Overview
The article provides a comprehensive guide on writing a sample press release, underscoring the essential components and strategies for effective communication. It highlights the significance of:
- Crafting engaging headlines
- Structuring content logically
- Employing SEO techniques to boost visibility and attract media interest
By doing so, organizations can effectively convey their newsworthy announcements to both the public and the media.
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, press releases stand as a fundamental pillar for businesses seeking to communicate crucial news and elevate their visibility. These formal announcements not only inform the media about significant developments but also bolster a brand’s credibility and authority. As companies confront the intricacies of modern communication, mastering the art of crafting an effective press release becomes imperative.
From formulating attention-grabbing headlines to structuring content that resonates with journalists, the skill of press release writing can profoundly influence a company’s reach and engagement. This article explores the purpose, key elements, and strategies for developing press releases that not only capture attention but also foster meaningful media coverage.
Understanding the Purpose of a Press Release
A sample press release is an official declaration designed to convey newsworthy details about a company, organization, or individual to the press. Its primary objective is to generate interest and coverage from journalists and media outlets, making it an essential tool in any marketing strategy. A sample press release can cover a range of topics, including product launches, company milestones, events, or other significant developments.
The impact of a well-prepared announcement on brand visibility and trustworthiness is profound. Statistics indicate that organizations utilizing announcements effectively can experience a remarkable increase in media exposure, with some reports suggesting that announcements can enhance brand visibility by as much as 47%. This boost in visibility not only improves a brand’s reputation but also drives targeted traffic to the company’s website, ultimately contributing to better search engine rankings.
An SEO-optimized announcement combines valuable news content with strategic SEO techniques, such as the inclusion of relevant keywords and high-quality backlinks, to enhance your website’s search engine performance.
For example, Telenet’s strategic acquisition announcement featured a reassuring quote from CEO John Porter, which effectively addressed employee and client concerns. This communication strategy fostered a sense of stability and cooperation, demonstrating how a carefully crafted announcement can alleviate anxiety and enhance brand perception. Furthermore, incorporating before-and-after scenarios in announcements can effectively showcase the positive influence of a product, further engaging the audience.
In 2025, the purpose of a media announcement remains as crucial as ever. It serves to inform the public and media about significant developments while establishing a brand’s authority within its industry. Including a summary with bullet points before the first paragraph can effectively capture journalists’ attention, providing a concise overview of the news and encouraging further reading.
Experts emphasize the importance of reliable citations in media marketing, as they significantly enhance credibility. As Christopher Pappas notes, “Reliable quotations are crucial for marketing communications because they enhance your credibility.” This underscores the necessity of incorporating authentic voices in announcements to amplify their impact.
In conclusion, understanding the purpose and strategic execution of a sample press release is vital for companies aiming to enhance their brand visibility and credibility in today’s competitive landscape. By leveraging effective media announcements, companies can secure valuable coverage and establish a robust presence in their respective markets. Additionally, utilizing The Link Builder’s premium announcement service can ensure that your notifications are crafted with SEO best practices in mind, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in terms of visibility and engagement.
Key Elements of an Effective Press Release
An effective press release serves as a crucial tool for communicating newsworthy information and typically encompasses several key elements:
- Headline: A concise and compelling title that encapsulates the essence of the announcement, grabbing the reader’s attention immediately. Craft headlines that blend engagement with SEO benefits, keeping them under 100 characters and placing critical keywords within the first 56 characters to avoid truncation by search engines.
- Dateline: Clearly state the date and location of the announcement, providing context for the timing and relevance of the news.
- Lead Paragraph: The opening paragraph is vital as it succinctly answers the who, what, when, where, and why of the news, setting the stage for the details that follow.
- Body: This section expands on the lead, offering detailed information that provides context, supporting facts, and additional insights that enhance the reader’s understanding of the announcement. Incorporate relevant industry keywords naturally to ensure your sample press release appears in searches related to your niche. Include high-quality, relevant links sparingly to avoid over-optimization. Link to your website’s key pages, such as product pages or blog articles, ensuring anchor text uses natural keyword phrases.
- Quotes: Including pertinent quotes from important stakeholders or industry experts enhances credibility and adds a personal touch, making the announcement more relatable and engaging. For instance, Jodie Booras from Kaiona Communications emphasizes the importance of newsworthiness, stating, “Does this news impact those outside the organization?” This viewpoint underscores the necessity for press announcements to connect beyond the organization itself.
- Boilerplate: A short paragraph at the end of the announcement provides background information about the company or organization, assisting journalists in grasping its mission and significance.
- Contact Information: Crucial for press outreach, this section should contain information on how reporters can contact the company for additional questions or interviews.
In 2025, the impact of a news announcement is progressively assessed by its capacity to engage news organizations and the public. Statistics indicate that well-organized announcements can significantly improve media interaction, with some firms noting a threefold rise in traffic after successful distribution. A case study on community-centric event announcements illustrates this point: framing a fundraising event as a celebration of community resilience not only resonated with attendees but also led to increased ticket sales and engagement.
Furthermore, effective announcements frequently include compelling headlines and powerful quotes, which can enhance the overall message. The symbol ‘###’ at the end of a statement indicates the conclusion of the document, akin to the traditional ’30’, ensuring clarity for journalists examining the content. By integrating these components carefully, companies can create a sample press release that not only informs but also motivates action.
The Link Builder focuses on announcement services, ensuring that clients can utilize these strategies effectively to improve their visibility and engagement. Additionally, optimizing file names and alt text for visuals, such as “eco-friendly-product-line.jpg” or “video about sustainable practices,” can further enhance SEO.
Structuring Your Press Release: A Step-by-Step Format
To effectively structure your press release and maximize its SEO impact, follow this step-by-step format:
- Headline: Craft a compelling, attention-grabbing headline that encapsulates the essence of your announcement. Research indicates that headlines with around 70 characters tend to perform best in media pickups. As Mehdi Hassan, Head of Marketing at ZoomShift, aptly states, “Humans have a shorter attention span than goldfish. So saying less is best in the headlines.”
- Subheadline (optional): Provide a concise elaboration of the headline, adding context and enticing the reader to learn more.
- Dateline: Clearly state the city and date of the press release to establish timeliness and relevance.
- Lead Paragraph: Summarize the key points of your announcement, addressing the who, what, when, where, and why to capture the reader’s interest immediately. This section is vital for SEO, as it should contain strategic keywords that improve search engine visibility.
- Body: Offer detailed information organized into clear, concise paragraphs. Utilize bullet points for lists to improve readability and highlight important details. Incorporating industry-specific terms can further enhance relevance to search queries.
- Quotes: Incorporate one or two quotes from key stakeholders or experts to add credibility and depth to your message. As noted by PR professionals, impactful quotes can significantly enhance engagement and authority, which is beneficial for SEO.
- Boilerplate: Conclude with a boilerplate that succinctly describes your company or organization, providing essential background information. This not only informs but also helps in building brand authority.
- Contact Information: Conclude with explicit contact details for press inquiries, ensuring reporters can effortlessly reach out for additional information.
By adopting this organized method, organizations can effectively convey their announcements in a sample press release, which enhances the chances of press attention and ensures clarity in their communication. Case studies indicate that following a sample press release format not only enhances communication but also increases the likelihood of attracting media attention and generating valuable backlinks. Clients have reported significant traffic improvements, with some experiencing a threefold increase due to effective strategies.
Furthermore, using tools such as Prowly, which can recommend journalists based on keywords, can further improve the distribution of your announcement, increasing its visibility and credibility online. Crucially, monitoring metrics such as backlinks and rankings is vital to assess SEO success, while efficient distribution strategies can greatly enhance visibility and engagement, ensuring your announcement reaches the appropriate audience. The Link Builder can assist in enhancing your announcement for maximum effect.
Crafting Attention-Grabbing Headlines and Subheadlines
To create attention-grabbing headlines and subheadlines for press releases, consider the following strategies:
- Be Concise: Aim for headlines that are short and impactful, ideally under 100 characters. This brevity ensures that your message is clear and easily digestible, while also optimizing for search engines by placing critical keywords within the first 56 characters.
- Use Action Words: Begin with strong verbs that convey urgency or significance, compelling readers to take notice.
- Incorporate Keywords: Integrate pertinent industry keywords that accurately represent the content of your announcement. This not only enhances SEO but also helps your announcement reach the right audience. For example, instead of a generic headline like “Announcement of New Sustainable Product Line,” use something like “Sustainable Product Launch: Eco-Friendly Innovations” to strategically include keywords while capturing interest.
- Make It Newsworthy: Focus on the most exciting or unique aspect of your announcement to capture interest. Highlighting what sets your news apart can significantly increase engagement. Consider newsworthy elements such as product launches, collaborations, or community initiatives.
- Subheadline: Utilize the subheadline to provide additional context or detail that complements the headline. This encourages readers to delve deeper into the content.
- Link Usage: Include high-quality, relevant links sparingly to avoid over-optimization. Link to your website’s key pages, such as product pages or blog articles, ensuring anchor text uses natural keyword phrases. For example, “learn more about sustainable innovations” is preferable to a generic “click here.” Place one link early in the body and another in the final paragraph to guide readers effectively.
- Visuals: Include graphics such as images, videos, or infographics to enhance your announcement’s appeal and shareability. Visuals improve readability and help maintain audience attention. Optimize file names and alt text with keywords, such as “eco-friendly-product-line.jpg” or “video about sustainable practices,” to improve SEO.
Example: Headline: “Local SEO Agency Launches Innovative Link Building Course” Subheadline: “The Link Builder aims to empower businesses with effective strategies for online visibility.”
Studies suggest that effective introductory paragraphs in announcements are essential for reader engagement, with data demonstrating that brief and captivating openings can greatly improve the chances of attracting attention. Indeed, a well-designed headline can result in a threefold rise in traffic, highlighting the significance of dedicating time to this essential component of your communication strategy. Furthermore, with more than 25,000 announcement publishing platforms available worldwide, the competitive environment highlights the necessity for impactful announcements.
As Audrey Rawnie, a marketing writer, states, ‘Sample press releases play a significant role in spreading the news about your business, providing broad visibility and assisting in establishing your credibility as a brand.’ By adhering to these guidelines, you can guarantee your announcements not only reach but also connect with your intended audience. Moreover, eReleases proposes that announcements should be brief, informative, and simple to comprehend, with an optimal length of approximately 400 words, and advises putting supplementary information in links at the end.
Writing an Engaging Introduction: The Lead Paragraph
The opening section of a news announcement is vital for grabbing interest and delivering important details. To craft an effective lead, consider the following guidelines:
- Answer the 5 Ws and H: Clearly articulate who, what, when, where, why, and how within the first sentence or two. This foundational approach ensures that readers understand the core message immediately when they read the sample press release.
- Be Direct: Eliminate unnecessary fluff and get straight to the point. A concise lead respects the reader’s time and enhances clarity.
- Create Interest: Incorporate a hook that piques curiosity, such as a surprising statistic or a compelling statement. For instance, research indicates that 73% of PR professionals believe that the definition of ‘public relations’ will need to evolve in the coming years, highlighting the dynamic nature of the field. This evolution underscores the significance of creating effective leads that align with current trends and can be utilized in a sample press release to improve SEO.
- Keep It Brief: Aim for 1-3 sentences that succinctly encapsulate the essence of the announcement. This brevity is essential, as studies show that 22% of journalists prefer receiving press releases on Mondays, making it vital to deliver impactful content quickly.
Example: “The Link Builder, a premier SEO agency, has unveiled a new link building course aimed at empowering businesses to enhance their online visibility and drive organic traffic. This innovative program promises actionable strategies and insights from industry experts, setting participants on a path to success while boosting their search engine rankings.”
By focusing on these elements in your sample press release, you can create lead paragraphs that both inform and engage your audience, thereby increasing the likelihood of media coverage and public interest. As Vince Nero, Director of Content Marketing, notes, “But, I believe some of the best campaigns are born out of good competition,” which emphasizes the need for compelling leads in a competitive PR landscape. Furthermore, grasping industry-specific challenges, like those encountered in the finance sector, can guide how you customize your announcements to better connect with your target audience.
Developing the Body: Providing Essential Details
In the body of your press release:
- Expand on the Lead: Elaborate on the announcement made in the lead paragraph, providing context and supporting details that enhance the reader’s understanding. Focus on creating a sample press release that showcases newsworthy content, such as product launches or community initiatives, resonating with your audience.
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Prioritize readability by avoiding jargon and overly complex sentences, ensuring that your message is accessible to a broad audience. As Guy Raz, host of How I Built This, emphasizes, clarity in communication is essential for effectively engaging your audience. Incorporate relevant industry keywords naturally to improve SEO without sacrificing readability. Remember to strategically place critical keywords within the first 56 characters of your headline to avoid truncation by search engines.
- Organize Information Logically: Structure your content with subheadings or bullet points to break up text and emphasize key points, making it easier for readers to digest the information. This organization mirrors findings from a study utilizing 887 structural scans and 728 functional scans, highlighting the importance of clear structure in conveying complex information. Additionally, consider using visuals like images or infographics to improve engagement and shareability. Optimize file names and alt text with keywords, such as “eco-friendly-product-line.jpg” or “video about sustainable practices,” to enhance SEO.
- This is an example of a sample press release. Include quotes in your sample press release by integrating insights from key stakeholders or industry experts to enhance credibility. For instance, a quote from a company leader can highlight the significance of the announcement and its impact on the industry. Quotes can also improve the emotional connection with the audience, making the message more relatable.
- Support with Data: Whenever possible, include relevant statistics or data that reinforce the importance of the announcement. Studies show that announcements featuring data-based insights can greatly improve engagement and media attention. For example, the case study on the impact of computational practices on climate change illustrates how clear and concise messaging can influence public perception and drive action.
The Link Builder’s new course will provide a sample press release that covers essential topics such as keyword research, outreach strategies, and link analysis. Participants will also have access to exclusive resources and one-on-one consultations with SEO experts, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement effective link building strategies.
Including a Boilerplate: Company Background Information
The Link Builder stands as a premier digital SEO agency, specializing in bespoke link building services that are crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive finance sector. With over a decade of experience, we empower businesses to enhance their online visibility and drive targeted traffic through strategic link acquisition and digital PR campaigns. Our unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and customer success has redefined excellence in the digital marketing landscape.
Clients like Andrew Stanford from Roofers Manchester have expressed their satisfaction, stating, “We have been using The Link Builder for just over 1 year now. We are very happy with the service and will continue to use their service to help us rise in Google.” Similarly, Sarah Minter from Money Trumpet noted, “As a result of the links built, we have trebled our traffic. Thank you to the team!” These testimonials underscore the significant improvements in online presence and traffic attributed to our tailored strategies. For more information, visit [website].
The boilerplate not only strengthens The Link Builder’s identity but also fosters credibility, making it an essential component of any announcement. As Ann Wylie humorously remarked, “Only two things will survive global warming: cockroaches and boilerplates.” This statement highlights the enduring significance of boilerplates in effective communication.
Moreover, client testimonials illustrate the effectiveness of The Link Builder’s strategies, showcasing how well-crafted boilerplates in sample press releases contribute to successful announcements. Examining brand sentiment and calculating ROI following a communication can provide valuable insights into its impact, further emphasizing the importance of a well-organized boilerplate.
Distributing Your Press Release for Maximum Impact
To distribute your press release effectively, it is crucial to implement strategic approaches that capture attention and generate the desired impact.
- Choose the Right Channels: Identify media outlets and journalists who specialize in your industry and cater to your target audience. Customizing your distribution list significantly increases the chances of your announcement being noticed.
- Utilize Distribution Services: Leverage established announcement distribution services such as PR Newswire or Business Wire. These platforms can amplify your reach, ensuring your message is delivered to a broader audience, including key industry influencers. When selecting a service, evaluate factors such as distribution network, targeting options, pricing, SEO optimization, multimedia support, reporting, and customer service.
- Utilize Social Networks: Distributing your announcement across social networking platforms enhances visibility and interaction. Organizations that efficiently leverage social platforms for announcement dissemination frequently experience heightened engagement and wider coverage, establishing it as an essential component of your strategy.
- Craft Compelling Quotes: As Kate Bystrova, Chief Storyteller, states, “A contemporary media announcement needs to include great form as well as function.” This implies that quotes must not only be visually appealing but also stand out. Well-crafted quotes can enhance the attractiveness of your announcement and draw journalistic interest.
- Follow Up: After distribution, proactively follow up with key journalists to confirm they received your release. This personal touch can strengthen relationships and promote exposure, demonstrating your dedication to engaging with the press.
- Monitor Coverage: Employ media monitoring tools to track coverage and engagement metrics. Analyzing these metrics will assist you in evaluating the effectiveness of your launch and refining future strategies. Research indicates that companies that monitor their announcements’ performance can identify frequent errors and enhance their efficiency, leading to improved outcomes.
- Learn from Successful Examples: Consider the case of De Lijn’s launch of electric buses, where a well-placed pull-quote emphasized the innovative aspects of the launch and attracted media coverage. Such examples can provide valuable insights into effective distribution strategies.
By applying these strategies, you can significantly enhance the impact of your announcement, ensuring it reaches the appropriate audience and generates the expected attention. Remember, clients have reported noteworthy traffic improvements, with some experiencing a threefold increase due to effective strategies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Press Release Writing
When creating a media announcement, steering clear of typical pitfalls is essential to strengthen its impact:
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Weak Headlines: Compelling and informative headlines are crucial. Avoid vague or overly promotional phrases that fail to convey the essence of the news. A strong headline captures attention and encourages further reading.
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Lack of Newsworthiness: Ensure your announcement is genuinely newsworthy. As Jodie Booras from Kaiona Communications notes, if the news impacts only internal stakeholders, it may not resonate with the audience. Announcements that affect customers or the broader community, such as changes in leadership or significant product launches, are typically more impactful.
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Overly Long Releases: Brevity is key. Keep your press statement concise, ideally one page or less. This not only honors the reader’s time but also enhances the chances of your publication being read in full.
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Ignoring the Inverted Pyramid Structure: This journalistic style prioritizes the most critical information at the beginning, followed by supporting details. By presenting the most crucial information first, you guarantee that even if readers merely glance through the announcement, they understand the key message.
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Neglecting to Proofread: Always review your announcement for grammar and spelling mistakes before distribution. Mistakes can detract from your credibility and distract from the message you wish to convey.
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Following Particular Instructions: To ensure your announcement meets industry standards, adhere to specific instructions such as including a strong lead, relevant quotes, and a clear call to action. The Link Builder can provide you with these guidelines to help craft an effective release.
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Tracking Impact: After distribution, monitoring the effect of your announcement is essential. The Link Builder provides comprehensive distribution reports that indicate where and when your announcement was published, enabling you to evaluate its impact and reach.
Implementing these strategies can greatly improve the efficacy of your announcements. Studies show that organizations utilizing a sample press release for announcement writing frequently experience better results, as this format assists in simplifying the process and guaranteeing compliance with best practices. Moreover, case studies show that numerous organizations gain enhanced brand recognition and trustworthiness when they evade typical errors in their announcements.
For instance, clients of The Link Builder have reported significant improvements in traffic and visibility, highlighted in the sample press release, with some experiencing a threefold increase due to effective strategies. Furthermore, The Link Builder ensures placements at more than 300 news networks globally, making certain that your announcement reaches a wide audience. By concentrating on clarity and relevance, you can produce announcements that not only inform but also engage your audience effectively, while also enhancing your SEO through pertinent keywords and quality backlinks.
Sample Press Releases and Templates for Reference
To facilitate the creation of your press release, consider the following sample templates and examples:
- General Announcement Template: This straightforward template is ideal for announcing news. It includes sections for the headline, lead, body, and boilerplate, ensuring all essential elements are covered.
- Event Press Release Template: Tailored specifically for event announcements, this template highlights key details such as the date, time, and location, making it easy for journalists to grasp the essentials quickly.
- Product Launch Template: Focused on introducing new products, this template emphasizes features and benefits, allowing businesses to effectively communicate their offerings to the target audience.
Example Press Release:
- Headline: “The Link Builder Launches New SEO Course”
- Lead: “The Link Builder, a leading SEO agency, has announced the launch of its new course designed to help businesses improve their online visibility.” The course will cover essential strategies for effective link building and digital PR, equipping participants with the tools required to improve their online presence.
- Boilerplate: “The Link Builder is a premier digital SEO agency specializing in bespoke link building services, dedicated to helping businesses rise above their competition through high-quality backlinks.”
Utilizing a sample press release template can significantly streamline the press release writing process. According to industry insights, many professionals advocate for the use of structured formats to enhance clarity and effectiveness. In fact, statistics indicate that businesses employing standardized templates often see improved engagement and media coverage.
For example, some customers of The Link Builder have indicated a threefold rise in traffic, demonstrating the effect of well-designed announcements on online visibility and backlink creation. This correlation highlights how effective templates can lead to substantial outcomes when aligned with strategic link building efforts.
Incorporating expert opinions, such as those from PR professionals, reinforces the value of using templates. As noted by Robyn Ware, “First things first. Is your story actually a story? Is it new or interesting? Will people outside your organization really care about it?” This highlights the significance of creating an engaging story within your announcement.
Moreover, tools such as Meltwater’s Media Database and AI-driven PR assistant can simplify PR tasks and improve pitch efficiency, further aiding in the development of influential announcements. A well-structured press release not only conveys information but also tells a compelling story that resonates with the audience, which is crucial in today’s competitive landscape where capturing attention is paramount.
Conclusion
In the dynamic realm of digital marketing, press releases are an essential tool for businesses seeking to communicate significant updates and enhance visibility. Understanding the purpose of a press release and harnessing its key elements—attention-grabbing headlines, engaging lead paragraphs, and credible quotes—enables companies to effectively capture the interest of journalists and media outlets. The structure and content of a press release, including the strategic use of keywords and a clear boilerplate, play a crucial role in bolstering a brand’s credibility and authority.
Moreover, effective distribution strategies, such as leveraging social media and targeted outreach to relevant journalists, can amplify the reach and impact of press releases. Avoiding common pitfalls, including weak headlines and overly promotional language, ensures that press releases resonate with audiences and maintain professional integrity.
Ultimately, mastering the art of press release writing not only helps businesses convey important news but also fosters meaningful media coverage and enhances overall brand visibility. By implementing the strategies outlined, organizations can elevate their communication efforts, ensuring their announcements are not only heard but also create a lasting impression in today’s competitive landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sample press release?
A sample press release is an official declaration designed to convey newsworthy details about a company, organization, or individual to the press, with the primary objective of generating interest and coverage from journalists and media outlets.
What topics can a press release cover?
A press release can cover a range of topics, including product launches, company milestones, events, and other significant developments.
How does a well-prepared press release impact brand visibility?
A well-prepared press release can significantly enhance brand visibility, with some reports suggesting that effective announcements can increase media exposure by as much as 47%, improving a brand’s reputation and driving targeted traffic to its website.
What is an SEO-optimized announcement?
An SEO-optimized announcement combines valuable news content with strategic SEO techniques, such as relevant keywords and high-quality backlinks, to enhance a website’s search engine performance.
How can quotes in a press release affect its effectiveness?
Including pertinent quotes from important stakeholders or industry experts enhances credibility and adds a personal touch, making the announcement more relatable and engaging.
What are the key elements of an effective press release?
Key elements of an effective press release include: 1. Headline 2. Dateline 3. Lead Paragraph 4. Body 5. Quotes 6. Boilerplate 7. Contact Information.
What should a headline in a press release achieve?
A headline should be concise and compelling, encapsulating the essence of the announcement while being under 100 characters and incorporating critical keywords to avoid truncation by search engines.
Why is the lead paragraph important in a press release?
The lead paragraph is vital as it succinctly answers the who, what, when, where, and why of the news, setting the stage for the details that follow.
What is the purpose of the boilerplate in a press release?
The boilerplate provides background information about the company or organization, helping journalists understand its mission and significance.
How can companies maximize the SEO impact of their press release?
Companies can maximize the SEO impact by crafting compelling headlines, using strategic keywords in the lead paragraph, incorporating relevant industry terms in the body, and linking to key pages on their website.