How Long Should A Press Release Be

Okay, so you're staring at a blinking cursor, right? Press release time. But this question looms large: How long should this thing actually be? I feel you. It's like asking how long a piece of string should be. (Answers on a postcard, please!)

The short answer? Shorter than you probably think. But hey, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Grab your metaphorical coffee (mine's a latte, thanks for asking!).

The Golden Rule (and why it’s kinda flexible)

There's this "golden rule" floating around: one page. That's about 400-500 words. But let's be honest, rules are made to be, well, *slightly* bent. (I mean, have you seen my sock drawer?).

Think of it this way: journalists are busy bees. They're swamped with emails, chasing deadlines, and probably fuelled by caffeine and pure adrenaline. They don't have time to wade through a novel. So, get to the point! Like, yesterday!

But BUT... sometimes the story needs a little more meat on its bones, right? Let’s explore!

When can you (maybe, possibly) go a little longer?

Alright, let’s say you're announcing something *truly* groundbreaking. Like, cured-world-hunger groundbreaking. Or invented-a-self-folding-laundry groundbreaking. (If so, call me! I'll write your press release for free!).

In those cases, maybe, just maybe, you can stretch it a bit. But, and this is a BIG but, every single word needs to earn its place on that page.

Think about it. Is that extra paragraph actually adding value? Is it providing crucial context? Or are you just rambling on about how amazing your company is (we know, you’re great, but show, don’t tell!). If it's the latter, hit that delete button faster than you can say "synergy".

The Anatomy of a Concise Press Release

So, how do you cram all that amazingness into a tight little package? Let's break it down, piece by piece.

1. The Headline: This is your first, and possibly only, chance to grab their attention. Make it punchy! Make it intriguing! Make it so good they *have* to read on! (Think clickbait, but without the soul-crushing disappointment afterwards).

2. The Dateline: City, State – Date. Simple. Gets you started. Lets them know the news is actually news.

3. The Lead Paragraph: Boom! Hit them with the most important information right away. Who, what, where, when, why, and how. Get it all in there! Pretend you only have one shot, one opportunity... (Lose Yourself reference totally intended).

4. The Body: Expand on the lead. Provide some details. Quote key people. (But keep those quotes short and sweet, please! Nobody wants to read a monologue). This is where you sell the *story*. Show, don't tell, remember? And sprinkle in some keywords for SEO love!

5. Boilerplate: A brief description of your company. Keep it consistent across all your releases. Think of it as your company's elevator pitch. (But, you know, written down).

6. Contact Information: How can journalists reach you? Include a name, title, email address, and phone number. Make it easy for them! (Don't make them hunt for it on your website. They won't). Double check this is correct. You'd be surprised...

Killer Tips for Keeping it Concise (and Awesome)

Okay, so we know what to include. Now, let's talk about how to keep it short and sweet.

* Cut the Fluff: Seriously. Every word needs to justify its existence. Ditch the jargon, the clichés, and the unnecessary adjectives. (Nobody cares that your product is "revolutionary" unless you can prove it).

* Use Active Voice: "The company announced..." is much stronger than "It was announced by the company..." See the difference? (Active voice is your friend. Trust me).

* Short Sentences, Short Paragraphs: This isn't War and Peace. Break up those long, rambling sentences into smaller, digestible chunks. (Your readers will thank you).

* Use Bullet Points: Got a list of features or benefits? Use bullet points! They're visually appealing and easy to scan. (Plus, they save space!).

* Get a Second Opinion: Have someone else read your press release before you send it out. A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you missed. (Like typos. Or sentences that make absolutely no sense).

* Think Like a Journalist: What would *they* want to know? What's the most newsworthy aspect of your announcement? Focus on that! (Put yourself in their shoes. What would make *you* write about this?).

Don’t Be Afraid to Link!

One of the best ways to keep your press release concise is to link to additional information. Got a detailed product spec sheet? Link to it! Got a video demo? Link to it! Got a white paper with all the juicy details? You guessed it: link to it!

This allows you to provide journalists with access to more information without clogging up your press release. It’s a win-win!

What About SEO? (Should I Stuff It With Keywords?)

Okay, SEO is important, but don't go overboard. Stuffing your press release with keywords will only make it sound unnatural and spammy. (And nobody likes spam). Google hates it too!

Instead, focus on using keywords naturally within the context of your story. Use them in your headline, your lead paragraph, and throughout the body of your press release. But don't force it. (Let the keywords flow organically. Like a beautiful, keyword-rich river).

The Headline: Worth Repeating (Because It’s THAT Important)

Seriously, your headline is the most crucial part of your press release. It's the first (and sometimes only) thing journalists will see. It needs to be attention-grabbing, informative, and concise. Aim for around 6-10 words. (Think short, sweet, and to the point).

Here are a few tips for writing killer headlines:

* Use Strong Verbs: "Announces," "Launches," "Unveils," "Acquires." These verbs are action-oriented and create a sense of urgency.

* Include Keywords: But do it naturally! Don't force it.

* Highlight the Newsworthiness: What's the most important thing about your announcement? Make sure it's front and center.

* Keep it Concise: Less is more. Remember?

The Takeaway: Be Respectful of Their Time

Ultimately, the length of your press release should be determined by the complexity of your story. But always err on the side of brevity. Respect journalists' time. They'll appreciate it. (And they'll be more likely to read your release!).

Think of it this way: you're writing a pitch, not a dissertation. Get to the point, provide the key information, and make it easy for journalists to write about your story.

Final Thoughts (and a little pep talk)

Writing a concise and effective press release can be challenging, but it's definitely achievable. Just remember to focus on the most important information, cut the fluff, and respect your audience's time. And don't be afraid to experiment! (What's the worst that could happen? They don't read it? At least you tried!).

Now go forth and write some amazing press releases! I believe in you! (And if you need help, you know where to find me. I'll be here, drinking my latte and dispensing writing advice).

So, to finally answer the original question: Aim for one page, 400-500 words, but be flexible. Make every word count, and always prioritize clarity and conciseness. You got this!