Whether you’re reporting the latest breaking news story, writing a feature article on an interesting topic, or crafting company news for your team members, you need to be able to communicate your message in a way that’s clear and understandable. A well-written article is a key part of any successful content strategy, whether you’re publishing to an online newspaper or creating content for your blog. A good news article adheres to journalistic principles that have been in use for decades and is designed to inform, engage and resonate with readers.
News articles prioritize delivering verified facts in a succinct, structured format that’s easy to skim. While this approach can seem dry, it respects the busy lives of readers and builds trust by establishing credibility from the outset.
A compelling lead captures the reader’s attention and draws them into your story. The lead should include the most important information – who, what, when, where, why (5Ws and 1H). The body of the news article should provide more background and support, as well as expert quotes to add credibility.
All sources should be credited in the article and all facts should be double-checked. Avoid using overly wordy, passive phrases, and jargon, and always proofread your news article carefully before sending it to be published. It’s a good idea to have someone who isn’t familiar with the subject read it and give you notes so that you can be sure your facts are accurate and that the article is free of errors.