How to Write Great Press Release Headlines?

by Avneet Singh

Today, a press release headline is more than just a summary of the news; it’s a strategic tool for engagement, visibility, and brand positioning. It must intrigue, inform, and entice the reader, all while being succinct and SEO-compliant. The headline sets the tone for the entire release and can significantly influence the reader’s decision to engage with the content.

The headline of your press release is your first and often only chance to capture the attention of journalists and readers. A great headline not only sparks interest but also sets the tone for the information that follows. As headlines of press releases are so important, we created this entire blog post to explain the art of crafting compelling press release headlines that stand out. We will learn how to create best press release headlines along with some handy tips and will share some press release headline examples in the end.

Why It Is Important to Write Great Headlines for Press Releases?

A headline is more than just a title; it’s a crucial tool for engaging your audience. An effective headline ensures that your message reaches the intended audience and encourages them to read further. The first impression is the last impression and the headline is that first impression that can make or break the impact of your press release.

Interesting Facts About Press Release Headlines

A study by Copyblogger indicates that while 8 out of 10 people will read headline copy, only 2 out of 10 will read the rest. This statistic highlights the disproportionate weight a headline carries in determining whether the rest of the content gets noticed.

According to a test, Traffic can vary by as much as 500% based on the headline.

Interesting headlines are more likely to be shared on social media platforms. This sharing extends the reach of the press release beyond its initial audience. Search engine optimization for press release plays a crucial role in ensuring that your it is discovered. An effective headline now also needs to be SEO-friendly, incorporating relevant keywords to improve search rankings and online visibility. 

How to Write the Best Press Release Headlines?

Understanding Audience Psychology 

Understanding what captivates and motivates readers is the key to transforming a mere string of words into a compelling beacon for your news. In this section, we’ll explore the psychological triggers that make headlines irresistible and how you can leverage these insights to make best press release headlines for your upcoming story.

The Role of Curiosity

Curiosity is a powerful motivator for human behavior. A headline that piques curiosity creates a knowledge gap that the reader feels compelled to fill by reading further.

Example

“Discover the Secret Behind Our Revolutionary Energy Solution” – This headline triggers curiosity by promising an intriguing revelation.

The Importance of Urgency

Urgency in headlines prompts immediate interest and action. It leverages the psychological principle of ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) to drive engagement. Urgency works on the principle of scarcity. When we believe we might miss out, our desire to obtain the information increases.

Example

If you are writing a press release for your ecommerce store then try this – “XYZ clothing Starts 2 Day Only Sale at Biggest Discounts” – This creates a sense of urgency, pushing the reader to act promptly.

Emphasizing Relevance

Relevance connects the headline to the reader’s interests, needs, or values. When a headline resonates personally, it is more likely to capture attention and engagement. People pay attention to what matters to them. Relevance is key to capturing and maintaining this attention.

Example

If you are writing press release for a tech company and launching a product -“How this New App Can Improve Daily Productivity?” – This headline directly addresses the reader’s potential interest in productivity. 

5 Effective Press Release Headlines Tips

These small tips can make a big impact on your press release writing. Keep them in mind to create good press release headlines.

Use Numbers

Numbers in headlines offer a clear, quantifiable reason for the reader to be interested. They act like visual anchors and give readers a clear expectation of what they’re about to learn. For example, “5 Innovative Solutions to Reduce Carbon Emissions” is more intriguing and specific than a vague, numberless headline.

Keep Short, Sweet, and Straightforward

Conciseness is key. A headline should be a brief yet comprehensive summary of the press release. Short headlines are easy to remember. Aim for no more than 10 words to keep it easily digestible.

According to a survey by PR Newswire, press releases with headlines that include a strong verb and are under 120 characters long have a 14% higher view rate than those without.

Apply Simple Grammar Rules

Proper grammar enhances readability and professionalism. Simple, clear language aids in making the headline universally understandable. Grammatical errors in headlines are an immediate turn-off. They can undermine the professionalism of the entire release.

Avoid Cliché Phrases and Language

Originality in your headlines helps to distinguish your press release from the masses. Steer clear of overused phrases that can make your content seem uninspired.

Avoid Sales Tone

Press releases should inform, not sell. Maintain a balance between informative and promotional. A professional and informative tone in headlines builds trust. The headline should reflect the news value of the press release, not just its marketing aspect. Overly salesy headlines can turn off journalists and readers looking for genuine news.

5 Great Press Release Headline Examples

Let’s look at some press release headline examples.

• “Tech Startup Raises $10M to Revolutionize Renewable Energy”
• “New Study Reveals 3 Keys to Effective Remote Work”
  
• “Innovative App Aims to Cut Food Waste by 30% in First Year”
  
• “Local Non-Profit Launches Unique Art Therapy Program for Youth”
  
• “Groundbreaking Research Offers Hope for Alzheimer’s Cure”

Case Studies Demonstrating Headline Efficacy

A tech company’s press release titled “XYZ Corporation Introduces Revolutionary Battery Technology” saw moderate engagement. However, when re-released with the headline “XYZ’s New Battery Tech Powers Phones for 5 Days on a Single Charge,” engagement rates soared by 70%. The specificity and direct benefit highlighted in the headline captured the audience’s interest more effectively.

Crafting an effective press release headline requires a blend of creativity, clarity, and a keen understanding of your audience. By following these tips and studying examples of successful headlines, you can significantly increase the chances of your press release making an impact. Remember, a great headline is the gateway to your story – make it count!

Avneet Singh

Avneet is the founder of Economical Network, the company behind PRwire.co. He is a full-time digital marketer passionate about achieving his clients' marketing goals. In this blog, he writes about various aspects of press releases to help people make informed decisions. He also writes about seo in his other blog. Websites: Prwire.co, EconomicalClick.com, Linkdexing.com

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