📰 Core Components of a Press Release: Structure and Formatting Guide

Camilo Aponte

Camilo Aponte

Last updated on Sep 30, 2026

Every press release you submit through Search Atlas must include specific components in a defined structure to pass distribution partner validation. Build each section correctly before you submit to avoid rejection and maximize media pickup.

🖼️ Logo

  • Format: PNG or JPEG, 72–300 DPI
  • Placement: Top-left or center

✍️ AI Writing Instructions (Step 2)

Write your AI Writing Instructions in English. Non-English instructions are not supported and may produce unexpected results. A disclaimer appears in the product as a reminder.

📌 Headline (Recommended)

  • 70 characters or fewer
  • Title case
  • Include one main keyword
  • Avoid hype or jargon

Example: Acme Corp Unveils AI-Powered Thermostat to Cut Energy Bills

📝 Sub-headline / Summary (Optional)

  • 120 characters or fewer
  • Sentence case, no trailing period

Example: New platform improves delivery efficiency by up to 30%

📍 Dateline (Required)

Format: CITY, STATE – Month Day, Year — all-caps city, two-letter state abbreviation, em dash before the date.

Open your lead paragraph with the dateline in this exact format.

Example: NEW YORK, NY – May 23, 2026

🔍 Lead Paragraph

  • Covers Who, What, When, Where, and Why
  • 1–2 direct sentences
  • Third-person, factual tone

📄 Body Paragraphs

  • Follow the inverted pyramid: most important details first
  • 2–4 sentences per paragraph
  • Include context, a quote, and a proof point
  • Attribute all quotes and claims

Example quote: “We’re excited to bring this to market,” said Jane Doe, CTO of Acme Corp.

Note: Place the Call to Action as a separate block after the boilerplate — do not include it within the body paragraphs.

🏢 Boilerplate

Write a brief, factual about-the-company statement. Avoid marketing language.

Example: About Acme Corp — Founded in 2015, Acme Corp develops smart home devices powered by AI, serving clients across North America.

📢 Call to Action (Optional)

Include links or referrals for additional information. Keep the language neutral — avoid promotional or sales-driven phrasing.

📇 Media Contact (Required)

Include a Media Contact block so distribution partners and journalists can follow up. Expected fields:

  • Full name of the press contact
  • Title
  • Company
  • Email address
  • Phone number (optional)

Some fields may be auto-populated from your user profile. Review and update them before you submit.

📏 Length Guidelines

  • Recommended total: 400–600 words
  • Hard limit: Distribution partners may reject releases exceeding 800 words
  • Aim for 3–5 concise body paragraphs to stay within range

✅ Final Formatting Checklist

  • Single spacing with a line break between paragraphs
  • Left-align all text
  • End your release with ### or – 30 –
  • Total word count: 400–600 words

🚀 Next Steps: Submit for Distribution

Once your press release follows the structure above, submit it for distribution directly within the platform. Before submitting, confirm that all required components — Dateline, Lead Paragraph, Boilerplate, and Media Contact — are complete to avoid validation errors from distribution partners.

🎯 You now have a complete reference for every press release component in Search Atlas. Review each required field against this guide before you click Submit.