One of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of successful press release writing is conciseness. Lengthy, wordy press releases often lose readers’ interest quickly. Avoiding this common press release writing mistake to avoid can dramatically increase your chances of capturing attention and getting media coverage.

In this article, we’ll discuss why brevity matters and how to keep your press releases concise without losing essential information.

Why Conciseness Matters in Press Releases

Journalists and editors are inundated with press releases daily. They prefer to skim releases quickly and decide if the story is newsworthy. If your press release is too long or filled with fluff, it can be ignored.

A concise press release:

• Is easier to read and understand

• Highlights key information effectively

• Respects the reader’s time

Failing to keep your press release concise is one of the most frequent press release writing mistakes companies make.

How Long Should a Press Release Be?

The ideal press release length is typically 400 to 600 words, or roughly one page. This length provides enough detail to inform without overwhelming.

Tips for Writing Concise Press Releases

1. Focus on the Main Message

Identify the core news you want to communicate and build your release around it. Avoid adding unnecessary details.

2. Use Clear and Simple Language

Avoid filler words or complex sentences that don’t add value.

3. Edit Ruthlessly

After writing, review and cut any words, sentences, or paragraphs that don’t support your main message.

4. Use Bullet Points or Subheadings

Breaking information into digestible parts helps readers scan quickly.

For more insights into common press release writing mistakes to avoid, including being too lengthy, this resource is valuable.

The Role of Structure in Conciseness

Following the inverted pyramid style—starting with the most important information—helps keep your press release focused and concise.

Avoid burying your key message deep in the text, a frequent press release writing mistake to avoid.

Conclusion: Make Every Word Count

Conciseness is a powerful tool in press release writing. By being brief, clear, and structured, you increase the likelihood that your message will be read and shared.

To avoid the common trap of overly long press releases, check out the helpful tips on press release writing mistakes to avoid.