General Contractor Press Release Template: Get Media Coverage for Your Construction Business

Did you know that 89% of journalists prefer receiving news via press releases, yet only 17% of construction companies regularly send them?

That’s a huge missed opportunity in an industry where visibility can directly impact your bidding success, client trust, and business growth.

At Empathy First Media, we’ve helped dozens of general contractors transform their press releases from forgettable announcements into powerful marketing tools that generate real media coverage and business opportunities.

But here’s what most contractors get wrong…

They focus exclusively on technical project details while missing the compelling story angles that actually capture media attention. Your latest commercial project might be interesting to you, but journalists need a stronger hook to justify coverage.

Whether you’re announcing a major project completion, showcasing innovative construction methods, or highlighting community involvement, a strategically crafted press release can elevate your construction company’s profile and establish you as an industry leader.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share our proven general contractor press release template, expert tips for customization, and distribution strategies that get results. This framework has helped our construction clients secure coverage in industry publications, local news outlets, and even national media.

Why Press Releases Matter for General Contractors

Before diving into our template, let’s address why press releases should be a cornerstone of your construction company’s marketing strategy.

Think about it this way…

Every completed project, new service offering, leadership hire, or industry achievement represents a potential news story. But without proper promotion, these accomplishments remain hidden from potential clients, partners, and the broader community.

Effective press releases help general contractors:

Build credibility and authority in a competitive industry where trust is essential

Showcase specialized expertise beyond what appears on your website

Demonstrate project success through third-party validation

Reach potential clients who might not find you through traditional marketing

Generate backlinks from media outlets that boost your website’s SEO performance

Daniel Lynch, our founder, points out: “Construction companies frequently underestimate the news value of their work. The right press release can transform a routine project completion into a compelling story about economic development, sustainability innovation, or community transformation.”

The Complete General Contractor Press Release Template

Below is our comprehensive template for construction companies. This structure has been proven to capture media attention across various construction news scenarios.

1. Professional Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Construction Company Name]
[Date]
[Contact Person's Name], [Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Website]

Pro Tip: Ensure your contact person is readily available to respond to media inquiries. Journalists work on tight deadlines, and delayed responses often mean missed coverage opportunities.

2. Attention-Grabbing Headline

Your headline determines whether journalists read further or delete your email. It should be:

• Clear and concise (under 100 characters)
• Include your company name
• Highlight the most newsworthy element
• Use active verbs

Example Headlines:

✓ “[Your Company] Completes $10M Healthcare Facility Ahead of Schedule, Creating 200 Local Jobs”

✓ “[Your Company] Implements Groundbreaking Sustainable Construction Methods on Downtown Development”

✓ “[Your Company] Awarded $15M Contract for City’s Largest Infrastructure Project in a Decade”

3. Location and Date Line

[CITY, STATE, Month Day, Year] —

This immediately localizes your news and helps journalists determine regional relevance.

4. Strong Opening Paragraph (The Lead)

Your first paragraph must deliver the complete news story in 2-3 sentences by answering:

• Who? (your company)
• What? (the announcement)
• Where? (project location)
• When? (relevant timing)
• Why? (significance)
• How? (notable methods, if relevant)

Example Lead:

“[Your Company Name], a leading commercial general contractor in [region], today announced the completion of [project name], a [dollar amount] [type of facility] in [location]. The 18-month project, which finished two weeks ahead of schedule and under budget, will serve [purpose/benefit] and created [number] construction jobs in the local community.”

5. Supporting Paragraph with Quote

Expand on the news with additional details, then include a quote from a company executive that adds perspective and a human element:

Example:

“The 45,000-square-foot facility incorporates advanced energy-efficient systems projected to reduce operational costs by 30% compared to traditional buildings of similar size.

‘This project represents our commitment to delivering value beyond construction,’ said [Executive Name], [Title] at [Your Company]. ‘By integrating sustainable building practices without extending the timeline or budget, we’ve demonstrated how modern construction can benefit both facility owners and the broader community through lower environmental impact and reduced long-term operational costs.'”

6. Context and Background

Provide relevant background information about the project, your company, or the significance of the announcement:

Example:

“The completion of [project name] marks [Your Company’s] third healthcare facility in the region within the past two years, reinforcing the company’s growing expertise in medical construction. The project presented unique challenges including [specific challenge], which the team overcame by [solution/approach].”

7. Additional Quote (Optional)

Including a quote from the client or another stakeholder adds credibility and perspective:

Example:

“‘[Your Company] demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities throughout the construction process,’ said [Client Representative Name], [Title] at [Client Organization]. ‘Their transparent communication and attention to detail ensured that our specific requirements were not only met but exceeded.'”

8. Future Implications

Connect your announcement to broader trends or future developments:

Example:

“As healthcare facilities continue to evolve to meet changing patient needs and technological advancements, [Your Company] is positioned to support this transformation through its specialized healthcare construction division and commitment to innovative building techniques.”

9. Boilerplate (About Your Company)

End with a standardized paragraph about your company:

Example:

“About [Your Company Name]: [Your Company Name] is a [region]-based general contractor specializing in [specialties/services]. Founded in [year], the company has completed over [number] projects valued at more than [dollar amount] across [industries/sectors]. With a team of [number] construction professionals, [Your Company] is known for [key differentiators/values]. Learn more at [website].”

10. Call to Action

End with clear directions for additional information:

Example:

“For more information about [Your Company] or the [Project Name], contact [Contact Person] at [phone/email] or visit [specific website page].”

11. End Mark

###

This traditional journalistic symbol indicates the end of the press release.

Customizing Your Press Release for Different Announcements

The template above provides a solid foundation, but different news types require specific modifications. Here’s how to adapt it for common general contractor announcements:

Project Completion Announcements

Emphasize:

• Project specs and unique features
• Timeline and budget performance
• Community or economic impact
• Innovative methods or materials used
• Sustainability achievements

Key Tip: Include high-quality project photos with your press release. According to PR Newswire, press releases with images get 1.4x more views than text-only releases.

Contract Award Announcements

Emphasize:

• Project scope and value
• Competitive selection factors
• Special considerations in winning the bid
• Project timeline and milestones
• Economic impact (jobs created, local subcontractors)

Key Tip: Include renderings or concept drawings if available, and explain why your company was selected over competitors.

Company Milestone Announcements

Emphasize:

• Growth metrics (revenue increase, staff expansion)
• Historical perspective on company development
• Evolution of services or expertise
• Community involvement over time
• Vision for the future

Key Tip: Include before/after comparisons, historical photos, or timeline infographics to visually tell your growth story.

New Service or Capability Announcements

Emphasize:

• Market need for the new service
• How the service differentiates from competitors
• Investment in training or equipment
• Client benefits and applications
• First projects utilizing the new capability

Key Tip: Explain why you’ve added this service now and how it reflects industry trends or client demands.

Press Release Distribution Strategies That Work

Writing an excellent press release is only half the battle – effective distribution is equally important for securing media coverage.

Here’s what separates successful contractor press releases from those that go unnoticed:

1. Build a Targeted Media List

Generic distribution rarely yields results. Instead, develop a customized media list including:

• Local business reporters at newspapers and TV stations
• Trade publication editors covering construction, real estate, and your specific niches
• Industry bloggers and online news sites
• Business journals in your service area
• Community publications for locally significant projects

At Empathy First Media, we maintain continuously updated media databases for our construction clients, ensuring releases reach the most relevant contacts for each announcement type.

2. Personalize Your Outreach

Mass emails rarely get attention. Instead:

• Address journalists by name
• Reference their recent relevant articles
• Explain why your news matters to their specific audience
• Offer exclusive angles or additional information

Pro Tip: Follow key journalists on social media and engage with their content before pitching. This builds recognition and relationships that increase your chances of coverage.

3. Timing Matters

Strategic timing significantly impacts coverage rates:

• Send releases Tuesday through Thursday (avoiding Monday morning and Friday afternoon)
• Distribute between 8-9 AM for optimal journalist attention
• Avoid major news days when possible
• Time announcements to coincide with relevant industry trends or events

4. Leverage Distribution Services Strategically

While personal outreach is most effective, distribution services can amplify your reach:

• PR Newswire or Business Wire for major announcements
• Industry-specific distribution channels like Construction Executive
• Local business wire services for regional news

5. Don’t Forget Digital Distribution

Beyond traditional media:

• Post the release on your website’s news section
• Share across social media channels with different angles for each platform
• Distribute through your company newsletter
• Submit to online construction industry calendars and news aggregators

Our public relations services include comprehensive distribution strategies tailored specifically to construction industry news cycles and media preferences.

Common Press Release Mistakes Contractors Should Avoid

Even well-written press releases can fail if they contain these common pitfalls:

Excessive Technical Jargon

While construction terminology is necessary, excessive jargon reduces readability and media appeal. Balance technical details with accessible language.

Missing the “Why It Matters” Angle

Don’t assume journalists understand why your news is significant. Explicitly connect your announcement to broader trends, community impact, or industry evolution.

Overly Promotional Language

Phrases like “industry-leading,” “revolutionary,” or “best-in-class” without substantiation trigger journalists’ skepticism. Focus on facts and let achievements speak for themselves.

Burying the Lead

Don’t make journalists dig for the actual news. Present the core announcement clearly in the headline and first paragraph.

Poor Quality or Missing Visuals

Construction is visual by nature. High-resolution project photos, renderings, or infographics significantly increase media pickup rates.

Insufficient Contact Information

Always include multiple contact methods and ensure the listed person is readily available to respond to inquiries.

Real-World Success: How One Contractor Transformed Their Press Strategy

One of our clients, a mid-sized commercial contractor, struggled to gain media attention despite completing several notable projects. Their press releases generated minimal coverage and were often ignored by journalists.

After implementing our template and distribution strategies, they achieved:

• 340% increase in media pickups within six months
• Feature stories in two major trade publications
• Regular coverage in local business journals
• Invitations for executive interviews and expert commentary
• Measurable increase in RFP requests citing “recent projects in the news”

The key transformation? Shifting from contractor-centered announcements to story-driven releases that connected projects to community benefits, economic development, and industry innovations.

How Empathy First Media Can Help Your Construction Business

Creating and distributing effective press releases requires specialized knowledge of both media relations and the construction industry. At Empathy First Media, we combine these insights to help general contractors achieve meaningful media coverage.

Our public relations services for construction companies include:

• Custom Press Release Development: We craft compelling announcements tailored to your specific news and target media.
• Media List Building: We create and maintain customized journalist databases specific to your geography, specialties, and announcement types.
• Strategic Distribution: We handle personalized outreach to key media contacts to maximize coverage opportunities.
• Press Kit Development: We create comprehensive media resources that position your company as an industry authority.
• Measurement and Reporting: We track media pickups, audience reach, and engagement to quantify the impact of your press activities.

Our approach is grounded in data but executed with the human touch that builds journalist relationships and earns trust with media gatekeepers.

Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can elevate your construction company’s media presence through strategic press releases.

Start Generating Media Coverage for Your Construction Business

Effective press releases transform construction achievements from internal celebrations to public recognition. By implementing our template and strategies, your general contracting business can:

• Enhance brand visibility and reputation
• Position key executives as industry thought leaders
• Support business development through third-party validation
• Create valuable backlinks that improve SEO performance
• Document and showcase your project portfolio through media coverage

Don’t let your next project completion, contract award, or company milestone go unnoticed. Use this template to craft your next announcement, or reach out to our team for professional press release development and distribution.

Remember: in the competitive construction industry, visibility often translates directly to opportunity. Your projects deserve recognition – it’s time to tell their stories effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Contractor Press Releases

1. How long should a general contractor press release be?

The ideal length for a construction press release is 400-600 words (typically one page). This provides enough space to cover essential details while respecting journalists’ time constraints. For complex announcements like major project completions, you can extend to 700-800 words, but ensure the critical information appears in the first two paragraphs, as many journalists won’t read beyond this point.

2. When is the best time to send a press release about a construction project?

For project completions, issue the release within one week of substantial completion or the official opening ceremony. For contract awards, announce within 1-2 weeks of signing, after confirming the client approves of the public announcement. For groundbreaking events, send the release 5-7 days before the event to allow media planning time. Always avoid distributing on Mondays, Fridays, or before major holidays when news cycles are busiest.

3. What types of construction news are most likely to get media coverage?

News with community impact typically generates the most coverage, including: projects creating significant jobs, developments affecting local economic growth, innovative building techniques or materials, green building achievements with measurable sustainability metrics, historic building renovations, and projects serving community needs like healthcare facilities, schools, or public infrastructure. Highlighting these angles in your release substantially increases media interest.

4. Should we include project costs in our press releases?

When possible, yes. Financial details add credibility and newsworthiness, particularly for public projects or significant commercial developments. However, if client confidentiality agreements restrict sharing exact figures, you can use ranges (“multi-million dollar project”) or focus on other metrics like square footage, capacity, or community benefits. Some clients may require approval of financial disclosures, so always confirm before distribution.

5. How many images should we include with our construction press release?

Include 2-3 high-resolution images (minimum 300 dpi) that showcase the most visually compelling aspects of your announcement. For project completions, include exterior and interior shots highlighting unique features. For groundbreakings, renderings alongside ceremonial photos work well. Always provide images separately as attachments rather than embedding them in the release text, and include brief captions identifying key elements or individuals.

6. How can we measure the success of our press release?

Evaluate your press release performance through multiple metrics: media pickup (number of outlets publishing your news), audience reach (combined readership/viewership of coverage), quality of coverage (prominence, message inclusion, tone), website traffic increases after distribution, social media engagement with your announcement, and direct business inquiries mentioning the coverage. Comprehensive media monitoring services can track these metrics across online, print, and broadcast channels.

7. Should we issue press releases for smaller projects?

Smaller projects can warrant press releases when they contain noteworthy elements such as: innovative construction methods, significant sustainability features, solutions to unusual challenges, restoration of historically significant structures, or community-focused elements. The key is identifying the unique angle that makes the project newsworthy beyond its size. Local community publications often cover smaller projects with neighborhood impact even when larger outlets might not.

8. How should we handle negative news in the construction industry?

When addressing challenging situations like project delays, accidents, or disputes, prioritize transparency while following legal counsel guidance. Issue releases proactively rather than reactively when possible, focus on resolution steps rather than problems, avoid speculation on causes still under investigation, express appropriate concern for affected parties, and outline concrete preventative measures for the future. Always have legal review these sensitive announcements before distribution.

9. Do we need to hire a PR firm for press release distribution?

While self-distribution is possible, construction companies often benefit from PR expertise, particularly for significant announcements. Professional support provides established media relationships, industry-specific distribution lists, writing expertise to frame construction news for broader appeal, guidance on timing and news angles, and objective measurement of results. Many contractors use PR firms for major announcements while handling routine project completions in-house.

10. How can we repurpose our press release content for other marketing materials?

Press releases provide excellent source material for multiple marketing channels: transform releases into longer blog posts with additional project details, extract quotes for social media graphics, use project statistics in capabilities presentations, develop case studies using the release as a foundation, create project portfolio entries with the same core messaging, and include media coverage generated by the release in proposal materials as third-party validation of your expertise.