1. Free press release template (copy & paste)
Replace everything in [square brackets]. Keep the order — editors scan press releases in seconds, and a familiar structure helps them find the news quickly.
When you have filled it in, paste it into our free press release submission form. It goes live instantly with its own SEO-friendly page, gets pinged to Bing and Yandex via IndexNow and appears in our Google News-compatible feed.
2. Press release format, part by part
| Part | What to write | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Release line | “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” (or “EMBARGOED UNTIL [date, time]”) | Use an embargo only if journalists already have the story. |
| Headline | Who did what, in 60–100 characters | Put the main keyword in the first half — it becomes your page title on Google. |
| Subheadline | One extra fact or benefit | Optional, but it lifts click-through. |
| Dateline | CITY, State – Month Day, Year – | Location helps local media and Google News. |
| Lead paragraph | Who, what, when, where, why in 1–2 sentences | If a journalist only reads this, they must have the story. |
| Body | 2–4 short paragraphs: details, numbers, context | Most important first (the “inverted pyramid”). |
| Quote | 1–2 quotes from a named person | Quotes should add opinion or emotion, not repeat facts. |
| Call to action | Link to learn more, buy or register | One clear link beats five. |
| Boilerplate | “About [Company]” in 2–4 sentences | Reuse the same boilerplate in every release. |
| Media contact | Name, email, phone, website | Use a person, not info@. |
| End mark | ### | Tells editors nothing follows. |
3. Press release example
Here is the template filled in for a fictional company, so you can see how each part reads in practice:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GreenLeaf Launches Plant-Based Packaging That Composts in 30 Days
New material cuts plastic waste for small food brands at the same price as conventional filmAUSTIN, Texas – March 4, 2026 – GreenLeaf Materials, a packaging start-up serving independent food producers, today launched LeafWrap, a plant-based film that fully composts at home within 30 days and costs the same as standard plastic packaging.
LeafWrap is made from agricultural waste and is certified home-compostable. In a three-month pilot with 40 bakeries and coffee roasters across Texas, it replaced more than 2.1 tonnes of single-use plastic with no change in shelf life.
“Small brands want to stop using plastic, but until now the alternatives cost twice as much,” said Maria Lopez, CEO of GreenLeaf Materials. “LeafWrap makes the sustainable choice the affordable one.”
LeafWrap is available from today in rolls and pre-made bags. Food producers can order free samples at greenleaf.example.
About GreenLeaf Materials
GreenLeaf Materials develops compostable packaging for independent food and beverage brands. Founded in 2023, the company is based in Austin, Texas.Media Contact
Sam Carter, Communications Lead · press@greenleaf.example · +1 512 555 0100###
4. Five press release templates for common announcements
Product launch press release template
Headline: [Company] Launches [Product], the First [Category] That [Key Benefit]
Lead: [Company] today launched [product], a [what it is] that helps [audience] [benefit]. It is available from [date] at [price/URL].
Include: the problem it solves, one proof point (beta users, test result), a founder quote, pricing and availability.
Event press release template
Headline: [Organizer] to Host [Event Name] in [City] on [Date]
Lead: [Organizer] will host [event], a [type of event] for [audience], on [date] at [venue], [city].
Include: speakers or performers, expected attendance, ticket price and registration link, why the event matters this year.
Funding announcement template
Headline: [Company] Raises $[Amount] [Round] to [Goal]
Lead: [Company], a [description], has raised $[amount] in [round] funding led by [investor], with participation from [investors]. The funds will be used to [goal].
Include: traction numbers, investor quote, what the money is for, hiring plans.
Partnership announcement template
Headline: [Company A] and [Company B] Partner to [Shared Outcome]
Lead: [A] and [B] today announced a partnership to [outcome] for [audience].
Include: what each partner brings, a quote from both sides, when customers will see the benefit.
New hire / appointment template
Headline: [Company] Appoints [Name] as [Title]
Lead: [Company] has appointed [name] as [title], effective [date]. [Name] joins from [previous company], where [achievement].
Include: the person's background, what they will be responsible for, a quote from the CEO and from the new hire.
Need help writing it?
Read our step-by-step guide on how to write a press release — headline formulas, quote tips and the mistakes that get press releases ignored.
5. Checklist before you publish
- Is the news in the headline and the first sentence?
- Is it written in the third person, with quotes from a named person?
- Are names, dates, prices and links correct?
- Is it under 600 words, with short paragraphs?
- Does it include your boilerplate and a real media contact?
- Have you added 3–6 keywords people would search for?
Ready? Submit your press release free — it is live in minutes. To make every link in it clickable, add a link to SubmitPR on your site and verify it, or upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard press release format?
A press release follows a fixed order: “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE”, a headline, an optional subheadline, a dateline (city, state – date), a lead paragraph answering who, what, when, where and why, 2–4 body paragraphs with at least one quote, an “About the company” boilerplate, media contact details and “###” to mark the end.
How long should a press release be?
Between 300 and 600 words is ideal. One page is enough for most announcements; journalists rarely read past the first two paragraphs, so put the most important facts first.
Can I use this press release template for free?
Yes. The template and all examples on this page are free to copy, edit and use. When your press release is ready you can publish it free on SubmitPR — no registration needed.
Should a press release be written in first person?
No. Write in the third person (“Acme Inc. announced…”). The only place first person appears is inside quotes from your spokesperson.
What does ### mean at the end of a press release?
The three hash marks are a journalism convention that tells the editor the release has ended. Some writers use “-END-” instead; both are accepted.
Where do I send my press release once it is written?
Publish it on a free press release site such as SubmitPR (it is indexed by Google and Bing and included in our news feed), email it to relevant journalists, and share the published link on social media. See our list of the best press release submission sites.