Feature articles are a great way to get your audience interested in a topic, but they can be tricky to write. Unlike hard news stories that get straight to the point, these types of articles go into more depth and often include interview quotes and analysis. While this type of article may take more time to research, it allows writers to be creative and craft a narrative that really connects with readers.
While breaking news pieces can still play an important role in PR, a well-crafted feature story is more likely to be read and acted upon. This type of piece can be used in conjunction with other strategies to drive engagement and support, including content marketing campaigns, event coverage, and newsletters.
A good feature article starts with a hook that captures the reader’s attention and sets up the story to come. Feature articles are also often more in-depth than hard news, and they can be written in different styles to keep the reader interested. For example, a story about an accident could begin with a personal narrative about the crash and then dive into the facts and details of what happened.
Regardless of the style of your story, you should aim to use the “show, don’t tell” writing technique. For example, instead of saying “Johnny was tired after running up the hill,” you should show how his legs were aching as he fought to catch his breath. This helps the reader to visualize the scene and feel like they are experiencing it along with the author.