Why Press Release Length Matters?
A press release must be impactful and concise, respecting the reader’s time. As the first segment of the audience for a PR is journalists, a well-structured copy allows them to quickly grasp your message. On a good day, journalists scroll through hundreds of pitches daily. A long, wordy release would not cut through the noise. Instead, a short and sharp one can easily capture interest.
Now, let’s find out the ideal length of a PR and the sections involved in it.
How Long Is a Press Release? Understanding Ideal Word Counts
300-500 words is the sweet spot for a press release length. It allows the reader to finish reading it in just a few minutes. However, some PR agencies suggest up to 600 words if the message to be conveyed is complex and needs a bit more space to communicate with clarity and engagement.
So, just ask yourself how much space you would need to communicate your core points.
Ideal Length of the Press Release Title
The first thing people notice is your title. Make it short, a bit descriptive, and attention-grabbing. So, aim for just 6-10 words (about 50 characters) to communicate your message. For example, a title like “Starvara Digital Launches Innovative PR Platform for Brands” is specific, engaging, and keyword friendly.
Point to note:
Your PR title would have to travel across lots of media channels such as email subject lines, social media OG titles, etc. Hence, ensure it’s captivating even in a truncated format. The compelling hook invites journalists to read on which increases your chances of getting noticed.
How Long Should the Sub headline Be?
The subheadline acts as a connector between the body and the main headline. It takes the reader a bit deeper into the message. It’s ideal to have around 10-20 words.
For example, if your headline reads, “Starvara Digital Launches New PR Platform,” the subheadline could be, “Transforming the way how brands share news and maximize audience reach.”
That’s how you communicate with clarity without overwhelming your reader.
The Perfect Length for a Press Release Dateline
The dateline might seem like a small detail, but its length and format make a difference. Prefer a short line that includes the following:
- city,
- date,
- the organization’s name.
Example:
“Chennai, TN, November 8, 2024 – Starvara Digital is excited to announce…”
It sets the scene for the reader quickly and professionally. Too much information in the intro section might potentially confuse the reader. Remember, less is more.
Introduction Section: Optimal Word Count and Key Information
Now this is where you grab the attention of your reader. 1-2 paragraphs of about 50-70 words would suffice.
To ensure your PR clearly communicates your message, check if your content answers the following:
- “Who,”
- “What,”
- “When,”
- “Where,”
- and “Why” of the press release.
Point to note:
Every time you write a PR, assume the reader has only seconds to spare. That would make you keep it focused and to the point.
How Long Should the Body of a Press Release Be?
The body is where you go deeper. Don’t lose the reader by going too far.
This section usually spans 200-300 words and includes background information, supporting data, and key insights. Think of this part as the “meat” of the press release. Make it as informative as possible by highlighting all the key information but always stay cautious of not making your reader suffocate with too much unimportant content.
One good method to keep their attention focus is to include any statistics or milestones to back up your story. Include them here but keep each paragraph concise and purposeful.
Quotations in Press Releases: Length and Best Practices
Quotations from key stakeholders add authority and a personal touch to your release. Keep each quote to 1-2 sentences.
A PR agency might add a quote from the CEO of Starvara Digital, like, “Our new platform is a game-changer, offering brands precision and reach in the current cluttered media landscape.” Aim for quotes that are genuine and convey excitement or insight without becoming too lengthy.
Additional Sections: Bullet Points, Highlights, and Supporting Details
White space should be your friend in a PR. Bullet point or highlight sections can break up text and improve readability. Limit this section to 3-5 points. They could summarize the key features or benefits.
For example, if Starvara were to release a press release, this is how the bullet section would look like:
- Streamlined PR submission tools
- Enhanced media reach for small businesses
- User-friendly interface designed for efficiency
Conclusion or Boilerplate: How Many Words to Include
The boilerplate (conclusion) provides a brief background about your company. It should be no longer than 2-3 sentences. This final section should offer a crisp summary and call to action.
For example: “Founded in 2024, Starvara Digital specializes in PR solutions that empower brands. Learn more about our services at [company website].” Remember, this must be a quick wrap-up, not another deep dive.
Optimizing Call-to-Action (CTA) Length in a Press Release
The CTA should be a single sentence urging the reader to take the next step. Keep it short—about 10-15 words.
Instead of simply saying “Visit our website,” consider a CTA like, “Explore Starvara Digital’s new platform and transform your PR strategy today.”
This approach is clear, and compelling, and leaves readers with a call to action without feeling desperate.
Length Guidelines for Contact Information Section
The contact section doesn’t need to be lengthy. However, provide clear and important information.
This usually includes 1-2 lines with the
- contact name,
- phone number,
- email,
- and a website link.
For example: “For press inquiries, contact Jane Doe at Starvara Digital, (555) 123-4567, jane@starvara.com.”
By keeping it short, you make it easy for journalists to find what they need without extra effort.
Starvara Digital’s Approach to Effective Press Release Length
Starvara Digital recommends concise and impactful press releases that balance detail with readability. Instead of stuffing releases with information, Starvara focuses on clarity, engaging storytelling, and structured formatting.
“Is this information valuable or just filler?” – this is the question our PR writing team asks after finishing every paragraph. By prioritizing brevity and relevance, Starvara’s approach ensures each release stands out, aligning with the best practices shared here.
For anyone considering PR writing, this model serves as a blueprint to follow. If you have any doubts or assistance in writing a PR, contact Starvara Digital today.
