Crafting effective headlines and leads is critical to capturing journalists’ attention and getting your press release noticed. Here are some tips for creating compelling headlines and leads:
Keep it concise: Headlines and leads should be brief and to the point. Aim for no more than 10-15 words for your headline, and one or two sentences for your lead.
Highlight the most important information: Your headline and lead should emphasize the most newsworthy aspect of your story. Focus on the key message you want to convey, and avoid including extraneous details.
Use active voice: Active voice makes your writing more engaging and helps to grab readers’ attention. Instead of writing “A new product was launched,” write “We launched a new product.”
Use strong verbs: Strong verbs help to convey a sense of action and urgency. Use verbs that are specific and powerful, such as “launch,” “unveil,” or “reveal.”
Avoid hype: While it’s important to make your story sound interesting, avoid using hype or overblown language. Stick to the facts and make sure your headline and lead accurately reflect the content of your release.
Ask a question: Asking a question in your headline or lead can pique journalists’ curiosity and make them want to read more.
Use numbers and statistics: Including numbers or statistics in your headline or lead can make your story sound more credible and newsworthy.
By following these tips, you can craft headlines and leads that will capture journalists’ attention and increase the chances of your press release being read and covered.