A “press release” or “news release” is an official announcement to the public. You can send it to newspapers, TV and radio stations. You can also share it on social media.

Press Release Outline:

Title.  Use 60 characters or less to optimize Google search engine.

Subtitle. Use 120 characters or less to optimize Yahoo search engine.

Summary. One to four sentences that give an overview of the event.

Lead Paragraph. “City, State, name of organization” details of event in less than 30 words including a dateline, along with “who, what, why, when, where and how.”

Body. Two to three paragraphs to include:

Details of event

Target audience

Featured event or special guests.

About. Details about yourself or your organization

Contact. Name, telephone, address (if you want it public), email address.

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Press Release Template

Contact: Jane Smith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel. xxx-xxx-xxxx

Email: JSmith@xxxxxxxx.com

Date: xxxxxx

Catchy Title (Lyme Disease Education/Awareness Event)

Engaging Subtitle (Special Event Spreading Vital Information to Help Prevent Lyme Disease)

Your City, State: The (name of group) is hosting a Lyme Disease Awareness and Education event from (time, date) at the (place, address). (Name of special guest) will be joining them to share (his/her) story about (whatever it is you are focusing on). The event is free to the public.

This is where you tell the story about your event. How you became interested. Why the event is so important to the public. Include a quote from one of the organizers or a special guest. “We are looking forward to local leaders and educators taking part in our event,” says Doe. “The key to prevention is awareness.” Highlight a few important facts about Lyme and tickborne diseases. The body of the press release should be two to three paragraphs long.

About [insert name of organization or person] then give a mini-biography about yourself or your organizaiton. This paragraph should be fewer than 4 lines. The last line should state: “to learn more please visit: www.webisteaddress.com or call (xxx)xxx-xxxx.

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[Three hash tags is the universal symbol for the end of a press release.]

Tips and Tricks

1. State your intended goal.
2. Use conversational language as opposed to technical terms.
3. Use key words that appeal to your audiences’ age or your planned activity.
4. Include rich content with relevant facts and a tweetable quote—140 characters or less.
5. Add a compelling graphic that your audience will want to share on social media.
6. Generate urgency. Let the reader know they will gain something by attending.
7. Keep press release between 300-800 words.
8. Spell check for errors.
9. Send press release three weeks before your event.