Here is an example of how to properly format a press release.  This is a standard format for press release submission.  If you don’t follow the proper format, you will have a very hard time getting people to take your press release seriously.

The Headline is in the Title.  You Capitalize Every Word Except for Prepositions.  Ideally, it is Not More than 170 Characters and You Do Not Need a Period at the End.

City, State, Month 1, 2008 — The first paragraph is your lead.  It should be strong and contain the most information.  You must be able to grad the reader’s attention and the lead should be able to stand on its own.  Keep the lead paragraph to 3 or four concise sentences.

The rest of the press release provides further details that support the lead.  It is important to cover who, what, when, where, and why in the first couple of paragraphs.  In the same manner as your lead paragraph, your supporting paragraphs should each be kept to three or four concise sentences.

“A quote from someone involved or knowledgeable is important to give your press release a human factor,” said Bob Smith, Director of Marketing for WebAdhelper.com. “It let’s people hear directly from someone familiar with whatever is being talked about.” Read a couple of press releases from other companies.  You will almost always find a quote.

The last paragraph should include a brief summary and or details about availability, shipping, time lines, etc.  Sometimes trademark acknowledgements are put into the summary.

About Company:

Include a short company background or a background of the person quoted if their participation is newsworthy.  If the person is a member of the company generally you should stick to company info.  If the person is not, and is well known, it is proper for them to have their own about description.  You can have more than one about description if it is relevant.  If your press release involves another company, a separate about should be written about them.

Contact:

Bob Smith, director of marketing
WebAdHelper.com
555-555-5555
http//www.webadhelper.com

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