With a little practice, anyone can write a good press release! But there are rules to follow. Here are the top 12 mistakes you should avoid when writing a press release.

1. Your press release has nothing newsworthy to report

Not everything is news! A good press release informs the media and the general public about a newsworthy topic. Try to present something that’s new/relevant/interesting for your readers, not just for you or your company.

2. Your press release reads like an advertisement

You’re not writing an ad, and you shouldn’t try to sell anything. Please avoid using hype flags, exclamation marks and hyperbolic product/service claims. You’re writing to journalists, not consumers.

3. Your press release reads like a blog post/an open letter

Press releases are not blog posts or open letters. If you need to express your personal opinion about a person or a group, please choose another format.

4. Your press release doesn’t target the right journalists

Don’t send your press release to every single media contact you can find. Instead, try to target a limited set of journalists that will actually be interested in reading your story. Press releases are all about quality, not quantity!

5. Your press release contains no call to action

Your press release must contain a clear call to action. Always tell your readers what’s next! Give them an incentive to do something, to contact you, or at least visit your website.

6. Your content has already been published on other websites

Nobody wants to read the same thing twice. Press releases shouldn’t contain material that has already been published on other websites or publications – especially if this material is copyrighted.

7. Your press release promotes undesirable content

Don’t send press releases if you’re trying to promote:

  • common spam material, such as health supplements, pharmaceuticals, opportunities to “make money”, etc;
  • sexually explicit material or products;
  • online gambling, fantasy sports and related sites


8. Your press release is too short (or too long)

Press releases should be between 300 and 800 words. Short press releases often lack information; long press releases are often difficult to read.

9. Your press release contains bad spelling or grammar

Spelling and grammatical errors will affect your credibility. Please proofread your press release before you send it.

10. Your press release contains bad formatting

Press releases should be easy to read. Please avoid using special characters, too few or too may line breaks, and writing sentences in all capital letters.

11. Your press release contains too many hyperlinks

Don’t stuff your press release with hyperlinks. Please limit your link count to 1 per 100 words. Too many hyperlinks will make your links loose value and might affect your credibility.

12. Your press release doesn’t match our template

All our press releases are published according to the same template. Please make sure everything is included in the right section (especially your company description and contact details)


Please note: these rules supplement our Terms of Service and will apply to all your submissions on PressKing. Our editors will always have the final say in determining what content is appropriate for distribution on our platform.