Opinion Poll: How to Write an Impactful, Media-Oriented Press Release

Publishing a press release to announce poll results is not just about sharing numbers. To capture the attention of journalists and the public, you need to transform raw data into stories, trends, and insights that highlight behaviors, economic challenges, or social realities.

This practical guide explains how to structure and write a compelling press release that maximizes media visibility.

1. A Catchy Headline That Summarizes the Key Finding

Your headline should reflect the main takeaway of the survey while sparking curiosity. It should not reveal everything, but encourage further reading.

SEO-optimized example:
“82% of Young Africans See Entrepreneurship as the Key to Their Professional Future”

2. A Subheading to Provide Context

The subheading should specify the scope: geography, target audience, context, or commissioning organization.

Example:
“Survey conducted across six West African countries on the career aspirations of 18–35-year-olds”

3. A Clear and Concise Introduction

In the opening lines, specify:

• Who conducted the poll

• When it was carried out

• What it covered

• Why it matters

Example:
AfroData Institute, in partnership with Jeune Vision Consulting, unveils the results of a survey conducted between January and March 2025 among 3,200 young people across six West African countries.
Key finding: 82% of respondents view entrepreneurship as their top career path, compared to salaried jobs (11%) and public service (7%).

4. A Structured Body to Tell the Story Behind the Numbers

Organize your release into subsections:

• Survey objectives

• Methodology (sample, period, region)

• Key results and trends

• Variations by gender, age, country

• Highlights or surprising insights

Example:
The study shows that 67% of young women plan to start a business in the next three years, compared to 58% of young men.
Barriers remain significant: 71% cite lack of support and 64% highlight insufficient funding. Notable differences appear across countries, especially in perceptions of entrepreneurial risk.

5. An Expert Quote to Add Authority and Personality

Include a statement from a sponsor, analyst, or expert.

Example:
“This survey confirms that Africa’s youth is dynamic and innovative, but it needs a strong ecosystem to turn ambitions into reality,” said Fatimata Sow, Director of Jeune Vision Consulting.

6. Practical Information for Journalists

End with technical details and access to the full report.

Example:
The survey was conducted online and by phone between January and March 2025, with a representative sample of 3,200 young people (18–35 years old) in Senegal, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Burkina Faso.
Margin of error: ±2.5%.

• Full report: www.afrodata.org/survey2025

• Press contact: presse@afrodata.org | +000 00 00 00 00