A press release boilerplate is one of the most crucial elements of a press release. It provides journalists and media outlets with a quick snapshot of your business.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a press release boilerplate effectively. A well-written boilerplate can boost your credibility and enhance your brand’s image.
Let’s dive into the steps, elements, and best practices to create an engaging press release boilerplate that represents your business clearly and concisely.
How To Write a Press Release Boilerplate – Overview
A press release boilerplate is the standardized text that appears at the end of your press release. It serves as an “About Us” section for your company, offering media and readers insight into your brand, its mission, and its key offerings.
This concise paragraph helps readers quickly grasp what your company does, why it exists, and what it stands for.
The boilerplate plays an essential role in press releases because it establishes credibility and allows your brand to shine. Journalists often rely on this section for background information when they are writing about your company.
A well-written boilerplate enhances brand messaging, ensuring that your company’s key values and goals are clearly communicated.
Key Elements of a Press Release Boilerplate
A well-crafted press release boilerplate consists of several important elements. Each element is crucial to providing a holistic and professional view of your company.
Company Name and Description
Start your boilerplate with your company’s name and a brief description. Keep it short but informative, aiming for a succinct summary that explains what your company does and the industry it operates in.
Focus on clarity rather than complexity. Readers should quickly understand your company’s purpose. The key here is to avoid overly complicated language—your goal is to highlight your core business in a few sentences.
For example, “XYZ Corp is a leading technology solutions provider, specializing in innovative software for businesses.” This sentence packs essential details about the company in a concise and clear manner.
Founding Date and Milestones
Including the founding date gives your company context and shows how long you’ve been in business. You should also mention key milestones or accomplishments that set your company apart. These achievements could include product launches, industry awards, or significant growth milestones.
For instance, if your company has been operational for decades or has achieved remarkable success in a short time, include that information. “Founded in 2005, XYZ Corp has grown to serve over 500 clients globally.”
Products or Services Offered
Briefly mention the main products or services your company provides. This section should be clear and concise, highlighting your core offerings without going into too much detail. Focus on what sets your product or service apart from competitors, but avoid technical jargon or excessive detail.
For example, if you offer a range of solutions, mention only the key categories: “XYZ Corp offers cloud-based solutions, cybersecurity services, and enterprise software designed to improve business efficiency.”
Company Vision and Mission
Including your company’s vision and mission statement is crucial because it demonstrates your business’s long-term goals and the core values that drive it. A clear mission statement helps readers understand why your company exists and what it aims to achieve.
Your mission statement should be compelling yet brief. For example, “XYZ Corp is dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative technology solutions that enhance productivity and security.”
Contact Information
Always provide up-to-date contact information. Journalists, stakeholders, and customers may want to reach out for further information or inquiries, so make it easy for them by including essential contact details like an email address, phone number, website URL, and social media handles.
Including this information ensures that your company is easily reachable for any follow-up communication, and it enhances trust by showing transparency.
Tips for Writing an Effective Press Release Boilerplate
When crafting a boilerplate, it’s essential to follow best practices that ensure clarity, relevance, and engagement. Here are some useful tips to guide you through the process.
Keep It Short and Focused
A press release boilerplate should be between 50 and 100 words. Keeping it concise ensures that it is digestible and accessible to busy journalists and readers. Don’t try to include every detail about your company—just the most relevant and compelling information.
Avoid fluff and filler words. Get straight to the point with a brief summary of who you are, what you do, and what makes your business unique.
Use Clear and Strong Language
To make your boilerplate impactful, use clear and strong language. Be direct in explaining your company’s value proposition, but avoid clichés and buzzwords. Instead of vague terms like “best” or “leading,” use specific achievements or milestones to back up your claims.
For instance, instead of saying, “We are a leading company,” opt for “XYZ Corp provides award-winning solutions trusted by over 500 clients worldwide.”
Customize It to Your Audience
Your press release boilerplate should resonate with your target audience. Consider the readers who will see your press release and tailor the content to speak directly to their needs and interests. Depending on the industry, certain elements might need to be emphasized over others.
For example, a tech company might want to emphasize its innovation, while a non-profit organization would focus more on its mission and social impact. Customizing the boilerplate ensures that it connects with the audience it is intended to reach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Boilerplate
Writing a boilerplate can be tricky, especially when trying to find the right balance between being informative and concise. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Being Too Vague or Generic
Avoid being vague or using generic language that doesn’t set your company apart from the competition. Generic boilerplates fail to provide a clear picture of what your company is and what makes it special. Instead, focus on highlighting specific achievements and what differentiates you from competitors.
For example, rather than stating “We provide solutions to help businesses grow,” explain exactly what solutions you offer and how they have made an impact on your clients.
Overloading with Information
One of the most common mistakes is trying to include too much information in the boilerplate. Less is more when it comes to writing this section. Stick to the essential details and avoid overloading readers with unnecessary information or overly complex sentences.
Journalists and readers appreciate brevity and clarity. Prioritize the most important aspects of your business, such as your mission, products, and major accomplishments.
Ignoring SEO and Branding
Your boilerplate should also include relevant SEO keywords, such as the name of your company and industry-related terms. Doing this ensures that your press release is easily discoverable online, which can increase visibility.
Incorporating keywords naturally into your boilerplate is essential for aligning it with broader SEO strategies. Additionally, the tone and style of your boilerplate should reflect your branding. Consistent branding across all content reinforces your company’s identity.
Real-Life Examples of Effective Boilerplates
To better understand what makes an effective press release boilerplate, it’s helpful to look at real-world examples from successful companies. Consider companies like Apple or Google, which have concise, informative boilerplates that give a strong impression of the company’s vision, mission, and offerings.
For instance, Apple’s boilerplate clearly emphasizes innovation, simplicity, and customer experience, aligning perfectly with its brand identity. Look at how these companies structure their boilerplates and what key elements they emphasize.
How to Update and Maintain Your Boilerplate
Your company’s press release boilerplate should evolve as your business grows and changes. Regularly updating your boilerplate ensures that it stays relevant and reflects your company’s current mission, products, and services.
Revisit your boilerplate whenever your company undergoes significant changes, such as launching a new product, entering a new market, or hitting a major milestone. Keeping this section current ensures that you always put forward the most accurate and up-to-date representation of your business.
Final Thoughts
A press release boilerplate is an essential component of any press release. It provides a snapshot of your company, offering key information that strengthens your brand’s credibility.
Remember to keep it concise, focused, and updated to reflect your company’s growth.
Crafting an effective boilerplate requires attention to detail, but with the right approach, it can significantly enhance your public relations efforts.