6 Elements of a Good News Release Headline

Your new release headline will make or break you in terms of how many reads you get, and therefore how many potential media pickups you may get. There are a number of elements that are essential when it comes to writing an attention-grabbing press release headline. Here are the top 6 ones to include whenever you write a press release.

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1-It should be really newsworthy

A lot of press releases are really ads in disguise, or rather dull descriptions of new companies, products, and services being launched.

First-of-Its-Kind Satellite Launches to Track Earth’s Weather Like Never Before

This headline shows the satellite is newsworthy and groundbreaking.

Italian doctor says world’s first human head transplant ‘imminent’

A human head transplant would be revolutionary if it worked. The word imminent means it will happen very soon, and we should expect to see follow-up stories to tell us how the surgery went, if the patient survived, and so on.

 

2-It should be informative

A headline should show it is current and can change a reader’s life in some way, through them gaining new information.

Best Buy Electronic “Deals”: How Good Are They?

This headline is interesting for anyone who might plan to shop at that store, and help them evaluate whether or not they are getting good value for money.

How to figure out the right time for retirement

This article should be useful for anyone interested in this topic. If a new site has just launched, or a new online calculator is now available, this would also be worth mentioning in the headline.

 

3-It should be important           

People are suffering from information overload, so if you are going to send out a news release, it should be for a good reason.

Argentina intensifies search for missing submarine with 44 crew

This headline conveys newsworthiness and an urgent race against time. Intensifies is a bit of a formal word. “Steps up” would convey the same idea.

 

4-The language should be compelling

You only have a few words to create a great impression, so choose them wisely.

Prehistoric, Dinosaur-Era Shark With Insane Teeth Found Swimming Off Coast of Portugal

This headline would lure anyone who is interested in prehistoric times, dinosaurs, or sharks. Again, the information is unique and special, not average and ordinary.

Massive fire rips through apartment building

The words massive and rips suggest the violence and devastation of the fire.

 

5-Ask a question

Question headlines often work well because they get readers curious. They know if they read on they will find an answer.

Can Brain-training Games Really Reduce Dementia Risk For Seniors?

Many people are worried about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, so this could be of great interest to anyone who wanted to protect themselves.

 

6-“Secrets” headlines

Secrets are insider information or something recently discovered and not commonly known.

Squirrels could hold secret to preventing brain damage for stroke patients

For the many people who suffer from stroke, lessening the risk of brain damage would be worth reading about.

Value Investor John Huber Reveals His Secrets

People interested in investing would love to get tips from an expert.

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Anthony Santiago is Director of Marketing at Newswire. With over a decade of experience in PR, he helps ensure that clients understand the value of brand messaging and reach.

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