02-13-2026, 06:35 AM
? Standard Press Release Format & Layout Guide
If you're writing a professional press release, formatting matters just as much as the content. Journalists expect a clean, traditional layout that is easy to scan and structured properly.
Below is the standard press release format used by most media outlets.
? Basic Press Release Layout
1. Company Logo (Optional)
Placed at the top of the page, centered or aligned left.
2. Release Instruction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OR
FOR RELEASE ON: Month Day, Year
3. Headline
Large, bold, clear, and attention-grabbing (14–16pt if printed).
4. Subheadline (Optional)
One supporting sentence that expands on the headline.
5. Dateline
City, State – Month Day, Year
Example:
New York, NY – March 15, 2026 –
6. Lead Paragraph
Answer the 5 W’s:
• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why
• (Optional) How
This paragraph should summarize the entire announcement in 3–4 sentences.
7. Supporting Paragraphs
Provide details, background information, statistics, context, and impact.
8. Quote Section
Include at least one quote from:
• CEO
• Founder
• Executive
• Partner
Example format:
"Quote goes here," said Name, Title.
9. Additional Information (Optional)
Bullet points can be used for:
• Product features
• Event highlights
• Key statistics
• Launch details
10. Boilerplate (About the Company)
3–5 sentences explaining:
• What the company does
• When it was founded
• Who it serves
• Mission or vision
11. Media Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Phone
Email
Website
12. End Mark
Place one of the following centered at the bottom:
###
OR
-30-
? Recommended Formatting Settings
• Font: Times New Roman or Arial
• Body Size: 11–12pt
• Headline: 14–16pt bold
• Margins: 1 inch
• Length: 1 page (ideal), max 2 pages
• Single or 1.15 line spacing
✅ Pro Tip
Use the inverted pyramid structure — put the most important information at the top, and less critical details toward the bottom. This makes it easier for journalists to trim your release if needed.
If you'd like, I can also create:
• A fillable press release template
• A cannabis-industry specific version
• A product launch example
• A downloadable checklist
• A media outreach email template
Let me know what you want next ?
If you're writing a professional press release, formatting matters just as much as the content. Journalists expect a clean, traditional layout that is easy to scan and structured properly.
Below is the standard press release format used by most media outlets.
? Basic Press Release Layout
1. Company Logo (Optional)
Placed at the top of the page, centered or aligned left.
2. Release Instruction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OR
FOR RELEASE ON: Month Day, Year
3. Headline
Large, bold, clear, and attention-grabbing (14–16pt if printed).
4. Subheadline (Optional)
One supporting sentence that expands on the headline.
5. Dateline
City, State – Month Day, Year
Example:
New York, NY – March 15, 2026 –
6. Lead Paragraph
Answer the 5 W’s:
• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why
• (Optional) How
This paragraph should summarize the entire announcement in 3–4 sentences.
7. Supporting Paragraphs
Provide details, background information, statistics, context, and impact.
8. Quote Section
Include at least one quote from:
• CEO
• Founder
• Executive
• Partner
Example format:
"Quote goes here," said Name, Title.
9. Additional Information (Optional)
Bullet points can be used for:
• Product features
• Event highlights
• Key statistics
• Launch details
10. Boilerplate (About the Company)
3–5 sentences explaining:
• What the company does
• When it was founded
• Who it serves
• Mission or vision
11. Media Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Phone
Website
12. End Mark
Place one of the following centered at the bottom:
###
OR
-30-
? Recommended Formatting Settings
• Font: Times New Roman or Arial
• Body Size: 11–12pt
• Headline: 14–16pt bold
• Margins: 1 inch
• Length: 1 page (ideal), max 2 pages
• Single or 1.15 line spacing
✅ Pro Tip
Use the inverted pyramid structure — put the most important information at the top, and less critical details toward the bottom. This makes it easier for journalists to trim your release if needed.
If you'd like, I can also create:
• A fillable press release template
• A cannabis-industry specific version
• A product launch example
• A downloadable checklist
• A media outreach email template
Let me know what you want next ?