(article)

A press release is more than just a message. It is your way of speaking to journalists. And how clearly you do it often decides whether your story will reach the public.

A good press release is short, clear, and focused. There is no need for long introductions or emotional descriptions. Your goal is to give journalists exactly what they need to turn it into news with minimum effort.

The best press releases are the ones where a journalist can copy a paragraph and use it almost as is. Reporters work fast. If they don’t need to rewrite your message, you’ve already helped them — and helped yourself.

Start with a strong headline. It should answer the main questions: what happened, when, where, and who is behind it. The first paragraph is the most important. This is where you explain the key message in one or two sentences. Keep it factual and relevant.

After that, you can add a short quote from an organizer or speaker, a few helpful details, or a brief background about your organization or project. At the end, don’t forget to include contact information. It helps to give the name of a real person who can respond quickly.

Think of a press release as a ready-to-use building block. The easier it is to read and understand, the more likely it will become part of the story. When your words save time for others, you increase the chances of being published.