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Your press release headline can make or break whether your press release achieves your marketing goals. After all, it’s the first step when trying to grab the media’s attention.
That’s why it’s important that your press release headline is not only accurate but also eye-catching.
You need a headline that's provocative enough to convince journalists that your story is worth sharing with their audience. However, creating the perfect headline is a difficult skill to master.
It can't be too short, because it needs to have relevant information, nor too Albania WhatsApp Number List long or you'll lose your reader's attention – the sweet spot for a headline is around 10 words or less.
In this post, we’ll break down the methodology for constructing a winning headline, along with 5 of our best press release examples.
The Importance of a Press Release Title
Drafting a press release is an integral part of your marketing strategy, but it's not easy.
When you’re creating your press release headline, the first question to consider is: “What is my press release trying to achieve?”
Whether it’s a new product launch, an award you’ve won, a company event or another successful endeavor, press releases will help you tell the story the way you want.
When it comes to reaching a wider audience, your press release title is your best tool. An eye-catching title not only draws your readers in, but it also dictates how readers should interpret and interact with your article.
Play your cards right and the headline will help you influence how your PR is interpreted, reported and shared by journalists, the media, social media, your clients and prospects.
Check out the difference between public relations and marketing here .
Elements of a Successful Press Release Headline
Examples of eye-catching press release headlines
Writing a good news headline is both a science and an art; there are a set of accepted formatting guidelines and vocabulary that you must adhere to, but you have creative freedom when it comes to the actual words and style.
It may seem a little intimidating, but once you’ve mastered the hard and fast rules of press release headlines, you can get to the fun part: creating exciting stories.
Here are some elements that can help you write a successful press release headline, whether it’s your first or your 100th:
Keep it short, sweet, and direct: You don’t want to lose your readers midway through. If possible, keep your headline to 10 words or less.
Avoid exaggeration: Exaggeration can be a big turnoff for journalists. Stick to the facts and don’t over-hype the story – the news itself should be worthy of media coverage.
Focus on new or innovative angles Journalists should reflect how your headline delivers exciting news, so take advantage of this and write your press release the way you want it to be written.
Use numbers when possible: Statistics work. If you have numbers, always put them in the headline. Readers and journalists (especially) are more motivated to read a news release when the headline contains quantifiable news.
Avoid cliché phrases or language: It might be tempting to put a humorous spin on your title, but if that means using puns or “dad jokes” – avoid them at all costs. You want your audience to be engaged by the title, not roll their eyes at it.
Don’t forget the main message: A press release has a purpose, so don’t forget it! Identify the core of your story and make sure the headline conveys this succinctly.
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5 of Our Favorite Press Release Headline Examples (and Why They Work)
Now that we’ve discussed the different elements of constructing the perfect press release headline, here are 5 successful headline examples to inspire your future press releases:
1. NASA
Press Release Headline Example NASA
News Release Title: "Virginia middle school student gets honor of naming NASA's next Mars rover"
Why it works: This headline sums up the entire story in one sentence. Viewers instantly understand what’s going on and why this content is being shared, without even having to read the rest of the press release for details.
Not only that, highlighting the winning student (rather than NASA's brand) at the beginning of the headline creates a feel-good narrative that will inspire journalists to seize the story. It replaces NASA patting itself on the back as a community article about a young student winning a rare award. It also gives a first look at NASA's next Mars rover.
Once drawn in, reporters will continue reading to discover more about the history of the Mars rover and any other details NASA wants to share.
Read the full press release here .
2. Heinz
Press Release Headline Example Heinz
Press release title: "Heinz is looking for its first-ever 'head burger artist'"
Why it works: What started as a mundane announcement for a ketchup design contest quickly turned into an active search for the one-of-a-kind "Top Burger Artist" crown.
Heinz made their design competition an open task to find a winner – which was a difficult task for them. Color My Impression!
This headline announces a new event for the company and immediately calls to action, which can inspire readers and journalists to share the press release. It is newsworthy and interesting.
Read the full press release here .
3.ModCloth
Newsletter Headline Example ModClothPress Release Title: “ModCloth Parts Ways with Black Friday”
Why it works: This ModCloth headline, posted on PR Newswire, strikes the perfect balance between comedy and news. Unlike other brands, ModCloth uses this term to announce that it will not be participating in Black Friday.
This tongue-in-cheek use of words turns what might be disappointing news for shoppers (after all, it means no crazy deals or sales) into an act of empowerment for ModCloth employees and buyers. Very smart.
In less than six words, readers are drawn in by interesting language, understand what the story is about, and actively engage with the brand — just through the headline.
Read the full press release here .
4. American Girl
Press Release Headline Example American GirlPress Release Title: "American Girl's Newest Trailblazer Hits the Slopes - 2022 Girl of the Year Corinne Tan"
Why this works: American Girl is a brand marketed to kids, so it's totally understandable that they would share a new doll with exciting words and voice like "the newest," "trailblazer," and "slipping down the slope."
Similarly, this headline makes clear that the active voice should always be used in news release headlines. Regardless of when the event happened or will happen, the headline needs to use the present tense. The American Girl team used this headline rule to paint a vivid picture of the new doll—she literally "walks up the ramp."
The goal of every American Girl doll is to inspire kids, so it makes perfect sense that the title of their press release should match this ambitious mission.
Read the full press release here .
5. World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Press Release Headline Examples WMOPress release title: “WMO recognizes new Arctic temperature record of 38°C”
Why it works: This WMO press release example shows that an effective headline can also be straightforward. Since the subject is serious (the impact of climate change on Arctic temperatures), the headline should also be factual.
The fact that the World Meteorological Organization acknowledged this as a “new” and “record” temperature is, quite literally, a sign of concern for the Arctic. It immediately became clear to a reporter or reader that this was an extreme climate that scientists had never seen before and that needed to be shared with the scientific community.
Read the full press release here .
Crafting a News Release Headline: 11 Things to Remember
When you’re writing your press release headlines, remember that you’re competing for attention. Thousands of press releases are published every day, and you don’t want yours to be lost in the crowd.
Things to do:
Master the structure: There is a recognized format and template standard for press releases that needs to be followed. Try to keep the title to no more than 10 words, which can be more impactful.
Use present tense: No matter when the news, event or product launch is, the headline must always be in present tense. This will bring your headline up to industry standards.
Incorporate Data: If possible, any relevant numbers or data should be included in your headline. Journalists are more likely to consider your headline newsworthy if you have quantitative data in your headline that they can share with their readers.
Personalize your headline: Based on your industry or company's brand guidelines, your headline should match your tone of voice. If the company is fun, use bright and exciting language. If the news is serious or complex, stick to the facts.
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