How To Write an Award Press Release (w/ Example + Template)

Winning an award is a big deal—whether it’s a local business award, an industry recognition, or a national honor, it’s a moment worth celebrating. But how do you make sure the world hears about your achievement?

An award press release is one of the most powerful tools you can use to spread the news. It can increase your credibility, attract media attention, and position your brand or organization as a leader in your field.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to write an effective award press release that gets noticed. We’ll break down the structure, give you insider tips, and provide a customizable template and example you can follow.

What Is an Award Press Release?

An award press release is a formal news announcement issued to the media that highlights a specific award or recognition your business, team, or individual has received. Its main purpose is to inform journalists, stakeholders, customers, and the public about the honor and why it matters.

This type of press release is used to:

• Celebrate a recent win
• Highlight your organization’s achievements
• Increase visibility in your industry or community
• Build trust with clients and investors

Award press releases are typically shared with media outlets, included on your website, posted on social media, and sometimes emailed to subscribers or internal stakeholders.

Why You Need To Write an Award Press Release

A well-written award press release does more than just announce a win. It has real business and branding benefits, including:

1. Increases Brand Credibility

Awards serve as third-party validation. When a credible organization recognizes your work, it boosts your reputation. Sharing that recognition through a press release helps build trust among potential clients, investors, and even future hires.

2. Enhances Media Visibility

Journalists are always looking for interesting stories—especially ones involving local businesses, standout individuals, or industry leaders. An award press release gives reporters a compelling reason to write about you, especially if your achievement ties into a larger trend or event.

3. Boosts Team Morale

Recognition isn’t just good for public relations; it’s also great for internal motivation. When your team sees their work being acknowledged in a public, professional way, it validates their effort and encourages continued excellence.

4. Attracts Clients, Partners, or Investors

Awards can influence purchasing and investment decisions. When potential partners or clients read about your recent recognition, they’re more likely to view you as a top-tier option in your industry.

Who Should Write an Award Press Release?

You don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to issue an award press release. In fact, these announcements are powerful for organizations of all sizes, across industries. Here’s who should consider writing one:

Businesses

Small businesses, startups, and corporations alike can benefit from announcing awards. Whether it’s a local “Best of” award or an international innovation prize, it adds credibility and momentum to your brand.

Nonprofits

For nonprofits, awards highlight impact and mission-driven success. They can also support fundraising campaigns by showing that your organization is respected and effective.

Public Figures

Entrepreneurs, authors, artists, and other public figures can use award press releases to promote their personal brand and gain visibility in the media.

Startups and Entrepreneurs

Startups often struggle with credibility early on. Winning an award—even a small one—can be a powerful differentiator in a crowded market. A press release gets that win in front of the right people.

Key Elements of a Great Award Press Release

Writing a press release that gets noticed requires a solid structure. Here are the key elements every award press release should include:

1. Headline

Start with a strong, clear headline that summarizes the news. Use active language and make it compelling enough to grab attention. Example:
“EcoTech Wins National Sustainability Innovation Award for 2025”

2. Subheadline (Optional)

A subheadline can offer extra context or highlight another key point. Keep it short and informative.
Example: “The company was recognized for its groundbreaking solar-powered water filtration system.”

3. Dateline and Location

Standard press releases start with a dateline that includes the city and date. This shows when and where the news is coming from.
Example: CHICAGO, IL – April 3, 2025

4. Lead Paragraph

This is your opening paragraph. It should answer the key questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Keep it concise and punchy.

5. Details About the Award

Explain what the award is, who gave it, what it recognizes, and why your organization was selected. If the award has a theme or criteria, mention that too.

6. Quotes

Include quotes from key people—such as your CEO, team members, or the award organizers. Quotes add emotion, credibility, and a human voice to your announcement.

7. Background on the Organization and Award

Provide a short paragraph with background on your company and the organization granting the award. This adds context and helps journalists unfamiliar with your brand.

8. Call-to-Action or Next Steps

What should readers do next? Visit your website? Register for an event? Follow you on social media? End with a clear CTA.

9. Media Contact Information

Don’t forget to include your press contact’s name, phone number, and email. This is crucial for journalists who want to follow up.

Tips for Writing an Effective Award Press Release

Writing a press release is both an art and a science. You want it to be informative and professional, but also engaging enough to stand out. Here are several tips to help you craft a press release that resonates with journalists and your audience:

1. Be Clear and Concise

Stick to the facts and keep your language direct. Avoid fluff, jargon, or overly technical terms unless your audience expects it. Most editors scan press releases quickly—so make every word count.

2. Highlight the Significance of the Award

Don’t just say you won an award—tell readers why it matters. Is it a well-known industry award? Were there hundreds of applicants? Is it a first for your region or company type? Emphasize what makes this win special.

3. Keep It Newsworthy

Ask yourself: Would this be interesting to someone outside your company? Focus on angles that matter to the broader public or industry. Tie it into current events, trends, or bigger accomplishments if possible.

4. Add Credible and Exciting Quotes

Well-placed quotes bring your press release to life. Instead of vague praise like “We’re honored,” include insights that reflect your company values or future goals. For example:

“Winning this award confirms our commitment to creating green technologies that serve communities globally,” said CEO Maria Lewis. “It’s not just a milestone—it’s a motivator for what comes next.”

You can also include a quote from the awarding body, if available, to increase credibility.

5. Include Multimedia (Photos, Videos, Logos)

Most journalists and media outlets prefer content they can publish quickly. Adding high-resolution photos (such as award ceremony pictures, product shots, or your team), videos, or your company logo enhances the release and boosts chances of being featured.

6. Format It Like a Journalist Would

Press releases follow a standard format because editors expect it. Use short paragraphs, avoid bold or underlined text in the body, and stick to the third person. If you follow journalistic standards, your release is more likely to be picked up or quoted directly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a great story can fall flat if the press release is poorly executed. Here are common mistakes you’ll want to sidestep:

1. Overhyping Without Proof

Avoid exaggerated language like “world’s best,” “revolutionary,” or “unmatched” unless you can back it up. Let the facts and award speak for themselves. You want to sound professional, not promotional.

2. Skipping Key Details

Make sure you explain who gave the award, what it recognizes, and why you won. Leaving out the award organization’s name or the criteria for winning can make your press release vague or incomplete.

3. Writing in a Salesy Tone

Press releases aren’t ads. Your tone should be objective and news-focused. Instead of trying to sell your product or service, focus on the achievement and its significance.

4. Ignoring Formatting Standards

If your release looks sloppy—odd fonts, missing dateline, inconsistent spacing—it may never get read. Stick to a clean, readable format. Use spell-check and double-check names and dates.

5. Forgetting Contact Information

Always include the name, email, and phone number of someone the media can contact for more information. Missing this can kill your chance of follow-up coverage or interviews.

Award Press Release Template

Use the following template to structure your own award press release. Just fill in the blanks and customize the language to fit your tone and audience.

Feel free to adjust the tone to match your branding—more formal for corporate audiences or more conversational for creative industries. Just remember to keep the structure intact for clarity and consistency.

Award Press Release Example

Here’s a fictional example to illustrate how everything comes together in a finished press release:

Where to Distribute Your Award Press Release

Once your press release is written and polished, it’s time to get it in front of the right audience. Distribution is just as important as writing—if no one sees your press release, it can’t do its job.

Here are the best places to distribute your award press release:

1. Press Release Distribution Services

These platforms help you reach journalists, bloggers, and media outlets at scale. Some popular options include:

• NewswireJet – Affordable and beginner-friendly with wide reach.
• EIN Presswire – Great for SEO and multimedia inclusion.
• PR Newswire – Known for extensive media connections, though it’s more expensive.
• Business Wire – Preferred by Fortune 500 companies for global distribution.

Each service has different pricing, audience targeting, and features, so choose based on your budget and goals.

2. Your Company Website or Blog

Create a “Press” or “News” section on your website where you can post the release. It helps build credibility with website visitors and improves SEO—especially when your company name and award are mentioned together.

3. Social Media Platforms

Break your press release into bite-sized content for platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram. Pair it with an eye-catching image or short video clip to increase engagement.

Tip: Tag the awarding organization and any partners—they may reshare your announcement with their own followers.

4. Email Newsletters

If you have an email list, include the announcement in your next newsletter. Whether it’s a client base, donor network, or investor list, these people already care about your success—and will want to celebrate the win with you.

5. Industry-Specific Media Outlets

Target trade publications, blogs, and media outlets that cover your field. If you’re in tech, try TechCrunch. In fashion? Pitch to WWD. These niche outlets often crave relevant news from within the industry and may offer more targeted coverage than mainstream media.

Final Thoughts

An award is more than just a plaque or a press photo—it’s a moment of recognition that deserves to be shared. Whether you're a startup gaining traction or a seasoned company marking a milestone, a well-crafted press release helps extend the impact of that win far beyond the awards ceremony.

By following the right structure, writing with clarity, and distributing it strategically, your press release can spark media coverage, grow your audience, and open doors to new opportunities.

So don’t just win—own the win. Announce it with confidence and professionalism.

FAQ: Award Press Releases

Q1: When should you write an award press release?

A: Ideally, write and send your press release as soon as the award is officially announced or received. Timeliness increases its newsworthiness and relevance to journalists and readers.

Q2: Can I write a press release for a nomination or finalist position?

A: Yes! Being nominated or selected as a finalist is also newsworthy—just be clear that it’s a nomination, not a win, and highlight what makes the recognition special.

Q3: How long should an award press release be?

A: Keep it between 300–500 words. It should be long enough to include essential details and quotes but short enough to retain media attention.