In a world where journalists scan hundreds of emails each day and Google only shows the first 60 characters before a cutoff, your press release is only as strong as its headline.
The difference between a pickup and a pass often comes down to one line:
Your headline.
This guide dives into:
- What makes a press release headline “clickable” in 2025
- Real examples of good vs. bad headlines
- Formulas that top-performing PR teams use
- Tips to optimize headlines for SEO and media
- A headline-writing checklist you can use every time
Let’s help your next press release headline rise to the top of inboxes and Google results.
Why Headlines Matter More Than Ever in 2025
Think about this:
- Journalists scan first — they don’t read
- Google truncates titles in search results after 55–65 characters
- LinkedIn and email previews show just 1–2 lines
- AI readers (like Gemini and ChatGPT) summarize based on headline strength
If your headline isn’t newsy, strong, or understandable in 3 seconds… it fades away.
According to HubSpot (2025), strong press release headlines increase media open rates by up to 69%.
What Makes a Great Press Release Headline?
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Clear & concise | Plain English, strong verbs, easy to skim |
| Specific & relevant | Includes naming (brand, product, funding, result) |
| News angle ready | Feels like a real headline you’d see in The Hindu or ET |
| SEO friendly | Uses keywords for Google News + branded search |
| Optimal length | 8–12 words or ~60–65 characters max |
| Interesting hook | Poses a result, reveals something, or hints at benefit |
Best-Performing Headline Formulas (2025 Edition)
- [Company] Launches [Product] to Solve [Problem]
Ex: Zeroharm Launches Plant-Based Diabetes Supplement for Indian Seniors - [Company] Raises ₹[Amount] in [Funding Round] to Expand [Use Case]
Ex: Growthify Raises ₹20 Cr Seed Round to Scale AI Hiring in Tier 2 Cities - [Solution/Product] Now Available in [New Region/Market]
Ex: Swiggy Genie Now Available in 20+ Small Towns Across Tamil Nadu - [Brand] Partners with [Brand] to [Impact Statement]
Ex: Meesho Partners with Shopify to Help 5L Indian Sellers Go Global - [Name] Appointed as [Role] at [Company]
Ex: Ex-NASA Engineer Appointed CTO of SkyLogic Technologies - [Company] Debuts [Feature] Ahead of [Event/Season]
Ex: UrbanRide Launches Festive Safety Features Ahead of Diwali - [Achievement or Statistic] Marks Milestone for [Company]
Ex: 1 Million Downloads Signal Success of FinEdge Gold Investment App
Good vs Bad Headline Examples
| Bad Headline | Why It Fails |
| “We Did a Thing ” | Vague, unsearchable, no news value |
| “ABC Technologies Is Changing the Game” | Overused, no specificity |
| “Big News Coming Soon!” | Teaser; not suitable for press releases |
| “Innovation at Its Best With Our Latest Update” | Buzzword-heavy; lacks credibility and real info |
| Great Headline | Why It Works |
| “BioZen Launches Smart Yoga Mat with Real-Time Posture Feedback” | Specific product, clear CTA, press-friendly wording |
| “Delhivery Acquires SaaS Startup TrackBot for ₹60 Cr” | Timely, factual, includes numbers and action |
| “Flipkart Launches Vernacular Payments in 4 Indian Languages” | Shows relevance, innovation, and clear impact |
SEO & Visibility Tips for Press Release Headlines
Include your brand or product name early if possible
Use Google Keywords (via tools like SEMrush or Ubersuggest)
Match headline to your blog title or landing page H1
Front-load keywords (e.g., “Funding,” “Launch,” “Partnership”)
Use colon format when helpful:
Ex: “MamaEarth Raises ₹100 Cr: Plans Sustainable Packaging Expansion”
Headline Checklist Before You Publish
- Is it under 65 characters?
- Does it sound like a real article title, not a company blog?
- Does a journalist know what happened and why it matters by reading it once?
- Is it clear without buzzwords?
- Would you click this on Twitter or Google News?
If yes to all → You’re ready to send!
FAQs – Writing Headlines for Press Releases
Q: Should I use emojis or slang to stand out?
No — press releases require clarity and credibility. Save emojis for social channels.
Q: Can I write one headline and use it everywhere?
Yes, but adapt slightly for different platforms (shorter for Twitter/X, stronger SEO for press page).
Q: Is it okay to be a little dramatic?
Only if based on a real insight or story angle. Overselling = ignored.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, your headline is your first impression with media, investors, customers, and search engines.
Keep it clear
Make it relevant
Drive curiosity, not confusion
Treat it like an article title — not a marketing slogan
If your headline gets ignored, the rest of your press release never has a chance.
Want Better Press Release Headlines That Drive Results?
We’ll write 3–5 headline options for every release
Tailored for SEO, media, and social shareability
Distribution-ready with journalist feedback included
Book a Free Press Release Headline Strategy Call Today
