In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, companies of all sizes are under constant pressure to stand out. Whether you're launching a new startup, expanding your brand, or announcing a milestone, a business press release can be a game-changer in building brand awareness and establishing authority.

However, writing a press release that captures attention, delivers your message clearly, and meets media standards takes more than just throwing words on a page. It requires structure, clarity, and strategic insight.

This comprehensive blog will walk you through a complete Business Press Release Checklist to ensure that every release you craft is effective, professional, and newsworthy. Whether you’re preparing a press release for business expansion or crafting a startup press release, this guide has got you covered.

What Is a Press Release in Business?

Before jumping into the checklist, it’s important to understand What Is a Press Release In Business terms.

A business press release is a formal, written statement distributed to the media to announce something newsworthy related to your company. These announcements can include new product launches, company openings, leadership changes, funding rounds, partnerships, or award wins.

In essence, a press release for business acts as a bridge between your company and the media, helping your brand communicate important updates in a structured and professional way.

Why Every Business Needs a Press Release Strategy

Many companies underestimate the value of regular business press releases, especially startups and small businesses. But having a solid press release strategy helps to:

  • Improve visibility across media and search engines

  • Establish your brand's voice and credibility

  • Keep stakeholders, investors, and customers informed

  • Boost traffic to your website and social platforms

  • Create momentum for your launches and milestones

That’s why understanding how to write a business press release and what to include is crucial.

Let’s now dive into the ultimate Business Press Release Checklist that every new business or startup should follow.

1. Craft a Clear, Newsworthy Headline

Your headline is the first thing readers—and journalists—will see. It must be concise, compelling, and informative.

Tips:

  • Keep it under 80 characters

  • Use active voice

  • Focus on the news angle

  • Include your brand or product name if possible

 (from a New Company Press Release):
“GreenTech Launches Smart Irrigation App to Help Farmers Conserve Water”

This instantly tells us what the news is and who it’s from.

2. Include a Subheadline (Optional, but Powerful)

A subheadline supports the main headline by adding more detail or context.

This works especially well for a startup press release or a press release for new business that needs to build context.

3. Add a Dateline: Location + Date

The dateline tells readers where and when the news originates.

Format:
CITY, STATE – Month Day, Year

This section answers “Where is this happening?” and “When was it announced?”

For example:
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 17, 2025

Including a dateline is essential in every corporate press release or media submission.

4. Start Strong with the Lead Paragraph

The opening paragraph is arguably the most critical part of your press release. It should answer the 5Ws:

  • Who is the announcement about?

  • What is happening?

  • When is it happening?

  • Where is it happening?

  • Why does it matter?

Keep it factual and concise. You’ll elaborate in later paragraphs.

5. Expand with Supporting Details

After the lead, use the body of the press release to dive into more specifics.

Include:

  • How the product/service works

  • Key features or benefits

  • Quotes from company leaders or partners

  • Relevant statistics or industry insights

  • Background information

This section is especially important in a Company Launch Press Release Sample or new company launch press release where you want to establish credibility and interest.

6. Use Strategic Quotes

Quotes bring personality and authority to your press release. They offer insight from key figures and help media outlets build stories around your announcement.

Include at least one quote from a senior leader and, if applicable, one from a partner, investor, or client.

7. Include a Boilerplate Section

The boilerplate is a short "About" paragraph about your company, usually placed at the end of the press release. This text often remains the same across all your business press releases.

The boilerplate helps readers understand who you are without searching.

8. Provide Contact Information

Always include a media contact so journalists and bloggers can follow up for more information.

Include:

  • Name

  • Title

  • Email

  • Phone number

  • Website URL

Even in a press release for new business opening, media professionals need to know whom to reach out to.

9. Include Multimedia (Images, Logos, Videos)

Including visuals with your press release increases engagement and makes your story more appealing to publishers.

Use:

  • Company logos

  • Product screenshots

  • Event photos

  • Short videos or animations

This is especially helpful in a New Business Press Release Example where you're showcasing something brand-new and unfamiliar.

10. Format Professionally and Clearly

A business press release must be easy to read. Keep the format consistent:

  • Use short paragraphs (2-4 lines)

  • Write in third person

  • Avoid jargon or overly technical language

  • Use bullet points where needed

Stick to professional fonts (like Arial or Times New Roman) and keep spacing clean.

11. Optimize for SEO

Even though press releases are for journalists, they’re often published online and indexed by search engines. Make sure to:

  • Include relevant keywords (e.g., “smart irrigation app,” “sustainable agriculture”)

  • Add links to your website or landing pages

  • Write a meta title and description if possible

Knowing how to write a business press release that’s optimized for search helps increase your visibility online.

12. Choose the Right Distribution Channels

Now that your press release is ready, the next step is distribution. But where to publish press releases?

Top Paid Press Release Distribution Services:

  • PR Newswire

  • Business Wire

  • GlobeNewswire

  • Newswire

  • eReleases

Free or Low-Cost Options:

  • PRLog

  • OnlinePRNews

  • IssueWire

  • Your own website

  • LinkedIn and other social media platforms

For new company press release announcements, consider local news sites and community bulletins as well.

13. Follow Up with Targeted Media

Sending your release out to journalists who cover your niche dramatically increases your chances of getting picked up.

Pro Tip: Create a media list with emails of bloggers, reporters, and editors who cover your industry. Personalize your pitch when sending them the press release.

14. Track Performance and Metrics

Once your release is live, you need to know how it performed.

Track:

  • Number of pickups by media outlets

  • Website traffic spikes

  • Backlinks generated

  • Social media shares

  • Lead conversions

Some paid distribution platforms offer analytics dashboards. For others, use tools like Google Analytics and Mention to monitor impact.

15. Repurpose for Multiple Platforms

Maximize the value of your Press Release For Business by repurposing it across your marketing channels:

  • Blog post on your website

  • Email newsletter content

  • LinkedIn article

  • Short snippets for X (Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram

  • Content for investor decks or customer onboarding

One solid press release can fuel your content strategy for weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most well-intentioned business press releases can fail due to small mistakes. Watch out for:

  • Writing in first person (“we,” “I”)

  • Being overly promotional

  • Lack of a clear angle

  • Burying the lead

  • Forgetting media contact info

  • Typos and grammatical errors

Review every company launch press release sample with a critical eye before submission.

Crafting an effective press release isn’t rocket science, but it does require a clear process and attention to detail. Whether you're issuing your first new company launch press release or you’re creating a regular stream of **corporate press

releases**, following this checklist ensures your efforts don’t go to waste.

Remember:

  • Stick to the structure

  • Focus on the value of your announcement

  • Distribute strategically

  • Repurpose and analyze results

Press releases are one of the most cost-effective, credibility-boosting tools available for brands—especially when you're new to the game. So use this checklist as your guide and start building buzz, one announcement at a time.

Need help writing your first press release?

I can help you create a customized New Business Press Release Example, suggest the best distribution sites, and even draft a template you can reuse for future announcements.

Get in Touch

Website- https://www.prwires.com/
Email - info@prwires.com
Whatsapp – https://call.whatsapp.com/voice/9rqVJyqSNMhpdFkKPZGYKj
Mobile – +919212306116
Skype – shalabh.mishra