Boilerplate

Definition

A boilerplate is a standardized paragraph or set of text used in press releases and media kits to provide essential background information about a company or organization. This concise summary typically includes the company’s mission, vision, history, and key accomplishments, and serves as a consistent introduction in various communications. By using boilerplate text, organizations ensure that their messaging remains clear and uniform across different platforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Boilerplates help save time for PR professionals by providing a ready-made description that can be included in various documents without needing to rewrite.
2. They are typically placed at the end of press releases and media kits, ensuring readers get an overview of the organization after the main message.
3. Consistency in boilerplates helps reinforce brand identity and messaging across multiple communications and channels.
4. While boilerplates are standardized, they can be updated periodically to reflect new achievements or changes within the organization.
5. Good boilerplates are concise—usually no longer than 100-150 words—ensuring that essential information is communicated effectively without overwhelming the reader.

Review Questions

• How does a boilerplate contribute to the overall effectiveness of a press release?
  • A boilerplate enhances a press release by providing essential context about the organization in a consistent manner. This background information allows journalists and readers to quickly understand the company's mission and key points without needing extensive research. It also aids in establishing credibility and reinforces the organization's branding, making it easier for media outlets to cover the story.
• Discuss the importance of updating a boilerplate and how it can affect an organization's public image.
  • Updating a boilerplate is crucial because it ensures that the information accurately reflects the organization's current achievements and goals. An outdated boilerplate can mislead media outlets and stakeholders, potentially harming public perception. By regularly revising the boilerplate to include recent developments, organizations maintain relevancy and demonstrate growth, which positively impacts their public image.
• Evaluate the role of boilerplates in media kits compared to other components such as press releases and backgrounders.
  • Boilerplates serve as a foundational element within media kits, providing a succinct overview of the organization alongside other materials like press releases and backgrounders. While press releases focus on specific newsworthy events and backgrounders give detailed context, boilerplates create consistency by summarizing key information about the organization as a whole. This combination helps journalists effectively convey accurate narratives about the organization while maintaining clarity and cohesion in their reporting.

Related terms

Press Release: A written statement distributed to the media to announce something newsworthy, such as events, product launches, or organizational changes.

Media Kit: A package of promotional materials that provides information about a company, including press releases, backgrounders, and images for journalists.

Tagline: A memorable phrase or slogan that encapsulates a company's brand or mission, often used alongside the boilerplate in communications.