Quotes in a press release play a vital role in making the announcement feel authentic, human, and credible. While facts tell the story, quotes give it a voice. Journalists often look for ready-to-use soundbites when covering a release, which is why a strong quote can make the difference between pickup and rejection.
Beyond just adding personality, quotes can also help your press release perform better online. Search engines value unique, human-centered content, and a well-placed quote can boost engagement while making your story more shareable across social media.
In this blog, we’ll explore the right way to include quotes in a press release, explain press release quotes format best practices, and share examples you can use for inspiration.
Why Quotes Matter in a Press Release: Examples & Best Practices
The purpose of a press release is to communicate news clearly and concisely. But without quotes in a press release, it can read like a dry announcement. Quotes add:
- Human perspective: They bring in the voice of a CEO, founder, customer, or partner.
- Credibility: Journalists prefer stories with verifiable, attributed voices.
- Emotion: While the body focuses on facts, quotes let you express enthusiasm, vision, or commitment.
- Storytelling: They help connect the news to broader themes like industry impact or customer benefit.
Quotes also give brands a chance to highlight unique perspectives or insights that numbers and facts alone cannot convey. They humanize your release, making it easier for journalists and readers to connect with the story on a personal level.
In short, quotes transform information into a narrative. Without them, a press release feels incomplete, one of the key elements of a press release you should never skip.
Press Release Quotes Format: How to Write Them Correctly
So, how should you actually format quotes in a press release? The format matters as much as the words.
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Attribution first: Always include the name, title, and organization of the speaker. For example: “We are excited to bring this innovation to market,” said Jane Smith, CEO of TechCorp.
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Punctuation: Use standard quotation marks. Do not italicize quotes, press releases follow journalistic style.
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Placement: Insert quotes after you’ve established the basic facts in the lead and first body paragraph. Quotes should support, not replace, the news.
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Length: Keep quotes to one or two sentences. Avoid lengthy paragraphs that sound like essays.
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Tone: Quotes should sound natural and conversational, not overly corporate.
Formatting is not only about style, it also affects readability. Properly structured quotes guide readers’ eyes and make your release scannable, helping busy journalists quickly grasp the key points without getting lost in long blocks of text.
If you have ever wondered, should quotes be italicized in a press release? - the answer is no. Stick with quotation marks and follow AP style.
Quoting Someone in a Press Release: Who to Choose
Not all voices carry the same weight. Choosing the right spokesperson is strategic. The tone, expertise, and reputation of the person you quote can subtly influence how your news is perceived, making some voices more persuasive or trustworthy than others.
- Company leadership: CEOs, founders, or executives provide authority.
- Subject-matter experts: Product managers or researchers can add credibility.
- Partners or collaborators: For joint announcements, partner quotes show unity.
- Customers or users: In some cases, a customer perspective adds authenticity and proof of impact.
The key is to select a voice that strengthens the story. For example, in a product launch, the CEO might emphasize vision, while a product lead explains functionality.
Press Release Quote Examples
Let’s look at some practical press release quote examples that demonstrate best practices:
Product Launch Example
“This launch represents an important step in our mission to simplify online payments,” said Alex Rivera, Founder of PayX. “We believe it will empower small businesses to compete on a global scale.”
Event Announcement Example
“Bringing together leading voices in sustainability is critical at this time,” said Dr. Priya Shah, Conference Director. “Our goal is to inspire collaboration that drives real change.”
Partnership Example
“Partnering with EcoTech aligns perfectly with our vision of a cleaner future,” said Maria Lopez, CEO of GreenEnergy. “Together, we’re committed to developing solutions that reduce emissions.”
Notice how each quote avoids jargon, adds a human voice, and reinforces the announcement without repeating the facts already stated. For more structural context, you can revisit our breakdown of the anatomy of a press release.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Quotes
While quotes are powerful, they can also weaken a press release if done poorly. Here are common pitfalls:
- Sounding robotic: If it reads like it was written by legal or marketing, it won’t resonate.
- Repeating facts: Quotes should add insight, not duplicate what’s in the lead.
- Overstuffing buzzwords: Words like “synergy,” “cutting-edge,” or “revolutionary” ring hollow.
- Too many voices: Stick to one or two speakers to maintain clarity.
If you avoid these mistakes, your quotes will enhance rather than dilute your press release. For a refresher on the bigger picture, explore our guide to the common mistakes to avoid in a press release.
Conclusion
Quotes in a press release are not optional add-ons. They provide voice, emotion, and authority, helping journalists craft richer stories while giving your announcement a human touch.
The right format, the right speaker, and the right words can elevate your release from an informational note to a story worth sharing.
If you want to ensure your press release quotes are not only well-written but also widely distributed, EasyPR can help. Our distribution network places your news on outlets like Yahoo, Google News, and MSN, maximizing visibility.
Visit the EasyPR to learn more.
FAQs
1. How to format a quote in a press release?
Use quotation marks, provide attribution with name and title, and keep quotes clear and concise. Do not italicize them.
2. Where should quotes go in a press release?
Place them after the lead or first body paragraph, so they support the facts rather than replace them.
3. Who should I quote in a press release?
Typically, CEOs, founders, product leads, or partners are quoted to add authority and credibility.
4. Should quotes be italicized in a press release?
No. Stick to standard quotation marks and follow journalistic style guides like AP style.
5. Can I include more than one quote in a press release?
Yes, but limit it to one or two speakers to keep the message clear and focused.
