Top stories are news-related content that search engines like Google feature at the top of their results pages. The inclusion of a brand name within this section of the site can be an important factor in building both brand awareness and trust, especially as it is often featured alongside other authoritative sources.
Taking a complex story and turning it into a readable narrative can be difficult. Luckily, journalists have developed a number of techniques to make this happen. One such method is called a story format, a general structure that journalists can plug new information into. This allows them to write quickly and still maintain the integrity of their work.
When writing a news story, the most important facts should be placed at the front of the article. The concept is similar to an inverted pyramid. Flipping the pyramid upside down reveals that the most important information should be at the very top, and the information gets less crucial as the story continues. This ensures that even if someone is only reading the introduction of the story, they are receiving a lot of the key information.
In addition to the inverted pyramid method, writers should focus on catching readers’ attention by making use of compelling quotes and visuals. Creating a story that is mobile-friendly also helps keep readers engaged. This is particularly important as more people read news on their phones. Lastly, it’s important to avoid using technical descriptions or jargon that may be unfamiliar to casual readers.
