Journalists get hundreds of pitches a day.
If your press release headline doesn’t stand out, it won’t get opened—let alone published.
Your headline is the first (and sometimes only) impression you’ll make.
Whether you’re announcing a launch, milestone, or partnership, crafting a compelling headline is what gets you noticed.
Here are 8 expert tips to write press release headlines that grab real media attention.
Clever headlines might work for blogs, but for press releases, clarity wins.
Say exactly what the news is—don’t bury the story.
Reporters are scanning for relevance, not wordplay.
Avoid vague terms like "great," "big," or "exciting."
Instead, use concrete, action-driven language that conveys impact.
Numbers, names, or milestones make your headline more clickable.
Make sure your company name or core topic is part of the headline.
Don’t assume the reader will scroll down to find it.
This also helps with search visibility.
Ask yourself: why would the media care?
Focus on the angle that makes the announcement timely, relevant, or industry-moving.
Don’t try to stretch a non-story into a headline.
Short headlines get read.
If it takes too long to understand, it’ll be skipped.
Aim for clarity and brevity—ideally under 110 characters.
What’s in it for the reader—or the reporter’s audience?
Frame your headline around the value or result your news delivers.
Think like a journalist writing for clicks.
Professional formatting matters.
Use title case (Capitalize Major Words) to signal a polished press release.
Avoid ALL CAPS—it looks spammy and is harder to read.
Try multiple variations before submitting your release.
Run them by a colleague or use a subject line analyzer.
A few tweaks can be the difference between ignored and published.
Media outlets won’t read past a weak headline.
If you want coverage, your press release needs to start strong.
At Brand Featured, we help brands craft compelling stories and headlines that media outlets actually want to publish.
📢 Want your next press release to get noticed?
Get featured today or contact our team to get expert help with press release strategy.
Visit our FAQ page for more.
1. How long should a press release headline be?
Ideally under 15 words or 110 characters. Shorter is easier to scan.
2. Can I use puns or humor in my press release headline?
Not usually. Clarity and professionalism matter more than being clever.
3. Should I include my brand name in the headline?
Yes. It improves relevance and helps with search visibility.
4. What if my news isn’t very exciting?
Focus on the most relevant angle. Even a small update can be positioned strategically.
5. Can Brand Featured help with writing headlines?
Absolutely. We help you craft compelling headlines and press releases that get picked up by real media outlets.
