{"id":14016,"date":"2016-05-24T07:22:14","date_gmt":"2016-05-24T11:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/?page_id=14016"},"modified":"2023-09-08T10:50:02","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:50:02","slug":"how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"How to write a lead for a press release"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_43091\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43091\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png\" alt=\"How to write a lead for a press release\" title=\"How to write a lead for a press release\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" class=\"size-full wp-image-43091 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/300;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png\" alt=\"How to write a lead for a press release\" title=\"How to write a lead for a press release\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" class=\"size-full wp-image-43091\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-43091\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Let your lead off the leash<\/strong> Conventional news release leads are formulaic, old-fashioned and \u2014 let\u2019s face it \u2014 dull. Instead, turn to these more effective approaches. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/dog-sitting-collar-on-leash-279377060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Image by Ska_Zka<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<table class=\"indextable\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5px\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<hr class=\"indextablehr\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"indextabletdleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead-paragraph\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18268 size-full lazyload\" title=\"3 types of press release lead paragraphs to try\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/press-release-lead-paragraph-150.png\" alt=\"3 types of press release lead paragraphs to try\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18268 size-full\" title=\"3 types of press release lead paragraphs to try\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/press-release-lead-paragraph-150.png\" alt=\"3 types of press release lead paragraphs to try\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"indextabletdright\">\n<p class=\"index-story-headline\"><a title=\"3 types of press release lead paragraphs to try\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead-paragraph\/\">3 types of press release lead paragraphs to try<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-deck\">Choose benefits, news and feature leads<\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-intro\">Follow the leader: Make sure your message gets heard with colorful, compelling PR leads.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=2>\n<hr \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"indextabletdleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18271\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18271 size-full lazyload\" title=\"Six press release leads to avoid\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead-150.png\" alt=\"Six press release leads to avoid\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18271\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18271 size-full\" title=\"Six press release leads to avoid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead-150.png\" alt=\"Six press release leads to avoid\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"indextabletdright\">\n<p class=\"index-story-headline\"><a title=\"Six press release leads to avoid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead\/\">Six press release leads to avoid<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-deck\">How many of these have found their way into your releases?<\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-intro\">Lead the way: Write press release leads that engage readers, instead of these formulaic, old-fashioned and \u2014 let\u2019s face it \u2014 dull approaches.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=2>\n<hr \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"indextabletdleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/lead-press-release\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18271\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18271 size-full lazyload\" title=\"Avoid announcements in press release leads\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/lead-press-release-150.png\" alt=\"Avoid announcements in press release leads\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18271\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/announcement-leads-delay-the-story-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18271 size-full\" title=\"Avoid announcements in press release leads\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/lead-press-release-150.png\" alt=\"Avoid announcements in press release leads\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"indextabletdright\">\n<p class=\"index-story-headline\"><a title=\"Avoid announcements in press release leads\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/lead-press-release\/\">Avoid announcements in press release leads<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-deck\">Don\u2019t announce that you\u2019re announcing<\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-intro\">For crying out loud: Surely there\u2019s a better way to start your story than <em>XYZ Company today announces that \u2026\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=2>\n<hr \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"indextabletdleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead-example\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18279\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18279 size-full lazyload\" title=\"Try second person for press release leads [Examples!]\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/press-release-lead-example-150.png\" alt=\"Try second person for press release leads [Examples!]\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18279\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/use-the-magic-word-in-releases-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18279 size-full\" title=\"Try second person for press release leads [Examples!]\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/press-release-lead-example-150.png\" alt=\"Try second person for press release leads [Examples!]\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"indextabletdright\">\n<p class=\"index-story-headline\"><a title=\"Try second person for press release leads [Examples!]\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/press-release-lead-example\/\">Try second person for press release leads [Examples!]<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-deck\">Lead with <em>you<\/em> in media relations pieces<\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-intro\">Hey, y\u2019all: Here\u2019s how six PR pros made the reader the topic in their PRSA Silver Anvil Award-winning campaigns.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=2>\n<hr \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"indextabletdleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/press-release-first-paragraph\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18280 size-full lazyload\" title=\"How to write a feature lead for a press release\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/press-release-first-paragraph-150.png\" alt=\"How to write a feature lead for a press release\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18280 size-full\" title=\"How to write a feature lead for a press release\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/press-release-first-paragraph-150.png\" alt=\"How to write a feature lead for a press release\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"indextabletdright\">\n<p class=\"index-story-headline\"><a title=\"How to write a feature lead for a press release\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/press-release-first-paragraph\/\">How to write a feature lead for a press release<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-deck\">Surprise and delight readers<\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-intro\">Get your PR piece going in the right direction: Add color to your pitches and releases with feature leads.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=2>\n<hr \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"27%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/ideal-paragraph-length\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18087\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/press-release-length\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18087 size-full lazyload\" title=\"What\u2019s the ideal paragraph length for press releases?\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ideal-paragraph-length-150.png\" alt=\"What\u2019s the ideal paragraph length for press releases?\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18087\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/press-release-length\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/keep-your-pitch-to-the-point-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18087 size-full\" title=\"What\u2019s the ideal paragraph length for press releases?\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ideal-paragraph-length-150.png\" alt=\"What\u2019s the ideal paragraph length for press releases?\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"73%\">\n<p class=\"index-story-headline\"><a title=\"What\u2019s the ideal paragraph length for press releases?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2022\/07\/ideal-paragraph-length\/\">What\u2019s the ideal paragraph length for press releases?<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-deck\">And how long should the lead be?<\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-intro\">They snooze, you lose: Hit return more often to make your news release paragraphs short and inviting.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=2>\n<hr \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"indextabletdleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/quotes-on-press-release-leads\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18287\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"quotes-on-pr-leads-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18287 size-full lazyload\" title=\"Quotes on press release leads\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/quotes-150.png\" alt=\"Quotes on press release leads\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18287\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"150,150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"quotes-on-pr-leads-150\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/quotes-on-pr-leads-150.jpg\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18287 size-full\" title=\"Quotes on press release leads\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/quotes-150.png\" alt=\"Quotes on press release leads\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"indextabletdright\">\n<p class=\"index-story-headline\"><a title=\"Quotes on press release leads\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/quotes-on-press-release-leads\/\">Quotes on press release leads<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-deck\">What writers &amp; other say<\/p>\n<p class=\"index-story-intro\">\u201cDon\u2019t expect journalists to sift through your news release to find the angle.\u201d \u2014 Lisa Morton, managing director, Roland Dransfield PR<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s 3 types of press release lead paragraphs to try Choose benefits, news and feature leads Follow the leader: Make sure your message gets heard with colorful, compelling PR leads. Six press release leads to avoid How many of these have found their way into your releases? Lead the way: Write [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":21362,"parent":14010,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-14016","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v23.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to write a lead for a press release - Wylie Communications, Inc.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to write a lead for a press release\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Wylie Communications, Inc.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WylieCommunications\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-09-08T14:50:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-press-release-FB.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"How to write a lead for a press release\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-press-release-tw.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AnnWylie\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/\",\"name\":\"How to write a lead for a press release - Wylie Communications, Inc.\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2016-05-24T11:22:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-08T14:50:02+00:00\",\"description\":\"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png\",\"width\":600,\"height\":300},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Content-writing tips for communicators\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Get the word out with public relations writing\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"How to organize a press release\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"How to write a lead for a press release\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/\",\"name\":\"Wylie Communications, Inc.\",\"description\":\"Writing workshops, communication consulting and writing services\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Wylie Communications Inc.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wylie_new_logo-300.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wylie_new_logo-300.png\",\"width\":300,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"Wylie Communications Inc.\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WylieCommunications\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/AnnWylie\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/wyliecomm\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/wylie-communications-inc-\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/wyliecomminc\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to write a lead for a press release - Wylie Communications, Inc.","description":"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to write a lead for a press release","og_description":"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s","og_url":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/","og_site_name":"Wylie Communications, Inc.","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WylieCommunications","article_modified_time":"2023-09-08T14:50:02+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-press-release-FB.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"How to write a lead for a press release","twitter_description":"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-press-release-tw.png","twitter_site":"@AnnWylie","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/","url":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/","name":"How to write a lead for a press release - Wylie Communications, Inc.","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png","datePublished":"2016-05-24T11:22:14+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-08T14:50:02+00:00","description":"How to write a lead for a press release: Go beyond the 5 W\u2019s","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release.png","width":600,"height":300},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/how-to-write-a-lead-for-a-press-release\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Content-writing tips for communicators","item":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Get the word out with public relations writing","item":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How to organize a press release","item":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/public-relations-writing\/how-to-organize-a-press-release\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"How to write a lead for a press release"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/","name":"Wylie Communications, Inc.","description":"Writing workshops, communication consulting and writing services","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#organization","name":"Wylie Communications Inc.","url":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wylie_new_logo-300.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wylie_new_logo-300.png","width":300,"height":300,"caption":"Wylie Communications Inc."},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WylieCommunications","https:\/\/x.com\/AnnWylie","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/wyliecomm\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/wylie-communications-inc-","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/wyliecomminc\/"]}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P4rlSw-3E4","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14016"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14016"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14016\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14010"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}