Press Release Submission Guidelines for Viral Press Releases

2 years ago - 3 min read

To increase your chances of getting published on Viral Press Releases, it's essential to understand what makes a press release truly newsworthy. Journalists and readers alike are looking for real stories, not thinly disguised advertisements. These guidelines will help you craft a compelling press release that grabs attention and meets editorial standards.

1. Start with a Strong, Clear News Hook

Your press release must include a clear news angle. This is the element that makes your story worth telling. Without it, your press release will come across as a sales pitch rather than genuine news. Ask yourself: What makes this announcement relevant, timely, or important to my target audience?

Craft your story with your readers in mind, ensuring the angle appeals to their interests, concerns, or needs.

2. Create a Captivating Headline and Subheadline

Your headline is your first impression. Make it:

• Catchy – grab attention at a glance
• Clear – avoid jargon or ambiguity
• Compelling – highlight what’s newsworthy

Think like a journalist writing for front-page visibility. Then, use a subheadline to add supporting details that didn’t fit in the main headline. This provides more context and builds interest before the reader dives into the body of the press release.

3. Nail the Lead Paragraph

Your introduction or lead paragraph must answer the following five questions:

• Who is involved? (Individual, business, or organization)
• What is happening? (The core event or development)
• Where is it taking place?
• When did or will it happen?
• Why does it matter?

By the end of the first paragraph, your audience should fully understand the essence of your news story. This section is critical—it determines whether readers (and editors) will continue reading or move on.

4. Expand with Structure and Substance

Use the inverted pyramid format for the remaining paragraphs: put the most important and newsworthy information first, followed by supporting details.

• Second and third paragraphs should expand on the story, explaining the why and how behind the who and what.
• Stick to a single news story per press release—don't overload your message.

Include relevant data, supporting context, and only verified facts. Avoid marketing fluff.

5. Include Media Contact Information

Provide clear, direct ways for journalists to reach you:

• Include a contact name, email address, and phone number.
• Do not rely on email alone—make sure someone is available to answer calls.
• Ensure your contact details are accurate and up to date.

6. Mind Your Word Count and Writing Style

Viral Press Releases enforces a 600-word limit per press release. To meet this standard:

• Keep your press release concise and focused
• Use no more than five paragraphs, including the lead
• Write in the third person (no “I,” “we,” or “you”)
• Use the perspective of the business, organization, or event
• Avoid making unverifiable claims or stating your product is “the best”
• Eliminate unnecessary industry jargon

Use bullet points to summarize key facts, making it easier for skimmers to pick up essential information.

7. Add Meaningful Quotes

Incorporate quotes that add value to your press release. Ideal sources include:

• Company executives
• Public figures, experts, or influencers
• Event attendees, volunteers, or customers

Quotes should sound natural and provide insight or credibility, not generic praise.

8. Prioritize Accuracy and Readability

Before submitting your press release:

• Spell-check and proofread carefully
• Fix any grammatical errors or broken links
• Break up long sections into short paragraphs (2–3 sentences each)
• Make your content scannable and digestible

One typo or broken URL can ruin your credibility with journalists and readers.

9. Add a Clear Call to Action (When Appropriate)

If you’re announcing a new product, service, or event, include a call to action (CTA) at the end of your press release. Make it clear what the next step is—visit a website, attend an event, or contact for more details.

10. Optimize for SEO

To improve visibility in search engines:

• Include relevant keywords throughout your press release
• Focus especially on including keywords in the headline, subheadline, and lead paragraph
• SEO helps your press release stay discoverable long after it's published.

11. Follow Link and Legal Guidelines

• No links are allowed within the press release content
• The only permitted URL is your official website listed under the Media Contacts section
• In the case of mergers or partnerships, you may include the URLs of both organizations
• If referencing legal actions, include complete case details

12. Complete Your Business Profile Before Submission

Before submitting a press release, you must create a business profile on Viral Press Releases. This profile serves as the official source of your news and lends credibility to your announcements.

In Summary

A successful press release is:

• Newsworthy, not promotional
• Concise, not cluttered
• Factual, not exaggerated
• Easy to read, not jargon-heavy
• Well-structured, with a clear flow from headline to conclusion

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll dramatically improve your chances of getting your press release accepted, published, and noticed by the right people.