Press Release Template

As the leading press release distribution service for small businesses, we distribute thousands of press releases every year. Some are great, most could use work to make them more effective.

We want you to succeed! That’s why we’re providing this free press release template to give you a press release example and a format you can easily copy as you create your own press releases.

Scroll down below the free press release template to see industry-specific press release samples, formatting tips, and how to write and distribute your own press release.

Sample Press Release Template & Format

This template is part of a larger collection of press release samples.

Downloadable Press Release Templates

Download a free press release template in Microsoft Word format Microsoft Word press release template

And here’s a press release template in Google Docs format.
(no email or signup required).

We realize there are many different types of press releases you can write. So, to make your life easier, here are 9 different basic press release templates you can use, each focusing on a different press release type:

Press Release Template 1: New Product or Service

If you have a new product or service that you’re launching, the first thing you’ll want to do is publish a press release. This could include announcing a new product you’ve created, a new service you’re offering, even a new product or service you are offering through your company that someone else created (like a hospital announcing the acquisition of a new type of scanner they have purchased and are now making available to their patients.) Here’s an example of a press release template announcing a new product:

The following is an example press release template that shows the standard press release format you should follow:

For Immediate Release

XYZ Company Announces the Launch of its New Product, SuperWidget.Today, XYZ Company announced the release of its newest product, SuperWidget.

The announcement comes on the heels of several successful years in the industry and will serve to strengthen their foothold as one of America’s Top 100 Companies.

SuperWidget is a smart home appliance that both adults and children can operate using voice commands. SuperWidget features an easy-to-use interface touchscreen panel and it can connect to the user’s smartphone, allowing them to operate it from anywhere in the world.

“We are thrilled to introduce this new product into our line,” said CEO of XYZ Company, Sarah Smith. “Our customers have been asking for a new and innovative product and we believe SuperWidget fits the bill.”

This is just one of many products in XYZ Company’s wide range of smart home appliances and the company plans to continue pushing the envelope within this market with future releases.

SuperWidget is available in the XYZ Company store for $399.99 with a special launch price of $349.99, which will last for one week only.

For more information about SuperWidget, please visit: www.xyzcompanyproducts.com/superwidget

To arrange an interview with Sarah Smith, CEO of XYZ Company, please contact the company at (123) 456-7890 or email [email protected].

Key points for your new product press release template:

  • Introduce your new product and why it’s innovative
  • Make sure to include relevant information about how it works and how it benefits consumers

We have a detailed guide, including 8 examples, on how to write a new product press release here.

Press Release Template 2: Announcement of an Event

Grand openings, ground-breakings, customer appreciation days, press conferences and events, premiers – companies frequently hold events that should be promoted through an event press release. Here’s an example press release template:

For Immediate Release:

XYZ Company Announces Spring Fly-In to Celebrate the Opening of its New Executive Terminal

XYZ Company today announced the grand opening of its new Executive Terminal at Chicago’s Midway International Airport.

“We are excited to upgrade the experience of flying into Chicago by providing a new, luxurious, state-of-the-art private jet hanger and facilities at Midway Airport, just minutes away from the heart of Chicago’s business and entertainment districts,” said John Batten, XYZ Company CEO.

To celebrate the grand opening of this world-class facility, XYZ Company will be holding a special Spring Fling Fly-in on Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, 20XX.

This activity will feature tours of the facility, champagne picnic lunches, custom bus transportation to downtown Chicago for dinner and a private performance of the Broadway hit musical “xxxxx.” 

This Fly-in is available at no cost, to private jet owners and operators worldwide on a reservation-only basis.

A special media-only event will be held two weeks prior to the Fly-In, on Friday, March 21, from 3:00 – 10:00pm featuring tours, dinner, and entertainment.

For more information and to reserve your tickets, please visit the Fly-in website and RSVP at…

Key points for your event announcement press release template:

  • Provide the key information people need to register for the event
  • Provide a newsworthy reason for the event

Get more information and instructions on how to write a press release for an event here.

Press Release Template 3: Press Release For A Book

Book authors and publishers are constantly seeking new ways to get attention to their books. Press releases are an important tool in that process. Here’s a sample press release template you can use to promote your book:

For Immediate Release

Charles Mixner, Leading Children’s Book Author Releases “I Don’t Feel Right” to Help Children Deal with Fears and Anxiety

Charles Mixner, the bestselling author of children’s book favorites XXX and XXX today announced the release of his new book, “I Don’t Feel Right” a delightful story to help children understand and deal with their fears and anxieties.

“This book was written because 5.8 million children between the ages of 3-17 in the U.S. are diagnosed with anxiety,” said Mixner. “I’m trying to help them (and their parents) realize that fears are normal in childhood, and to recognize and get help if those fears turn into anxiety.”

This book uses scientifically-proven techniques to open discussion between children and their parents, to help them…

Key points for your book press release template:

  • Find the newsworthy aspect of the book and promote that in your press release
  • Use facts and statistics where possible
  • Provide a website URL to obtain the book

Get more information and instructions on how to write a press release for a book here.

Press Release Template 4: New Hire Announcement

Hiring the right person for your company can literally change its future and should be promoted through a press release. Here’s a sample new hire press release template:

For Immediate Release

XYZ Company Hires Shelly Walker, Former Senior VP of Asian Sales for ABC Corp, to Lead its Worldwide Salesforce to Combat Ransomware and Hacking

XYZ Company, the leading supplier of cyber security solutions for enterprise-level companies in the U.S., today announced the hiring of Shelly Walker to lead its worldwide salesforce and spread its world-class anti-ransomware and hacking prevention solutions to companies who have never been able to obtain them before.

As the former VP of Asian Sales for ABC Corp, Walker tripled enterprise sales over a 10-year period and was recently recognized as Sales Manager of the Year by The International Society Of Sales Professionals.

“With the recent rise of ransomware and the rapidly growing incidents of hacking, cyber security has become more important than ever. Though we are the leader in these markets in the U.S., our sales efforts have been weak worldwide,” said Martin Nyberg, XYZ Company CEO.  “We’re thrilled to bring Shelly Walker in to lead the way into combatting these pernicious issues for companies worldwide.”

XYZ Company offers enterprise security solutions under the brand names of…

Key points for your new hire press release template:

  • Find the newsworthy aspect of your new hire. Just because they’re going to grow your business doesn’t mean it’s newsworthy.
  • Include photos of your new hire for publication

Get more information and instructions on how to write a press release for a new hire here.

Press Release Template 5: Press Release For Musicians

Musicians have many reasons to issue a press release: new song/album releases, concert and tour analyses, award announcements, new members joining the band, opening act announcements, etc. Here’s a press release template to help you write a press release for musicians:

For Immediate Release

Upcoming Heavy Metal Band Violent Aardvarks Announces Top 1% Status on Spotify 

Violent Aardvarks today announced it had achieved the honor of being ranked in the top 1% of all artists on Spotify.

“This is a rare achievement, one reached by only XX other heavy metal bands,” said lead singer Marcus Rand. “It’s especially exciting to have achieved this status just 2 years after the release of our first single.”

Violent Aardvarks attributes much of its success to the release of its single “Broken Bodies, Broken Hearts” honoring the civilian victims of the war in Ukraine 8 days after the initial attacks. Since then, this single has become a battle cry for supporters of Ukraine worldwide.

“Broken Bodies, Broken Hearts” was written in fond memory of the mother of our lead drummer, who was trying to help her parents escape Ukraine, and was one of the first victims of the missile attacks on Kiev during the first days of the war,” Rand continued. “She was like a mother to us all. She even dyed her hair, and flew halfway across the world to be in the front row at our first opening act concert for XXXXXX. Purple hair, at 63 – my kind of mom!”…

You can access Violent Aardvarks’ music on Spotify by…

Key points for your musician press release template:

  • If you can find a newsworthy aspect to your story, use it.
  • Provide links to access your music, buy tickets, etc.

You can get more information and instructions on how to write a press release for musicians here.

Press Release Template 6: Achievement Of A Company Milestone

Do your company’s current quarter sales figures glisten brighter than the stars? Is your organization celebrating its 20th anniversary? Have you just opened a new office in Utah? Don’t let these milestones go to waste! Here’s an example press release template:

For Immediate Release

XYZ Company announces a new milestone in its 20-year history.

Today, XYZ Company announced that it had reached an important business milestone: after twenty years of service, the company has surpassed $100 million in annual revenue. The announcement comes on the heels of several successful quarters and will serve to strengthen their foothold as one of America’s Top 100 Companies.

“It’s been a long road, but we’re thrilled to have reached this milestone,” said CEO of XYZ Company, Sarah Smith. “Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our customers and dedicated employees.”

This is just one of many products in XYZ Company’s wide range of office equipment and the company plans to continue pushing the envelope within this market with future releases.

Key points for your company milestone press release template:

  • Introduce your milestone and why it’s significant for your business
  • Include relevant information about how you’ve reached this point and how it will impact your success moving forward
  • If this new milestone makes you the biggest, best, or puts you among the best in your industry or industry subsegment, be sure to point that out

Press Release Template 7: Company Profile

You’re not just a cog in the wheel of capitalism – you’ve got your own story to tell! Here’s an example template for a press release:

For Immediate Release

Views, News, Tips & More on XYZCompany.com!

It is with great excitement that today XYZ Company announces the launch of their new site for media professionals!  The site features an easy-to-use interface with exclusive breaking news, views & insights into XYZ Company.

“We created this site because we know how important it is for members of the media to stay engaged with their audiences,” said Sarah Smith, CEO of XYZ Company. “Now journalists can go to one central location for round-the-clock updates on our company and the latest news from the tech industry.”

Key points for your company profile press release template:

  • Find an angle to make your story newsworthy
  • Introduce your company and what makes you unique
  • Provide a general overview of your products or services

Press Release Template 8: Tips & Tricks

Everyone knows that social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your target audience, so why not use it to share tips? Here’s an example of a Tips & Tricks press release template:

For Immediate Release

Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Property Looking Great in Drought Conditions!

XYZ Company, the leading tree and shrubbery chain in the southwestern United States, today announced its tips and tricks to keep your property looking great despite water restrictions amidst multi-year drought conditions.

“We created these tips because people are making hard decisions right now on how best to keep their property attractive and comfortable while respecting the environmental conditions we are currently facing,” said Sarah Smith, CEO of XYZ Company. “We support governmental restrictions to preserve water supplies, so have developed tips and tricks homeowners can use to have their property look amazing with minimal water requirements.”

These tips and tricks include:

  • First tip…

Key points for your tips and tricks press release template:

  • Introduce your topic; provide relevant information in a helpful format
  • List your contact info and website where readers can learn more
  • End with a call-to-action (CTA) for media

Press Release Template 9: How To’s

This is just like a Tips & Tricks press release, but with more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions that can help customers or clients learn how to do something.  Here’s an example template:

For Immediate Release

How to Reach Your Sales Goals!

It is with great excitement that today XYZ Company announces the launch of their new site for media professionals!  The site features an easy-to-use interface with exclusive breaking news, views & insights into XYZ Company.

“We created this site because we know how important it is for members of the media to stay engaged with their audiences,” said Sarah Smith, CEO of XYZ Company. “Now journalists can go to one central location for round-the-clock updates on our company and the latest news from the tech industry.”

Key points for your how-to press release template:

  • Introduce your topic
  • Provide relevant information in a helpful format
  • List your contact info and website where readers can learn more
  • End with a call-to-action (CTA) for media, such as an invitation to interview the company spokesperson

Press Release Example: Use This Format

The following is a more complete example press release template that shows the standard press release format you should follow:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release Headline Here in Title Casemore info at Headline Primer
Optional press release subhead is placed here, usually written in sentence format.

Press Release Dateline: CITY, State, Month Day, Year (eReleases) –The opening sentence is the most important element in this press release template in which you should succinctly summarize what is being announced. The opening paragraph should clearly get the reader’s attention through a strong hook while providing the most important facts. As a best practice, write your press release first then come back and develop the opening paragraph as a summary of the news release. Then compare this new opening paragraph with your initial first paragraph, combining elements to form a strong anchor. You need to inform the reader what he or she will ultimately learn by reading the rest of the media release.

A press release should consist of four to eight paragraphs where you provide all the relevant facts and information a journalist or reporter should use to write a story. The most important information should be listed first, with the least important information appearing in the final paragraph (also known as the Inverted Pyramid). Each paragraph should consist of three to six sentences written in the third person. You should maintain an unbiased tone and avoid hype. The average press release consists of 500 words or less. Another very important key to writing a successful press release is to not be too sales-y, presenting in an objective-sounding tone and style.

“A great press release should include a strong quote from a company executive or industry expert,” says eReleases President Mickie Kennedy. “An important thing to know about quotes is that the media generally won’t use them unless they are evocative, fresh or state something in a way that would be very difficult to paraphrase. To ensure your quote finds a home in a story based on your announcement, avoid cliches or generalizations.” More info at “You Can Quote Me On That!”

Be sure to spell check your news release and fact check the statements and/or statistics in your press release. You should check your grammar as well. A tip: read your media release aloud to ensure there aren’t any obvious errors. Lastly, it’s a good idea to have a trusted friend and/or colleague read your press release. Ideally, have both types of people read your release as sometimes co-workers or people in your industry might not notice knowledge gaps as they know the company or industry very well.

A press release can be used to announce a new or updated product or service. Other news release topics can include a partnership with a company or organization, as well as being issued an industry award. For additional press release topics, visit: https://www.ereleases.com/prfuel/press-release-topic-ideas/. As you just saw, you may include a url in your media release. If you have a website, be sure to use it and link directly to any fact sheets, product descriptions, or overviews that might be useful for more information.

What to do with your press release? At the very least, you should post it to your website, ideally a section dedicated to news or announcements about your company, which is also a great place to post articles and links to media coverage. You can also send it to customers, suppliers, journalists at trade publications you may know, and others who may be interested in what you have to say. You will get the biggest bang for your buck if you send your media release over a newswire, like PR Newswire, which eReleases includes with all of its distributions. You can learn more about our service and take advantage of a new customer discount here: https://www.ereleases.com/pr-submission/.

Optional Press Release Boilerplate: About eReleases

A boilerplate is a short paragraph that explains the identity of a company and what it does. While a boilerplate is optional, it doesn’t hurt to have one to help identify your business and to quickly summarize what you do and the industry you serve. Think of it as a thumbnail sketch of your company that provides a little background information to the press. Once you’ve written a boilerplate, you can use it in all of your press releases, serving as a staple for your very own press release template.

Contact:

Name of Media Contact

Title of Media Contact

Company Name

Contact Phone Number

Contact E-mail

Website URL

# # #

 

Press Release Format

  • For printed press releases, use 8 1/2-inch x 11-inch paper.
  • Press release font size: use a readable 12-point font, like Times New Roman or Arial
  • Use a minimum of one-inch margins on each side of the page.
  • Use a bold typeface for the headlines to draw attention.
  • Use title case. Capitalize the first letter of all words in the headline (with the exception of: “a,” “an,” “the,” or prepositions such as: “of,” “to,” or “from”). The combination of upper and lower case makes it easier to read.
  • Complete the paragraph on one page instead of carrying it over onto the next page.
  • Use only one side of each sheet of paper.
  • Use the word “more” between two dashes and center it at the bottom of the page to let reporters know that another page follows: – more –
  • End your press release with either three hash symbols (# # #) or -30- typed across the center of the page a couple lines below the end of your text.
  • Include a city and state of origin in the dateline of the press release. Nothing screams amateur more than a press release that simply reads USA or nothing at all.

Press Release Examples Across Several Industries

advertising marketing iconAdvertising & Marketing Press Release Example

automobile iconAutomotive Press Release Example

bank iconBanking & Financial Services Press Release Example

books iconBooks Press Release Example

business iconBusiness Press Release Example

electronics iconConsumer Electronics Press Release Example

education iconEducation Press Release Example

environment iconEnvironment & Ecology Press Release Example

fashion iconFashion Press Release Example

fitness iconFitness Press Release Example

food iconFood & Beverage Press Release Example

Healthcare Press Release Examplehealthcare icon

internet iconInternet Technology Press Release Example

investment iconInvestments Press Release Example

personal finance iconPersonal Finance Press Release Example

pets iconPets Press Release Example

real estate iconReal Estate Press Release Example

retailing iconRetailing Press Release Example

seniors iconSeniors Press Release Example

software iconSoftware Press Release Example

transportation iconTransportation & Trucking Press Release Example

travel iconTravel Press Release Example

And, just because I know you’ll appreciate them, here are another 15+ great press release examples for situations you may encounter.

Additional Press Release Examples

Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release:

Additional Press Release Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download a free press release template?

You can download a free press release template in Word format here.
And a free press release template for Google Docs here.

How do I write a great press release that will get me media coverage?

You can find instructions on how to write a press release here.
And 35+ press release examples here.

What are the main elements that should be included in every press release?

There are 10 key elements that should be included in every press release:

  1. A release date, showing when this information can be released to the public (it can be “For Immediate Release”)
  2. A headline
  3. A dateline, showing where and when the story was sourced
  4. An introductory paragraph containing a hook to attract the interest of the reporter and then summarizing the content of the press release
  5. A body consisting of 4-5 paragraphs containing the essence of the story
  6. A quotation with the source (oftentimes an officer in the company), succinctly stating a key element of the story
  7. A boilerplate section providing core information about the company, what it does, and for whom
  8. Call to action – how the customer can engage with you
  9. Media contact information – the contact information for the person the reporter should contact for more information about the story
  10. An indication that the release is finished, usually shown as 3 hashtags centered at the bottom of the release (# # #)