A press release headline is the most important sentence you will write. It serves one primary purpose. It must convince a journalist or editor to read the rest of your story.
Most reporters receive hundreds of emails every day. They spend only a few seconds looking at a subject line or headline before deciding to keep it or delete it.
You need a headline that is direct. It must be engaging. It should communicate clear value immediately.
We provide specific examples and formulas you can use right now.
Product Launch Headlines
A product launch is a common reason for a press release. You want to announce a new service or a physical item. The goal is to spark curiosity. You also want to show how the product solves a problem.
Here are some effective examples:
[Brand Name] Launches Groundbreaking [Product Name] to Revolutionize [Industry]
Introducing [Product Name]: The Future of [Solution/Industry] Is Here
[Startup Name] Unveils Innovative [Product/Service] for [Target Audience]
When you write these, focus on innovation. Do not just say you have a new product. Explain why the product matters. Use words that describe the impact on the industry.
Focus on the target audience. If your product helps small business owners, mention them. Specificity is your friend. It helps the right journalists find your story.
Partnership and Collaboration Headlines
Strategic alliances show that your company is growing. They demonstrate that other leaders trust your brand. These headlines should highlight the mutual benefit of the partnership.
Consider these formulas:
- [Brand Name] Partners with [Company] to Expand in [Market]
- [Brand A] and [Brand B] Join Forces to Deliver [Benefit]
- [Company] Collaborates with [Industry Leader] on New [Project]
A partnership headline needs to mention both entities. It should also state the goal of the collaboration. Will you reach a new country? Will you build a new technology? State this clearly in the headline.
Avoid flowery language. Stick to the facts of the agreement. Journalists want to know what this partnership means for the market.
Milestone and Achievement Headlines
Milestones prove your brand is stable and successful. These stories build credibility with investors and customers. Use these headlines to highlight user growth, company anniversaries, or industry awards.
Examples include:
- [Company Name] Surpasses [Milestone]: [Number] Users and Counting
- [Company] Celebrates [X Years] of Innovation
- [Startup] Named One of the Fastest-Growing Companies in [Region/Industry]
Numbers are very effective in headlines. They provide a concrete data point for the reader. If you have reached one million users, put that number in the headline. If you won a prestigious award, name the award.
Data makes your story more newsworthy. It gives the journalist a "hook" for their article.
Expert Commentary and Thought Leadership
You can use press releases to position your team as experts. This is helpful when you have data to share or a prediction about the future. These headlines focus on the person and their insight.
Use these structures:
- [CEO Name] Predicts What’s Next for [Industry] in [Year]
- [Company] Publishes Key Industry Report on [Topic]
- [Brand] Shares Expert Tips for [Challenge/Trend]
Thought leadership builds authority. It makes your brand the "go-to" source for news in your niche. When you release a report, use the headline to share the most shocking or important finding.
This approach works well for B2B companies. It shows you understand the challenges your clients face.
Event and Announcement Headlines
Promoting an event requires a different approach. You need to provide the "when" and the "where" or at least the "what." These headlines work for webinars, conferences, or live reveals.
Try these examples:
- [Company] to Host Free Webinar on [Hot Topic]
- [Brand] Confirms Participation in [Industry Conference]
- Save the Date: [Company] to Reveal [Product] Live on [Date]
Urgency is key here. If the event is happening soon, make sure that is clear. Mention if the event is free or if it features a high-profile guest.
Events are great for local media coverage. They give reporters a specific time and place to gather content.
Proven Headline Formulas for High Engagement
If you are stuck, you can use these benefit-driven formulas. These are designed to appeal to both journalists and search engines.
The Benefit-Driven Formula:
- "[Who] Can [Achieve Benefit] With [Your Product] in [Timeframe]"
Example: Coffee Shop Owners Increase Sales 20% with New Online Order System.
This works because it promises a specific outcome for a specific person.
The Problem-Solver Formula
- "How [Company] Solves [Pain Point]"
Example: How Secure Cloud Makes Data Protection Effortless for Small Businesses.
This addresses a struggle the reader is currently facing.
The Secret or Exclusive Formula
- "The Secret to [Desired Outcome] is [Your Solution]"
Example: The Secret to Effortless Social Media Growth is Our New AI Tool.
This creates curiosity. It implies you have information the reader does not have yet.
The Numbered List Formula
- "[Number] Ways [Company] Helps [Audience] Achieve [Benefit]"
Example: 5 Ways EcoClean Helps Homeowners Reduce Energy Bills This Winter.
Lists are very easy to read. They perform well on social media and in search results.
Essential Tips for Writing Better Headlines
Follow these rules to ensure your headline is professional and effective.
1. Keep It Short
Aim for 6 to 12 words. If a headline is too long, it will be cut off in search results. It will also look cluttered in an email inbox. Every word must serve a purpose. Remove unnecessary adjectives.
2. Use Active Verbs
Active verbs create a sense of action. Instead of saying "A new store was opened by the company," say "[Company] Opens New Store." This is more direct. It feels like news.
3. Avoid Technical Jargon
Do not use industry terms that a general reporter might not understand. Use simple language. If your product is a "distributed ledger technology," consider calling it "secure record keeping" in the headline. You can explain the technical details in the body of the release.
4. Focus on the Newsworthy Angle
Ask yourself why a stranger would care about this news. Is it the first of its kind? Does it save money? Does it solve a major social issue? Put that reason in the headline.
5. Use Power Words Wisely
Words like "Proven," "New," "Exclusive," or "First" can be effective. Use them only if they are true. If you use "Exclusive" for something everyone already knows, you will lose credibility.
Moving Beyond the Headline
The headline gets the reader into the story. The rest of the press release must deliver on the headline's promise. Your lead paragraph should answer the five Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
Keep your tone professional throughout. Use quotes from executives to add a human element. Provide a "boilerplate" section at the end with a brief description of your company.
By following these steps, you create a professional package that journalists will respect. You are not just sending an announcement; you are providing a valuable story for their audience while also considering press release SEO to improve online visibility.
Public relations is about building relationships. A clear and honest headline is the first step in that relationship. Use these formulas and tips to start seeing better results from your media outreach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a PR headline grab media attention?
A strong PR headline is clear, concise, and highlights the main news or benefit. Journalists prefer headlines that immediately show why the story matters to their audience.
Can I use free PR headline templates effectively?
Yes. Templates can provide structure and inspiration, but it’s important to customize them for your brand and story to avoid sounding generic.
How long should a PR headline be?
Ideally, PR headlines should be 8–12 words or under 70 characters. This keeps them scannable and ensures they appear fully in email pitches and search results.
How do I make my PR headline SEO-friendly?
Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, keep it descriptive, and ensure it accurately reflects the news in your press release.
How do I test if my PR headline works?
You can test headlines by sharing drafts with colleagues, using A/B testing in email pitches, or using headline analyzer tools to check clarity and impact.
