How to Write a Press Release That Actually Gets Picked Up

How to Write a Press Release That Actually Gets Picked Up, Braeden Rhys

Press releases aren’t dead – they’re just misunderstood.

And chances are, if you’ve written one before and heard nothing but crickets… you’ve made the same mistakes most businesses do:

• boring headlines,

• bloated copy,

• no clear angle,

• and a ‘spray and pray’ distribution method.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. I’ve spent years pitching stories and helping clients land coverage from morning shows to major business publications and here’s what I’ve learned.

This blog is your no-fluff, Braeden-style crash course in how to write a press release that works.

Why You Need to Nail Your Press Release

A good press release can get your story in front of thousands.

A great one?

It can land you a media interview, drive website traffic, and explode your credibility overnight.

But newsflash:

journalists don’t care about your new product, service, or rebrand—unless you give them a reason to.

You need a hook.

A story.

A clear ‘why now?’

If your press release doesn’t answer why this matters, why now, and why their readers should care, you’ve already lost the game.

HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE: THE 7-Point Press Release Formula That Works EVERYTIME

Let’s get down to business. Here’s my proven structure:

1. Compelling Headline Make it punchy, relevant, and newsworthy. No jargon. Make them want to read more.

2. Strong Lead Paragraph Who, what, when, where, why. Get to the point fast. You’ve got one shot.

3. Quote From You Give it personality. Your quote should sound like a human, not a robot.

4. Background Info Expand on the story. Keep it sharp and focused.

5. Stats, Data, Proof Anything that validates why this story is real and relevant.

6. Boilerplate One short paragraph about your business. Make it professional but authentic.

7. Media Contact Info Who do they call or email for more? Make it EASY.

   
   

Common Mistakes I See All The Time (And How To Avoid Them)

• Self-promotion over storytelling: Reporters want stories, not ads. Lead with value.

• Waffling: If your first sentence doesn’t punch, your email is deleted.

• No follow-up: A press release alone isn’t enough, follow up with a personalised pitch.

Real Talk From My Own Journey

I once helped a client who spent $5K on a PR agency and got zero coverage.

We rewrote their press release, framed it around a compelling cultural trend, and within two weeks? Coverage in 3 major online news outlets and 2 podcasts.

That’s the power of press done right.

Final Word: Be Bold, Be Newsworthy, Be You

Journalists aren’t just looking for stories, they’re looking for angles that stand out in a sea of sameness. If you’ve got something worth sharing, own it. Just do it in a way that feels relevant, timely, and true to your brand.

Because when you learn how to write a press release that actually gets picked up, you’re not just pitching your brand - you’re inviting the world to see you.

NEED HELP CRAFTING YOUR NEXT MEDIA PITCH OR PRESS RELEASE?

Book a clarity call and let’s turn your announcement into a headline. I’ll help you find the angle, sharpen your message, and get noticed for all the right reasons.

📩 Book a Clarity Call — and Let’s Get to Work

...and let’s Grow your business with your truth, voice and power.