
The classic press release isn’t dead—it’s just been redesigned for digital. In the UK, press release formats now serve two masters: journalists and algorithms. If your structure fails either, your story won’t go far.
This guide explains the current press release UK format that performs across syndication platforms, mobile devices, and SEO algorithms. Whether you’re publishing via free press release distribution or using paid PR distribution services, the structure must be strategic.
Why Format Matters More Than Ever
- Journalists scan first, read second
- Google indexes structure to assess relevance
- Mobile users demand fast, readable layouts
- Press release distribution platforms now score formatting
So yes—how your press release looks affects how far it spreads.
The 2025 Press Release UK Format (Step-by-Step)
1. Headline (≤ 70 characters)
- Action-oriented
- Keyword-rich (e.g., “press release UK”)
- Specific: What’s new and why it matters
“London FinTech Startup Secures £2M to Expand SME Credit Access”
2. Subheadline (Optional, ≤ 120 characters)
- Adds context
- Introduces product, impact, or quote
“ZentroPay aims to improve lending access for UK-based freelancers and micro-businesses.”
3. Dateline
Format: City, UK – 22 June 2025
This signals immediacy and location relevance—key for press release UK visibility.
4. Opening Paragraph (Who, What, When, Where, Why)
No fluff. Cover the essentials in 2–3 lines. Journalists and search bots should get the story instantly.
“ZentroPay, a London-based FinTech firm, announced today it has secured £2 million in seed funding led by Founders UK. The funds will support lending expansion for underbanked SMEs across the UK.”
5. Body Paragraphs (H2/H3 Headers)
- Use quotes, impact data, product benefits
- Add media mentions or industry context
- Break up text into readable sections
- Bold important keyword anchors, like: press release distribution or free press release UK
6. Multimedia Elements (if supported)
- Logo
- Founder photo
- Product screenshot
- Infographic
These improve shareability and perception of professionalism.
7. Boilerplate
Brief brand summary (2–3 sentences) with link to company or services page.
“ZentroPay is a UK-based FinTech startup committed to making lending accessible to every small business. Learn more at zentropay.com.”
8. Press Contact Info
- Name
- Title
- Phone
Include a real person if possible—it boosts trust.
9. Call-to-Action (CTA)
This is your revenue lever. End with a clear CTA linked to your goal:
“To learn more or schedule interviews, visit our press release distribution page.”
How the Format Supports SEO and Distribution
Every formatting element aligns with both user experience and distribution engines:
Element | SEO Benefit | Distribution Impact |
---|---|---|
Headline | Keyword relevance | Click potential |
H2/H3 Headers | Structured readability | Platform ranking |
Anchor Links | Backlink power | Referral traffic |
Multimedia | Alt text indexing | Media coverage |
CTA | Conversion boost | Post-read action |
Mobile-First Formatting Checklist
✅ Short paragraphs (2–4 lines)
✅ Bold important info
✅ Clear section breaks (H2/H3)
✅ No jargon walls
✅ Clickable links and CTAs
Most press release UK readers are now mobile-first. Make the format match.
Mistakes to Avoid in Press Release Formatting
- ❌ No spacing between paragraphs
- ❌ Unstructured, dense text blocks
- ❌ No headers or visual breaks
- ❌ No contact or CTA at the end
- ❌ Raw URLs instead of keyword-embedded links
Example of what not to do:
“Visit our website here: www.newsmakers.co.uk”
What to do instead:
“Explore our press release UK solutions.”
Conclusion: Format = Function = Performance
Modern UK press releases succeed because they respect format. Clean structure isn’t just cosmetic—it’s critical for SEO, journalist appeal, and reader trust. Whether you use free press release distribution or premium PR distribution services, get the format right and your message will go further.