The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Business Press Release

businesspressreleases

posted on 1 week ago — updated on 1 second ago

18
views

PR Wires is a leading press release distribution platform designed to help businesses, startups, and organizations share their news with global media outlets, journalists, and industry-specific audiences. With PR Wires, companies can effectively announce product launches, business expansions, corporate updates, and event openings to a vast network of trusted media partners.

In the fast-paced world of business, one of the most valuable tools for getting your company noticed is a well-crafted business press release. Whether you're announcing a startup press release, a new company press release, or a press release for new business opening, your goal is to ensure that your message reaches the right audience and grabs their attention. The difference between a successful press release and one that fails to make an impact often boils down to how well you follow certain dos and avoid critical don'ts.

A press release for business serves as an official announcement, a piece of communication to the media and public about a significant event, milestone, or development within the company. Whether you're sharing exciting news about your new product launch, announcing a partnership, or celebrating a company achievement, a press release for new business can help you build brand recognition and get media attention.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the dos and don'ts of writing a business press release to ensure that it is not only well-written but also achieves the desired outcome.

Why Press Releases Matter in Business

A business press release can serve a variety of purposes. From introducing your company to the media to announcing a company launch press release sample, press releases are designed to gain media coverage, generate buzz, and enhance your brand’s visibility. They help build your reputation and credibility by putting out information that journalists and bloggers may pick up, leading to widespread coverage.

For a press release to be effective, it must have several key components, but equally important are the dos and don’ts of creating a release that resonates with both the media and your target audience.

The Dos of Writing a Business Press Release

A successful business press release requires careful thought and attention to detail. Here are the key dos to follow to ensure your press release is engaging, informative, and has the best chance of being picked up by the media.

1. Do Keep It Concise and Focused

Your business press release should be clear, concise, and to the point. Journalists are busy people, and they don’t have the time to read long, rambling announcements. Stick to the essentials. Aim for a length of one to two pages (400-500 words) and make sure your content is informative without being overly wordy.

Focus on the most important details that will grab the reader's attention, such as what’s new or different about your announcement. Whether it’s a startup press release or a corporate press release, brevity is key.

2. Do Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline

The headline of your press release is the first thing readers will see, so it must immediately capture their attention. An eye-catching headline is critical for getting media outlets and journalists interested in your press release. It should summarize the most important part of your announcement in a few compelling words.

For instance, if you're writing a new company launch press release, the headline could focus on the company’s innovative approach or unique aspect of the business. Be clear, concise, and informative.

3. Do Follow a Structured Format

Every business press release should follow a standard format to ensure that the information is easy to digest. A typical press release follows this structure:

Headline: A clear, compelling headline summarizing the main message.
Subheadline: A supporting line that adds a bit more context to the headline.
Dateline: Includes the city and date of the release.
Introduction: The lead paragraph that answers the key questions – who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Body: The main content, detailing the announcement with supporting facts and quotes.
Boilerplate: A brief paragraph about the company.
Contact Information: The name, phone number, and email of the contact person for follow-ups.

4. Do Highlight Key Information Early

Journalists tend to skim through press releases, so it's essential to place the most important details in the first few sentences. Ensure your introduction answers the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and is written in a way that encourages the reader to continue. For a new business press release, this is especially important, as it tells the reader exactly what the company offers and why it matters.

5. Do Use Quotes from Key Stakeholders

Including quotes from important figures within the company, such as the CEO or founders, adds credibility to the press release. Quotes provide a human element that can make the announcement feel more personal and engaging. They also help journalists understand the significance of the news from the perspective of the people involved in making it happen.

6. Do Include Relevant Details and Statistics

When writing a press release for new business, don’t just provide basic information. Offer relevant details that provide insight into why your announcement matters. Whether it's the number of customers your company has served, the amount of funding raised, or a market trend your product taps into, be sure to provide information that highlights the significance of your news.

Supporting data and statistics add authority and credibility to your press release. For instance, if you are announcing a new company launch press release, include key facts that demonstrate the need or gap in the market your business fills.

7. Do Proofread for Errors

Before sending out your business press release, proofread it carefully. A well-written release should be free of grammar and spelling mistakes. Typos, inconsistencies, or errors can diminish your company’s professionalism and reduce the likelihood of your press release being taken seriously by journalists.

Use tools such as grammar checkers or ask a colleague to review the release before distribution.

The Don’ts of Writing a Business Press Release

While knowing what to do is crucial, understanding the common mistakes to avoid is just as important. Here are the don’ts when writing a business press release.

1. Don’t Use Jargon or Complex Language

The language of your press release should be clear, simple, and accessible. Avoid using industry jargon or technical terms unless they are necessary for understanding the news. Your goal is to communicate your message to a wide audience, including journalists who may not be familiar with your industry. Keep your language straightforward, concise, and free from any unnecessary complexity.

2. Don’t Make It an Advertisement

A press release for business is not an advertisement. While it's meant to inform people about your company, it should never come across as a sales pitch. The content should focus on the news or announcement, not trying to sell a product. Instead of focusing on selling, explain how your new offering or event will benefit the audience and why it’s relevant to them.

Avoid over-the-top promotional language like “the best” or “leading” unless they’re backed up by verifiable facts or statistics. Keep your tone neutral and informative, rather than promotional.

3. Don’t Exaggerate or Overhype

Exaggerating claims in your press release can backfire. If you promise too much or make unsubstantiated claims, your company’s credibility will suffer. A startup press release or company launch press release sample should be factual, focusing on what’s truly newsworthy.

Avoid phrases like "game-changing," "revolutionary," or "groundbreaking" unless you can back them up with substantial evidence. Exaggerations and hype may cause journalists to dismiss your release as unreliable.

4. Don’t Forget the Target Audience

Before writing your press release for new business, consider who your target audience is. Are you aiming to reach customers, investors, or industry professionals? Your language, tone, and message should all be tailored to the audience you're trying to reach. If your goal is to attract media attention, you’ll need to write the release in a way that appeals to journalists and news outlets.

5. Don’t Neglect the Importance of the Boilerplate

The boilerplate at the end of the press release should not be overlooked. This brief paragraph about your company provides the essential information needed to understand who you are and what you do. Always include your company’s background and mission statement, as well as any relevant products or services.

This section is especially important in a new business press release example, as it gives journalists a quick overview of your business.

6. Don’t Send It Without a Call to Action

A call to action (CTA) encourages the reader to take the next step after reading your press release for business. Whether it’s visiting your website, contacting your company for more information, or following you on social media, always include a CTA at the end of your press release.

Without a CTA, your press release lacks direction, and readers may not know how to engage further with your company.

7. Don’t Overload with Multiple Messages

A business press release should focus on one central message. If your press release tries to cover too many announcements, it can confuse the reader. Whether you're announcing a company launch press release sample or a press release for new business opening, keep the message focused on the key announcement. If you have several different news items, consider issuing separate releases for each.

Writing a business press release is a skill that requires careful attention to detail. The dos and don’ts highlighted in this guide will help you craft a professional, clear, and effective press release that grabs the attention of journalists and your target audience. By focusing on clarity, relevance, and factual accuracy, you can ensure that your press release for business stands out in a crowded media landscape.

Whether you're launching a new company press release or announcing a new product, always keep in mind that the ultimate goal of a press release is to inform and engage your audience. When done right, a press release can be an invaluable tool for building brand recognition, increasing visibility, and fostering positive relationships with the media.