How to Write a Feature Article

You know how feature articles are way more interesting than just plain news reports? They tell stories, have real people in them, and make you think about things in new ways. But writing a great feature article isn't just about writing a cool story. You gotta be smart about it! This guide will teach you how to become a feature writing pro.

What Makes a Feature Article Special?

Feature articles aren't your typical news stories. They're like...

• Storytellers: They weave a tale that grabs you and makes you feel something.
• Deep Divers: They explore a topic from all angles, giving you lots of information and different viewpoints.
• Human Interest: They often focus on real people and how events affect their lives.
• Thinking Out Loud: They don't just give you facts, they make you think deeper about the topic.

The Feature Writing Recipe

Writing a great feature article is like baking a cake. It needs the right ingredients and steps.

1. Picking the Perfect Topic

You need a topic you're actually interested in. It's gotta be:

• Important and Relevant: Something people care about right now.
• Fresh and Original: A new way of looking at a familiar topic.
• Something You Connect With: Maybe you have a personal experience you can share to make it more real.

Once you have your topic, decide on your angle – what specific part of the topic will you focus on?

2. Digging for the Goods

Research is key to a great feature article. It's like being a detective:

• Talking to Experts: Interview people who know a lot about your topic.
• Reading Up: Check out books, articles, and news reports for more information.
• Online Sleuthing: Use websites like JSTOR and Google Scholar to find research papers.
• First-Hand Accounts: Look for original documents, letters, or diaries to make your story more authentic.

3. Putting It All Together

A good structure makes your article easy to read and understand.

a. The Hook:

• Start with a bang! Use a catchy sentence, a cool story, or something surprising to grab attention.
• Clearly state your topic and angle.
• Give a little background information to set the stage.
• Explain what you'll be talking about in your article.

b. The Body:

• Develop your main points one by one, using evidence from your research.
• Keep your writing clear and interesting, using transition words to connect ideas smoothly.
• Use vivid descriptions and details that make the reader feel like they're right there.
• Give background information to help people understand your topic better.

c. The Wrap-Up:

• Summarize your most important points.
• Leave readers with something to think about or a question to answer.
• End with a strong impression that leaves them wanting more.

4. Making Your Writing Pop

A great feature article is like a movie – it's gotta be engaging!

a. Telling a Great Story:

• Use strong verbs and active voice to make your story come alive.
• Use vivid descriptions and details that appeal to the reader's senses.
• Include dialogue to make your characters more realistic.
• Make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

b. Finding Your Voice:

• Let your personality shine through in your writing.
• Use simple and clear language, no fancy jargon.
• Mix up your sentences to keep things interesting.
• Use descriptive words and metaphors to create pictures in the reader's mind.

c. Fact-Checking:

• Double-check all your facts and figures to make sure they're accurate.
• Give credit where credit is due by listing your sources.
• Present all sides of the story to be fair and unbiased.
• Be aware of any biases you might have and try to be as objective as possible.

5. Polishing Your Work

Once you've finished your first draft, it's time to make it shine.

• Read It Out Loud: This helps you catch awkward sentences and confusing parts.
• Check for Clarity: Make sure your ideas are easy to understand.
• Smooth It Out: Make sure your paragraphs and sentences flow smoothly together.
• Proofread for Errors: Catch any typos, grammar mistakes, or punctuation problems.
• Get Feedback: Ask a friend or editor to read your work and give you their honest opinion.

Different Types of Feature Articles

There are many different styles of feature articles:

1. News Feature:

This type of article dives deeper into a current news story, giving you background information, analysis, and human interest elements.

2. Profile:

A profile article focuses on one person, organization, or group, and tells their story.

3. Trend Article:

These articles explore current trends, issues, or developments. They often include expert opinions and data.

4. How-To or Guide:

How-to articles give you step-by-step instructions or advice on a particular topic.

5. Personal Essay:

Personal essays are about the writer's own experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

Feature Writing Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to make your feature articles even better:

• Quote Power: Use impactful quotes from your interviews to support your points and add depth.
• Show, Don't Tell: Use descriptions that paint a picture in the reader's mind instead of just stating facts.
• Engage All Senses: Use words that appeal to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to create a more immersive experience.
• Real-Life Examples: Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points and make your article more relatable.
• Short and Sweet: Break up long paragraphs to make your article easier to read.
• Clear Headings: Use subheadings to organize your article and make it easy to follow.
• Visual Appeal: Use pictures, photos, or graphics to make your article more engaging.
• Proofread Carefully: Make sure everything is perfect before you send it off.

The Power of SEO

In today's world, SEO is important to make sure people can find your article online.

1. Keyword Research:

• Find out what keywords people are using to search for information about your topic.
• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms.
• Use long-tail keywords (more specific phrases) that are less competitive and attract targeted traffic.

2. Keyword Placement:

• Include your keywords in the title, subheadings, and body of your article.
• Use different forms of your keywords to avoid repeating the same words too much.
• Optimize your images by using relevant keywords in the alt text and file names.

3. Content Optimization:

• Create high-quality content that is informative and engaging.
• Structure your article clearly using headings, bullet points, and visuals.
• Link your article to other relevant content on your website.
• Promote your article on social media to get people to read it.

4. Technical SEO:

• Make sure your website works well on mobile devices and loads quickly.
• Use structured data markup to help search engines understand your website's content.
• Submit your website's sitemap to Google Search Console so search engines can find it.

The Final Word

Writing a great feature article is about storytelling, research, and smart writing techniques. By following these steps, you can create articles that capture your audience's attention and leave a lasting impression. Don't forget to be yourself, dig deep into your topic, and use SEO to help more people find your amazing writing! Good luck!