Write a Press Release

Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom.
Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

For law firms in search of an effective way to boost their profile, look no further than press releases; an efficient and convenient means for spreading the word about their successes, news, and events. Not only can a carefully crafted press release help to establish a positive image with the public, but it can also lead to increased publicity for the firm, as well as greater trustworthiness in the eyes of potential clients.

The Genie AI community template library offers free press-release templates which provide users with detailed steps on how to compose one that best suits their purpose. Its millions of datapoints allow Genie AI’s AI algorithms to identify market-standard documents so that anyone can quickly and easily produce high-quality legal releases without having to pay a lawyer.

Press releases are a valuable tool for getting a law firm noticed in both traditional media outlets such as newspapers and television stations, as well as online via social media channels. By evenly distributing accurate information about its services and achievements through these channels, the firm can strengthen its presence in the public eye while building relationships with both existing and potential clients.

In addition to this enhanced visibility brought by press releases, they also serve an important role in improving confidence in insurance products in countries such as Saudi Arabia where only one company is legally allowed to offer them (NCCI). By introducing legislation that will clamp down on unauthorised companies selling insurance products along with efforts being made by NCCI - whose total capital was sold last month with over 800k applicants receiving 9 shares each for 205 riyals apiece - policy-makers hope that it will eventually become compulsory throughout Saudi Arabia.

The value of utilizing press releases goes far beyond just increasing visibility or boosting publicity; they provide law firms with numerous opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise be afforded including establishing trustworthiness through accuracy and relevance along with creating connections between lawyers and members of the media which could potentially lead to more coverage opportunities down the line.

Put simply: whether your goal is increasing brand recognition or creating connections within your field of expertise, investing time into crafting quality press releases is invaluable if you’re looking for sustained success within your profession. Read on below for more step-by-step guidance from Genie AI’s team on writing effective press releases today – without ever needing an account!

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Brainstorming - Generating ideas or solutions in a group.
Mind Map - A diagram used to visually organize information and ideas.
Angle - A particular approach or perspective on a subject.
Newsworthy - Information that is interesting or relevant enough to be reported in the news.
Inverted Pyramid Style - A style of writing where the most important information appears first.
Concise - Using few words to say something clearly.
Call to Action - An instruction or request meant to persuade a reader to take some form of action.
Dateline - A line at the beginning of a news story that includes the city and date of the story’s origin.
Introduction - An opening section of a press release that introduces the subject.
Formatting - The arrangement of text or other elements on a page.
Proofreading - Carefully reviewing a text for errors.
Editing - Making changes to a text to improve its accuracy, clarity, and conciseness.
Distributing - Making something available to a wide audience.

Contents

• Brainstorming ideas for the press release
• Deciding on a topic and angle for the press release
• Researching related topics and current news
• Writing an attention-grabbing headline
• Crafting the body of the press release
• Writing in inverted pyramid style
• Being concise
• Including relevant quotes and statistics
• Adding a call to action
• Including contact information
• Formatting the press release
• Proofreading and editing
• Distributing the press release

Get started

Brainstorming ideas for the press release

• Identify the key message that you want to convey
• Brainstorm possible angles for the press release
• Consider the target audience for the press release
• Research other press releases in the same niche to get ideas
• Create an outline of key points you want to make in the press release
• When you have a clear idea of the message you want to communicate and the target audience you want to reach, you can check off this step and move on to the next.

Deciding on a topic and angle for the press release

• Choose an event or topic that is newsworthy and relevant to your target audience
• Research what topics and angles other similar press releases have taken
• Think about how you can make your press release stand out and make an impression
• Consider the purpose of the press release and what message you want to convey
• When you have identified the best topic and angle for your press release, you can move on to the next step of researching related topics and current news.

Researching related topics and current news

• Brainstorm related topics and news relevant to the topic and angle of the press release
• Research these topics to get an understanding of their context, current events and trends
• Use a variety of sources, such as:
• Websites
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Social media
• Make a list of the information you find to use for the press release
• When you have a good understanding of the related topics and news, you can check this step off your list.

Writing an attention-grabbing headline

• Brainstorm a list of possible headlines that will grab the reader’s attention
• Use keyword phrases related to the topic and focus on the target audience
• Make sure the headline is concise and to the point
• Read the headline out loud to make sure it makes sense and flows well
• Check the headline against the target audience, newsworthiness, and relevance to the topic
• When you have an attention-grabbing headline that is relevant to the topic, you can check this step off your list and move on to crafting the body of the press release.

Crafting the body of the press release

• Start your press release with the most important information and work backwards
• Include relevant details such as the date, time, location, and names
• Use simple language and short sentences
• Be sure to include contact information
• End with a call-to-action if appropriate
• Once you have drafted the body of the press release, you can review it to ensure it is clear and concise
• When you are satisfied with the content, you can move on to writing in inverted pyramid style

Writing in inverted pyramid style

• Start writing the press release by first focusing on the most important points in the story.
• Make sure to include the 5 W’s - who, what, when, where, and why - in the opening paragraph.
• After laying out the most important points, include the other details in descending order of importance.
• When you have finished writing the first draft of the press release, make sure to re-read it and edit it for clarity and conciseness.
• You’ll know when you have successfully written the press release in inverted pyramid style when it starts with the main facts and then progresses to the smaller details.

Being concise

• Get to the point quickly and avoid using flowery language
• Keep the press release to one page, or two pages at most
• Use short sentences and paragraphs
• Avoid using jargon or technical terms
• Ensure the purpose of the press release is clear
• When you’ve done this, read through the press release and make sure its message is clear and concise.

Including relevant quotes and statistics

• Research any quotes or statistics that you could use to make your press release more impactful
• Include at least one quote from a key player in the story, such as a company spokesperson, expert, or customer
• Find relevant statistics that support the story you are telling
• Make sure the quotes and statistics you include are specific and relevant to the story you are telling
  Once you’ve included relevant quotes and statistics, you can move on to the next step.

Adding a call to action

• Add a call to action at the end of the press release, such as asking the reader to take a specific action, like visiting a website or contacting a company representative
• Make sure the call to action is appropriate for the target audience and is concise
• Once you’ve added a clear call to action, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step.

Including contact information

• Include the contact information of the person who wrote the press release, as well as the person who is responsible for distributing the press release.
• Make sure to include the full name, title, company, phone number, and email address of each contact.
• Include a link to the company website, as well as any relevant social media accounts.
• When you have included all the necessary contact information for the press release, you can check this step off your list and move on to formatting the press release.

Formatting the press release

• Choose an appropriate headline that accurately conveys the message of the press release
• Include the city and state of the press release in the headline if applicable
• Write the press release body in third-person point of view
• Add the five Ws and one H (who, what, when, where, why, and how) in the body of the press release
• Use short paragraphs in the press release body
• Include a quote from a company representative or other applicable source
• Include a call to action at the end of the press release
• Double check that all information is accurate and up-to-date

You will know when you can check this off your list and move on to the next step when the press release is formatted and all the necessary information is included.

Proofreading and editing

• Read through the press release several times, looking for typos, grammar errors, and other mistakes
• Have a colleague proofread the press release for a fresh perspective
• Make any necessary changes to the press release
• Check for accuracy in facts, spelling, and company information
• Make sure the press release reads well and flows smoothly

Once you have checked all of the above, you can be confident that your press release is proofread and ready for distribution.

Distributing the press release

• Identify the primary outlets to distribute your press release, such as online press release services, industry websites, and print magazines
• Distribute the press release to the outlets you identified
• Verify that the press release was successfully posted or printed
• Monitor the coverage and feedback of your press release
• You can check this off your list once you have verified that the press release was successfully posted or printed.

FAQ:

Example dispute

Suing a Company Based on a Press Release:

• A plaintiff may raise a lawsuit which references a press release if they believe that the press release contains false or misleading information, or that the press release has caused them financial or other harm.
• The plaintiff must provide evidence that the press release was false or misleading, or that it caused them harm.
• The plaintiff can cite the press release itself in the lawsuit, as well as any relevant laws or regulations that were violated by the company.
• The plaintiff may be eligible for damages if the court finds that the press release was false or misleading and caused them harm.
• The court may also order the company to issue a corrective press release or take other corrective actions.
• Settlement may be reached outside of court if the plaintiff and defendant can agree on a mutually satisfactory resolution.

Templates available (free to use)

Abbreviated Cash Tender Offer For Debt Securities Press Releases Announcements
Equity Offering Launch Press Releases Announcements
Equity Offering Pricing Press Releases Announcements
Ipo Filing Of Registration Statement Press Releases Announcements
Ipo Pricing Press Releases Announcements
Launching A Primary Bought Deal Press Releases Announcements
Launching A Secondary Bought Deal Press Releases Announcements
Press Release Filing Of Annual Report On Form 20 F
Press Release Issuer Shares Repurchase Program
Private Debt Exchange Offer And Consent Solicitation Closing Press Releases Announcements
Private Debt Exchange Offer And Consent Solicitation Early Tender Deadline Press Releases Announcements
Private Debt Exchange Offer And Consent Solicitation Launch Press Releases Announcements
Public Merger Press Releases Announcements
Registered Debt Offering Pricing Press Releases Announcements
Rights Issue Press Release
Rule 144A Regulation S Offering Of Debt Securities Press Releases Announcements
Spin Off Announcement Press Releases Announcements

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