Keeping a press release short and simple is the key

Writing A Press Release

A well-written press release can be a game-changer for businesses that want to be featured in the media. Yet, many press releases end up being ignored because they are too long, too complicated, or lack a clear message.

The Editorial team receive hundreds of press releases daily, making it crucial to get straight to the point.

Common Mistakes in Press Releases

Many businesses fall into the trap of overloading their press releases with too many details, industry jargon, and unnecessary background information.

Take one example, an English language centre organised an Essay Writing Competition. Their initial press release was 10 pages long, filled with technical terms, and covered too many unrelated topics.

Instead of highlighting the competition and its impact, their objectives were all over the place.

How to Fix It

Keep It Concise
A good press release should ideally be between 1 to 3 pages long. Focus on 3 (max) of the most important objectives and remove all other fluff.

Stick to Two or Three Key Messages
The media need to understand the story quickly. In the case of the Essay Writing Competition, the focus was shifted to two key points:
1️⃣ The importance of the competition in showcasing young Malaysian writers.
2️⃣ How the language centre was supporting students in improving their writing skills.

Use Clear and Simple Words
Avoid complex sentences and technical jargon. The press release should read naturally and be easy to understand.

Make It Newsworthy
A press release should answer the questions: Why is this important? Why now?

It should provide value to the readers and be relevant to current trends or issues.

The Results of a Well-Written Press Release

By summarising and restructuring the press release, the language centre’s story became clearer and more compelling. Within 48 hours, the final version was ready, giving them ample time to focus on event planning and outreach.

The impact?

More than 10 media outlets picked up the story, increasing awareness and participation in the competition.

Final Takeaway

A great press release isn’t about writing more, it’s about writing right. Clarity, precision, and a strong news angle make all the difference.

When a press release is done properly, it will have a better chance of getting media attention.

Looking to share a story that stands out?

Keep it simple, structured, and focused on what truly matters.