Let’s face it—press releases don’t exactly scream “fun writing assignment.” They have a reputation for being dry, overly formal, and well, kind of boring. But here’s the truth: a well-crafted press release can be one of the most powerful tools in your marketing and communication arsenal. It's your golden ticket to gaining media attention, getting your story in front of the right people, and boosting your brand’s credibility.

So, how do you turn a dull corporate announcement into something that actually makes editors sit up and say, “We need to cover this”? That’s where the art comes in. And no, it’s not just about stringing words together. It’s about strategy, storytelling, and a pinch of flair—something we’ve picked up on big time at Make Me Noteable.

Let’s break down the craft of writing press releases that don’t get deleted five seconds after landing in an inbox.

First, Know What You’re Announcing (and Why Anyone Should Care)

This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many press releases hit the wires with a “meh” announcement. New product? Cool. Hosting an event? Awesome. Hired a new intern? Maybe hold off on that one.

The key is to find the angle—the hook that makes your news interesting to someone else. Ask yourself:

• Why would a journalist care about this?
• What makes it timely or unique?
• How does it connect to a larger trend or issue?

If you can’t answer these questions confidently, it might not be press release-worthy—or you need to rethink how you're framing it.

Grab Attention with a Killer Headline

Journalists get hundreds of emails a day. Your headline is your first (and maybe only) shot at grabbing their attention. Think of it like a tweet—short, punchy, and packed with info.

Skip the jargon. Go for clarity and impact. For example:

• “Local Startup Secures $5M in Funding to Revolutionize Online Learning”

Versus

• “X Corp Announces Investment Round”

See the difference?

Your headline should tell the story in a nutshell and make the reader want more. At Make Me Noteable, we've learned that if your headline doesn't pop, nothing else really matters.

Lead with the Juice (Not the Fluff)

The opening paragraph of your press release is prime real estate. Don’t waste it. This is where you give the who, what, when, where, and why—without sounding like a robot.

You want to answer the reader's unspoken question: "Why should I care?"

Let’s say your company just launched a new sustainability initiative. Instead of writing:

“XYZ Corp is pleased to announce a new environmental program…”

Try:

“In a move to reduce plastic waste by 80% in the next two years, XYZ Corp has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at transforming its entire supply chain.”

Boom. Now we’re interested.

Make It Easy to Read (Journalists Don’t Have Time)

Remember, you're not writing a novel. Use short paragraphs. Stick to active voice. Keep your sentences tight.

Bullet points? Use them if they help highlight key info. Quotes? Make sure they sound like something a real human would say, not a robot exec spouting marketing-speak. A quote like:

“We are thrilled to embark on this innovative journey…”

Might be better as:

“This isn’t just a project for us—it’s a way to challenge how the industry thinks about sustainability,” said Jane Doe, CEO of XYZ Corp.

Be human. Be real. It makes all the difference.

Include the Right Details (But Not Too Many)

Okay, so you’ve nailed your headline and opener. Now you can dig into the details. But remember: no one wants to read a novel-length company history.

Stick to the essentials:

• The background context
• Why the news matters
• Who’s involved
• What’s coming next
• How people can learn more

Include your company’s boilerplate (the short “about us” paragraph at the bottom), and don’t forget your contact info—journalists need to know who to reach out to for follow-ups.

Oh, and links. Use them sparingly, but wisely. Think: a product page, a launch video, or a contact form. Not your entire sitemap.

Add a Little Storytelling Magic

Yes, even a press release can have a touch of narrative. People connect with stories, not data dumps. So instead of rattling off numbers, share a quick anecdote. Instead of just stating facts, give them context.

Are you launching a new product? Talk about the pain point that inspired it. Hosting a community event? Highlight a story from someone who’ll be impacted. It doesn't have to be dramatic—just authentic.

At Make Me Noteable, we often say: “Don’t just deliver the news—deliver the why behind the news.” It’s a small mindset shift that can turn a ho-hum press release into something genuinely memorable.

The Finishing Touches: Proof, Polish, and Timing

Before you hit “send,” run a final check:

• Spelling and grammar? Flawless.
• All names, titles, and dates accurate? Double check.
• Tone consistent and clear? You got it.
• Sent to the right outlets and contacts? Triple check.

And don’t forget timing. Sending out a press release on a Friday afternoon? Probably not the best idea. Catch the media when they're most active—usually mid-morning, midweek.

Bringing It All Together

Press releases may not be the sexiest part of your marketing plan, but they are one of the most powerful when done right. They’re your megaphone to the media, your chance to steer the narrative, and your opportunity to position yourself as a leader in your field.

Mastering the art of press release writing isn’t just about following a template—it’s about understanding the dance between storytelling, clarity, and strategy.

And while you absolutely can do it yourself, having a seasoned team in your corner doesn’t hurt.

So, Who’s Behind the Curtain?

We’ve been around the press release block more than a few times at Make Me Noteable. Our team’s made it our mission to help brands—big and small—share their stories with the world in ways that actually stick.

Whether it's finding that perfect headline, digging into your brand voice, or figuring out how to pitch your announcement like a pro, we live and breathe this stuff. We know what makes journalists pay attention and what makes your audience lean in.

So next time you’ve got something newsworthy to share, just remember: your press release is more than just an announcement—it’s your story, your spotlight, your moment. Make it count.