I am not going to tell you how to write a press release, but I am going to give you the basic layout of what a press release would generally look like. Section by section.

If you’re looking to write your own press release but you’re not sure exactly how the layout would go, you can use this article as a good resource to help you form what you need your release to look like. The writing is still up to you. If you’re looking to have a press release written, you can read about my press release writing services here.

This is the general format for all press releases. They can be a little different depending on the writer and what the business wants.

Release Instructions. The first thing you’ll see is “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” or “FOR RELEASE BEFORE/AFTER (DATE)” That is what tells the press when you want this release to be printed before or by. Or if it can be printed right away.

The Headline. This will grab the attention of the press or the attention of potential customers. “Bob Builds A New Building” is not going to attract much. “Building Structure Is The Basis Of A Good Building States Bob Of Bob The Builder” might be a better choice.

Short Summary. Here is where you’ll either write 2-3 sentences on the topic behind the press release or you’ll just quote a small section from the press release. This is a teaser to the topic that surrounds the promotion of the business or product being talked about.

The Release Body. In the body you’ll have about 5 paragraphs (around 400 words) talking about the basic topic that relates to your business or product as well as quotes and other information that leads to what you’re looking to promote.

Don’t start with “Bobs business is to build.” Instead start off talking about the importance of building structures and the need for them to be strong. Then you can mention how Bob the builder has seen in his professional life how important it is. Disguise the blatant promotion of the business with a topic that can turn it into news instead.

About Area. This is where you’ll throw in a little about the business. Who founded it, what the business does, etc.

Contact Information. This one is tricky. Some people put this between release instructions and the header, while others put it below the about area. That is up to you.

All the same, this is where you’ll put the name and title of the person to contact, email, phone number, address, and so on. The more contact information the more legit your press release will appear.

Ending The Release. This is simple. Once it’s done put “###” at the bottom. That tells the press that anything written below that is not a part of the release and isn’t to be printed. Pretty simple.

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Anyone who is interested in writing their own release should at least have down how to organize it. If you’re a good writer, the next part shouldn’t be too hard for you. Just write it out and edit it as you feel appropriate. From there you can decide whether it’s a keeper or you need to try again.