In today’s fast-paced, media-driven world, effective communication is critical for businesses, organizations, and public figures looking to get their message out to the masses. A crucial element of corporate communication, the press release serves as an official announcement to the media and the public. One of the key components of any press release is the boilerplate section. But what exactly is a “boilerplate press release,” and why is it essential for every communication strategy?
This blog post will dive deep into the significance of a boilerplate press release, its structure, and how to craft an effective one. Whether you’re a seasoned PR professional or a novice looking to understand the ins and outs of corporate communication, this guide is designed to help you master the art of creating a compelling boilerplate.
Table of Contents
What is a Boilerplate Press Release?
A boilerplate press release refers to a standard section included in every press release, typically at the end, which provides background information about the organization, company, or entity issuing the release. This section remains relatively consistent across multiple press releases, offering journalists and readers essential context about the company.
Unlike the body of a press release, which changes with each new announcement, the boilerplate press release remains the same each time, only updated occasionally to reflect important organizational changes or milestones. It acts as the “signature” of the company, providing journalists with a snapshot of the business or entity that issued the press release.
Why is the Boilerplate Press Release Important?
A well-crafted boilerplate press release plays several critical roles:
- Consistency and Branding: The boilerplate serves as a consistent piece of content that can be reused across multiple press releases. This consistency helps build a strong, recognizable brand identity.
- Provides Essential Information: The boilerplate is a concise way to present important information about your company, such as its mission, history, and values. It ensures that journalists and readers know exactly what your company stands for, even if they haven’t heard of it before.
- Saves Time: Since the boilerplate doesn’t need to be rewritten for every press release, it saves time for PR professionals. This is especially useful when there is a need for quick turnaround on press materials.
- Media-Friendly: A boilerplate press release provides journalists with the background they need to accurately write about your company. It helps ensure that the media is properly informed, which can lead to more favorable coverage.
- SEO and Online Presence: When a press release is published online, the boilerplate section can help improve search engine optimization (SEO). By including relevant keywords and key phrases about your business, the boilerplate helps your content appear in search engine results, making your company more discoverable.
Key Elements of a Boilerplate Press Release
A boilerplate press release is typically structured with the following key elements:
1. Company Overview
This section gives a brief, but informative, summary of your company. It should include:
- The company’s name and industry.
- Its founding year and location.
- A brief description of the company’s primary products, services, or objectives.
2. Mission Statement
The mission statement summarizes the company’s purpose and values. It should be short, clear, and inspiring, reflecting the company’s goals and guiding principles.
3. Key Achievements or Milestones
If relevant, include any major milestones or accomplishments that set your company apart, such as awards, significant partnerships, or industry recognition.
4. Contact Information
Include essential contact information for media inquiries. This should include the company’s public relations or media relations contact, phone number, and email address.
5. Call to Action
While not always necessary, a boilerplate may conclude with a call to action. This could invite readers to learn more, visit the company’s website, or follow the company on social media.
How to Write a Boilerplate Press Release
Now that you understand the importance of the boilerplate and its key components, let’s discuss how to write an effective one.
1. Keep It Concise
The boilerplate should be short—usually no more than 150-200 words. Journalists appreciate brevity, and a concise boilerplate ensures that readers can quickly get the key details about your company without sifting through unnecessary information.
2. Be Clear and Direct
Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Your goal is to provide essential information in a way that is easy for anyone, regardless of their familiarity with your company, to understand.
3. Focus on What Makes Your Company Unique
While it’s important to include basic information, you should also highlight what makes your company different. Whether it’s innovative products, a unique company culture, or a strong commitment to social responsibility, be sure to emphasize what sets your business apart.
4. Update It Regularly
Your boilerplate press release may need to be updated periodically to reflect changes in the company. As your company evolves, its boilerplate should evolve with it. Be sure to review your boilerplate periodically to ensure it still accurately reflects the current state of your business.
5. Use a Professional Tone
The tone of the boilerplate should be professional and consistent with your overall brand voice. It should sound like a polished company description that would appear on a company’s website or official documents.
Example of a Boilerplate Press Release
Let’s take a look at an example of a boilerplate press release for a fictional company:
About XYZ Innovations
XYZ Innovations is a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions that improve operational efficiency for businesses worldwide. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, XYZ Innovations specializes in developing advanced software and AI-driven platforms designed to streamline business processes. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric service, XYZ Innovations helps organizations harness the power of technology to drive growth and success.
For more information, visit www.xyzinnovations.com or follow us on social media @XYZInnovations.
Contact:
Jane Doe
Public Relations Manager
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: [email protected]
Tips for Incorporating Your Boilerplate into Press Releases
The boilerplate press release should be placed at the end of each press release you issue. Here are some helpful tips for integrating your boilerplate effectively:
- Placement: The boilerplate should always appear at the end of the press release, following the main content. It’s usually marked by the word “###” or “-END-” to signify the conclusion of the press release.
- Consistency: Ensure the boilerplate is used consistently across all press releases. You can update it periodically, but it should be included in every press release as part of your standard template.
- Brand Guidelines: Be sure the tone and style of your boilerplate align with your brand’s messaging and voice. Your boilerplate is a key touchpoint for media and potential clients, so it’s essential that it reflects your brand’s identity.
Conclusion
A boilerplate press release is an essential component of your overall press release strategy. It provides consistency, saves time, and ensures that your company’s key information is communicated effectively to the media. By crafting a clear, concise, and compelling boilerplate, you can ensure that journalists, stakeholders, and potential customers have a solid understanding of your business, no matter how many times your press releases are issued.
When writing a boilerplate press release, remember to focus on what makes your company unique, keep it brief, and ensure it aligns with your company’s overall branding and communication strategies. With a well-written boilerplate, you can present your company in the best possible light and build strong, lasting relationships with the media and public.
