Ideal Length: How Long Should a Press Release Be?
Wondering how long should a press release be?
Read on to discover why this works and learn tips for crafting impactful press releases.
How Long Should a Press Release Be? The Complete Guide
Getting press release length right can make or break your media coverage. Too short, and you'll miss crucial details. Too long, and busy journalists will move on before reading your key messages. The challenge is finding that perfect balance where every word counts.
Why 400 Words Works Best
In today's fast-paced media landscape, journalists receive dozens of press releases daily. A 400-word release (roughly one page) strikes the perfect balance between comprehensive coverage and respect for their time.
The harsh reality: Press releases longer than 200 words lose 70% of journalists before completion. Those exceeding 500 words risk being ignored entirely.
The Cost of Going Too Long
Lengthy press releases create several problems:
- Information overload in an already crowded media environment
- Lost attention before reaching your key messages
- Missed opportunities as journalists move to more concise alternatives
Your opening paragraph determines whether journalists continue reading. Make it count by leading with your most newsworthy information using the inverted pyramid structure.
Tailoring Length for Different Audiences
While 300-500 words remains the standard, smart PR professionals customize their approach:
Tech journalists might appreciate slightly more detail about specifications and technical benefits.
Consumer media prefers user-focused benefits over technical specifications.
Trade publications often want industry-specific context and data.
The key is understanding your target journalist's audience and adapting accordingly—without exceeding that crucial 500-word limit.
Writing Concise, Impactful Releases
Start strong. Place your most significant news in the first paragraph. Every subsequent paragraph should support and expand on this core message.
Eliminate fluff. Every word should add value. Cut background information, unnecessary explanations, and promotional language that doesn't serve the story.
Include essentials. Within your word count, ensure you have a compelling headline (5-15 words), key quotes for credibility, and complete contact information.
Common Mistakes That Kill Coverage
The biggest error?
Burying the lead in lengthy introductions.
Journalists need the "what, when, where, why" immediately—not after three paragraphs of company background.
Other critical mistakes:
- Exceeding 500 words with unnecessary details
- Failing to edit for clarity and flow
- Sending generic releases without audience consideration
SEO for Modern Press Releases
In 2025, SEO isn't optional. Integrate relevant keywords naturally throughout your release to boost search visibility for both the initial coverage and any resulting articles.
This dual benefit—immediate media attention and long-term organic discovery—makes properly optimized press releases more valuable than ever.
The Bottom Line
Effective press releases respect journalists' time while delivering complete, newsworthy information. Stick to 300-500 words, lead with your strongest news, and tailor your message to your audience.
Remember: In a world of information overload, brevity isn't just preferred—it's essential for success.
