A press release has several important aspects, but the most crucial element is the headline. The headline should be attention-grabbing and concise, highlighting the main point of the release. Furthermore, the release should provide all the necessary details without being excessively long. Images and multimedia can also help get your message across. Finally, ensure to proofread your release before sending it out – errors will reflect poorly on your company or organization.

What is the aim of a press release?

A press release aims to generate media attention for a product, service, event, or individual. A press release provides reporters with the information they need to write a story about your company or organization. In addition to generating media coverage, a press release can also be used to announce something new or noteworthy about your business. For example, you might use a press release to announce the launch of a new product line or the expansion of your business into new territory.

How long is a press release?

A press release is typically around 400-500 words but can be shorter or longer depending on the content and purpose. If you’re writing a press release to announce a new product or service, you’ll want to include key details like what it is, how it works, and why it’s important. The type of press release you write can also determine how long your press release will be. 

Featured Image:  Megapixl © Flynt

Please See Disclaimer