This is the second in a series on press releases. 

Previous:  Get Free Media Coverage with Well-Written Press Releases

We'll turn now to the header.  The very first line on the page will be the statement "For Immediate Release".  I'm not sure why, since nearly every press release is for immediate release, but the statement is always put there.  I suppose, if you wanted them to hold your news for a few days, you could put "For release on xx/xx/xxxx" but I think most news agencies will want to break your news first, especially if it's really juicy, so I'm not sure they would honor that.  The release information is usually placed at the top left, with the current date placed at the top right.

The next line at the top of every press release, regardless of whether it is going by e-mail, snail mail, fax, or carrier pigeon, should be your contact information.  Make it easy for reporters to find you if they have questions or want to schedule an interview.  Include every possible means of contact:  street address, business and cell phone numbers, IM screen name, e-mail address, Twitter, Facebook, or whatever else you can think of (don't forget that return carrier pigeon express!).

Your final header should look something like this:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  June 20, 2009

                                                    Contact:    Beth Philley
                              President, Professional Business Associates
                                                      (330) 705-0938
                                                  124 Manor Ave SW
                                                  Canton, OH  44710
                                              bphilley@probizassoc.com

 
You can use just that contact information if you have questions or need assistance in developing press releases for your company.  Look for our next post in this series:  Creating a Targeted Headline for Your Press Release.