In the PR world, a small element may become crucial. Like something as simple as a boilerplate.
What is a boilerplate in a press release? It's like your company's ID card wrapped up in a press release – short and sweet but so very important in making a bond with your audience. As well as increase brand recognition.
This article will show you how to master the creation of compelling boilerplates, whether you're a PR pro or just starting out. So get ready to make your press release shine!
- What is a boilerplate?
- What to include in a press release boilerplate?
- How to write an effective boilerplate?
- Where to place a boilerplate in a press release
- Why is a boilerplate section important in press releases?
- Questions to answer in a boilerplate
- Press release boilerplate examples
- Frequently asked questions about boilerplates
- Create boilerplates easier with press release templates
Looking for a way to write a proper one and reach your target audience? Use Prowly's press release templates and do it with just a few clicks.
Prowly can help you find and reach relevant reporters as well to make your press release stand out.
What is a boilerplate?
A company boilerplate is a brief standard introduction in documents like press releases that tells the audience what an organization is about.
What does the boilerplate mean in business?
It includes standard content like terms, disclaimers, and company descriptions. Thanks to the boilerplate, press releases can maintain consistency and improve brand recognition at the same time.
What to include in a press release boilerplate?
Let's get down to business and cover a standard boilerplate press release structure. Here are the major pieces, all laid out in a line:
- Company tagline and logo or catchphrase: make your company recognizable.
- The mission: provide a concise description of your company's mission and its core values.
- Awards, honors, recognitions and impressive metrics: tell the readers about your accomplishments and add some numbers if relatable.
- Stock ticker symbol: provide it here if your company has one.
- Unique positioning: identify what sets your company apart from competitors.
- Products and services: describe in short sentences the company's core offer.
- The website: add your website URL to direct your target audience to more information.
Think of your company boilerplate as more than just plain text; it's like your digital bio. This section is your organization's critical introduction, providing a quick glimpse of who you are and what you've accomplished.
If your company proudly holds a position as an industry leader, this is the perfect place to spotlight it. By emphasizing your status, you not only instill confidence in your audience but also position your brand as a trusted authority in your field.
How to write an effective boilerplate?
Even though it is such a small part, the meaning of a boilerplate is crucial. How to create a boilerplate press release to be effective, though? Just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Be consistent with your brand
Given the typical brevity of boilerplates, it's crucial to represent your brand succinctly. Consider emphasizing aspects that resonate with your brand's identity. Is boilerplate marketing? Partially. So focus on highlighting the best in coherence with your brand core.
Step 2: Pitch your business
A company boilerplate document helps maintain consistent communication and may provide great support in meeting business goals. A boilerplate in a press release should indicate potential and real value to (future) consumers, focusing on vital aspects like financial growth and market relevance, all in line with the company's goals.
Step 3: Let them contact you
Enhance audience interaction by providing contact info: phone, email, link to your website, or your HQ address for any inquiries.
Step 4: Close with a CTA
Encourage readers to take some action, such as following your social media or visiting your website. This CTA aims to engage the audience effectively, helping them recall your company and brand.
When crafting your CTA, choose a clear and easy-to-follow approach.
Where to place a boilerplate in a press release?
Your company boilerplate should be placed at the end of the whole press release. It is the cherry on top of the cake.
Boilerplate in the standard press release format
To understand the boilerplate’s meaning even better, take a look at the standard structure of a press release boilerplate. As you can see for a company, this section is like a good bio.
It is the end of a press release. And it is very common that the last words stick in readers' minds much longer. So make your boilerplate content valid. Here you can find a standard press release layout:
- Headline
- Subheader / Lead
- Dateline
- Body
- Quote
- Company info
- Logo
- Media contact information
- Boilerplate
Remember that the company boilerplate section is a great spot for important information that you might be tempted to repeat in the headline or the main text.
If your company is proudly known as 'Germany’s top transport services provider' or 'the largest pharmacy franchise in Eastern Europe,' go ahead and highlight it in the company info section instead of repeating yourself. This way, you free up space in those sections for more valuable details.
And if you want to learn more about press releases and the specifics of each element, check out this article: How to Write a Press Release (With Tips From PR Pros). There you’ll find a description of what should be included in every section, including a company boilerplate. All with a dose of handy tips from industry experts.
Why is a boilerplate section important in press releases?
Your company boilerplate press release is like a business card for readers. It shapes the last impression and helps journalists remember your brand while they craft their articles. Think about keeping it concise. Moreover, remember that some journalists might not publish lengthy ones.
A well-written company boilerplate copy may:
- convey the company's vision
- showcase achievements
- draw in new customers and boost engagement rate
- increase brand recognition
A small and often neglected part of your press release may bring you many profits!
You can use Prowly's Press Release Creator and always remember to add your boilerplate, thanks to the handy, fully editable templates - just like a part of the one below.
Questions to answer in a boilerplate
To create a comprehensive and well-structured boilerplate that effectively conveys the essence of your company, it is imperative to address the following key questions. By thoughtfully considering these questions, you can formulate a meticulous plan for your company boilerplate and ensure appropriate message and brand recognition.
What is your company’s size?
Cover the numbers: employees, customers, branches. Is your company a global leader or an aspiring local organization? Add some geographical data as well.
What products or services does your company provide?
First things first – are you a service provider or an operator in commerce? It is crucial to indicate the range of your portfolio. You can also point out some best-sellers.
What distinguishes your company from other competitors?
Showing readers your value should be on your mind while creating a company boilerplate. Let them know why your services/products stand out from the crowd. And why it's worth choosing your company.
What is your company's history and goals?
Share your story with your target audience, tell them where you come from and where you are heading. Introduce the most important milestones on your company's journey.
P.S. Here are 15 brand story examples to get inspired by.
What recent achievements or awards has your company received?
If you have received any, brag about them! Show the reader that your company can earn market appreciation.
Keep in mind that to fulfill its purpose, a company boilerplate should tell the reader as much as it can about your company. On the other hand, remember to avoid repeating information you have already covered in other sections of your press release.
Press release boilerplate examples
If you look at press release examples, you’ll see slight differences in formatting. Some put their contact information before the boilerplate. You have a bit of leeway as long as all the crucial elements are included, resulting in a well-formatted press release.
Aleksandra Kubicka, Prowly's PR Evangelist, chose these boilerplate examples and explained why getting inspired by them is a good practice.
Boilerplate press release example 1
Knowing Apple's terrific branding, marketing, and PR efforts, it's no wonder their boilerplate is also a masterpiece to learn from.
Why it works so well:
- An overview of the company’s background, its main products, and the impact they have on their users are all included.
- It highlights their employees and gives an insight into the company’s vision.
- Afterward, contact information is included for journalists or media outlets.
You can create similar press releases to Apple's even if you run a small business. Read tips from this article and level up your press release copy.
Boilerplate example 2
Klarna is a global payment provider that works with merchants to make shopping easier and more convenient. Here's the analysis of their boilerplate.
Why it works so well:
- It tells a story about the change - what is Klarna changing in people’s lives, how is it improving their lives?
- Full of numbers - millions of users, transactions, thousands of integrated partners, it is credible, no need to put the cliché phrases like “we are the global leader” or “leading provider of…” it properly shows the scale of the business.
- Mentions well known brands that are partners - also extra credibility points.
Boilerplate example 3
Ben & Jerry's is an ice cream brand known for its creative flavors and unique combinations of mix-ins like cookie dough, nuts, and candy pieces. Their boilerplate is also noteworthy for showing the company's mission and values.
Why it works so well:
- This is a long one, but it’s a good example of how to blend a story about a company’s values and their mission with classic product and retail info.
- It is credible, it not only includes the company’s mission and policies but also a proof point - what they have done so far to reflect their values.
Boilerplate example 4
Oracle is a cloud-based service that provides businesses with a suite of tools to help manage their data and systems - and highlights it in their boilerplate.
Why it works so well:
- Short and sweet, but answers all the most important questions.
- Includes who they are helping and what with. And how they are helping their clients.
- What is their product? Includes a short technical description and its functions.
- How big are they? Includes the number of their customers and markets.
Each of these boilerplates is thoughtfully crafted to serve as a blueprint, offering a well-structured framework that you can adapt and follow. Choosing the most suitable boilerplate example can simplify the process of creating a concise and effective piece of content that encapsulates your company's essence and provides valuable information to your readers; be they journalists, potential clients, or stakeholders.
What comes next?
Use Prowly's Media Database and search for those journalists who can help you spread the word about your news. And to make it as effective as possible - use AI contact suggestions to speed up the process of choosing the perfect media to cover your story even more.
We prepared two guides to walk you through using the AI Press Release Generator for the best results, as well as for writing and pitching press releases with AI.
Frequently asked questions about boilerplates
What else should you know about writing a company boilerplate? Let's cover some of the most frequently asked questions that we haven't answered yet:
Q: How long should a company boilerplate be?
Boilerplates should be kept relatively short, usually around 100 words. It should provide a quick snapshot of the company without being overly detailed.
Q: Can boilerplates be used in other documents besides releases?
Yes, boilerplates can be used in many various documents, such as business reports, proposals, and marketing materials. It aims to provide a set of standardized information about the company across different materials.
Q: Can boilerplates be customized for different press release examples?
Yes, boilerplates can be customized to some extent for different press releases. Particularly to highlight specific information or recent improvements.
Q: How often should I update my company boilerplate?
It's a good practice to review and update your press release boilerplate periodically. You should be sure that it reflects the most current information about your business. This is especially important if there have been significant changes in your business.
Q: Are there any industry-specific guidelines for creating a press release boilerplate?
Different industries may have unique conventions or standards for boilerplates. It's a good idea to research and align your company boilerplate with industry best practices.
Create boilerplates easier with press release templates
Press release creation is now simpler than ever, thanks to Prowly's Press Release Creator tool. Just imagine, all you need to do is effortlessly fill in the blanks with your relevant information, and voilà, you are ready to go!
This user-friendly tool streamlines the process, saving you time and effort, while ensuring your press release is both professional and attention-grabbing.
