Trending stories are quick, news-driven pieces that follow hot topics to keep readers updated and engaged. They’re usually written to answer the questions, “who, what, when, where and why” for a current topic or event (also known as the nut graph). These types of stories can be a great way to draw in new readers by tapping into their interests and delivering a well-rounded story with a unique perspective.
This is a great opportunity to create high-value content by showcasing your knowledge of your audience and industry, as well as being the first to break news or provide new information. You can also use these types of articles as a way to generate engagement and build community.
These can be on any subject, but it’s important to consider your audience and how the trends will relate to them. You can also create a mix of these types of articles, depending on your business needs.
You can also create a more in-depth feature article on an interesting topic or issue. These can be human-interest stories, seasonal, lifestyle or travel pieces, how-to articles, or science or technology features.
When writing a feature piece, you should start by establishing a clear problem or challenge facing your audience. This can be done through a relatable scenario or statistic. For example, this article from Time opens with a common challenge many marketing teams face: “It’s challenging to make time for creative work when you’re busy with client meetings and project management.” This sets the reader up for an informative, helpful and valuable read.