Should I send press release in Word or PDF?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 20, 2026
The PDF is the king of “static”
What format do you send a press release in?
The good news is that an AP style press release is the most common formatting, so if you've used a standard press release template, chances are your press is already in AP style.
How should press releases be sent?
Email is the most effective way to send your press release quickly. However, there's another obstacle you'll need to overcome here: Journalists can receive up to hundreds of pitches a day.
Should a press release be in the body of an email?
The most effective way to do this is to write a brief “covering letter” press release email. You can then copy and paste the press release to the bottom of the email. This is preferable to adding it as an attachment or link, as people can be wary when it comes to opening files from an unknown email.
What writing style should you use in a press release?
Stay concise
Formatting matters. Use short paragraphs (no more than four lines for one sentence) and line breaks between paragraphs to make your release easier for the reader to digest quickly. Remember to write like Hemingway.
37 related questions foundShould a press release be a PDF?
The PDF is the king of “static”
Most companies that have a news- or pressroom on their website make their press releases available to journalists. In fact, it is best practice to do so. However, when a newsroom contains releases in only PDF, the PR department will lose on conversion, engagement, and measurement.
Should press releases be justified?
Letter case is the form in which most other titles, like books, are written, capitalizing only the first letter of important words. Write the body of the press release. The body should be left-justified and single spaced.
Should you send a press release as an attachment?
Never Send a Press Release as an Attachment
So forget the attachments. Instead, simply copy your text and paste it into the body of your email message. It's also best to stick with "plain text" and stay away from special text formatting in your message.
Who should I send a press release to?
In the media, individual journalists have their own specializations (referred to as a “beat”). Instead of sending your press release to the general email address of a news outlet, it is best to address it to the person most interested in whatever subject you're writing about.
Are press releases still relevant 2022?
Yes, With The Right Strategies. Expertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Can you send your own press release?
Press releases are an effective way to generate free media coverage for your business. The best way to write a press release is to have a professional write one for you. However, it's possible to write your own press release.
How often should you release a press release?
Ideally, you want to produce a press release every other month. When it comes to backlinks, one important thing to remember is that Google prefers quality over quantity. Therefore, make sure your press release wire distribution service provider will be submitting your content to trusted websites.
When should a press release be used?
May 5, 2020
- Opening a new business.
- Relocating or opening a new office.
- Announcing company expansion.
- Launching a new product.
- Announcing a product update or new product feature.
- Rebranding or updating your company name.
- Announcing contest or competition.
- Announcing contest results.
How do you write a 2021 press release?
With that, here are the steps to writing an effective press release:
- Step #1: Do Something Newsworthy.
- Step #2: Develop Your Hook.
- Step #3: Write Your Press Release Headline.
- Step #4: Write Your Press Release Lead.
- Step #5: Write Your Body Copy.
- Step #6: Add Final Touches.
- Step #7: Distribute Your Press Release.
What is press release PDF?
A press release template is an official news announcement sent to journalists, often used to generate publicity. Whether you're ready to announce product launches, events, or new hires, we offer a variety of premade Press Release PDF Templates that are perfect for your company.
How do you embargo a press release?
Put the press release date below the “immediate release” or “under embargo until” statement. Always include contact information for the journalist's reference, preferably at the top right corner.
What should I include in a press release email?
Start with a catchy subject line.
- Start with a catchy subject line. ...
- Then add a short introduction that personalizes the message and says something like, “I hope you can use this; let me know if you have questions.”
- Copy and paste your press release into the e-mail message form.
- Add your signature.
- Check everything over.
Do you send a press release to the editor or reporter?
Picking the right person to pitch your press releases is critical to getting your product, service or event covered. Traditionally, press releases are sent to assignment editors, senior journalists and beat reporters.
How do I publish a press release for free?
Here are the best free press release distribution services:
- PRLog: Best free press room for business press releases.
- OnlinePRNews.com: Best for free, short-term release publishing.
- 1888PressRelease.com: Best for free search engine distribution.
- PR.com: Best for free industry targeting for a published release.
Do you send photos with a press release?
Prepare additional images to provide to journalists
Once you've sent a journalist your press release and they are interested in your story they may ask for further imagery, so it is important that you have this to hand and quickly send it to them.
How long should a press release be?
Be concise
The ideal length of a press release is about an A4 side or about 300 to 400 words (the length of a short news item). That's just three or four short paragraphs and a couple of of quotes.
Where does ### go in a press release?
Three number signs/pound symbols (###), centered directly above the boilerplate or underneath the body copy in a press release, indicating to media that there is no further copy to come. The reporter or editor will know they have the full document in hand.
What is the difference between press note and press release?
A press note is neither a news story, nor a press release, nor a handout which leave the, sub-editor at liberty to publish it or the otherwise. It is an account of government view point issued on important and urgent occasions.
Why press release is important?
The purpose of a press release is to get attention, make news and generate publicity. Most importantly, press releases are an effective way to create interest around any corporate news in a factual and efficient way.
Is it bad to send a press release on Friday?
You might be thinking Friday is when to send a press release as a good ending to the workweek. This isn't a good idea, though, since emails received on Friday—especially in the afternoon—are rarely opened (there's only a 15% open rate). Anything that's not of crucial importance is left on hold until Monday.