Top tips for writing and publishing an EIT Food news article

Title

  • 10-15 words long.
  • Make sure it clearly describes the content so the reader knows what to expect when reading on.
  • To be SEO friendly - think what the audience might be searching for on Google to come to this article. 
  • Consider the audience you want to speak to and address them. 

Standfirst (introduction)

  • 30-40 words long.
  • This is the brief summary that appears under the title and introduces the article.
  • Expand on the title without repeating it.
  • Consider posing a question or presenting a problem to help draw in the reader.


Main content

  • 750-1000 words long.
  • Use a storytelling structure with the most important information first, in case your reader doesn’t get to the end of the article.
  • Include relevant links, references and credible sources.
  • Keep it engaging and informative.
  • Make information accessible by using subheadings and bullet points.
  • Double check spelling, grammar, facts, and links.

Using Changemakers

  • Changemakers provide credibility and extend the reach of our work - more about this in our digital communications strategy.  
  • Refer to our established network of EIT Food Changemakers and include their voices or quotes in your article. Alternatively, you can identify your own Changemakers and quote them in your article.

Call to action (CTA)

  • You might like to include a CTA at the end of your article - what you want your reader to do next, for example sign up to an event.
  • Make sure it contains all the necessary links and information 
  • Use compelling language and questions to inspire the reader to take action.
  • An example CTA: Interested in creating change in your community but not sure how? Sign up to our seminar here. 

 

Tagging

  • Tag the article within the website CMS to ensure your news piece is showcased in the right place(s) on the website and thus, seen by the right audience. 
  • Regional tagging pulls your content through to the corresponding regional pages.
  • Use tagging sparingly - if you tag more than three categories, it negates the process. 


Images and videos

  • Images and videos help to bring the article to life and put faces to names.

  • Make sure you have permission to use them and have credited the right people/copyright owners to avoid fines. 

  • Consider using diagrams or flow charts if the message you are conveying is complex.

  • For more information, go to: How do I use images? and How do I use videos? 



Final checklist: 

  1. Have I used headings to define the topic? 

  2. Have I addressed the topic in the introduction? 

  3. Have I structured the content logically, with the most important material first? 

  4. Have I met expectations raised by the heading? 

  5. Have I used plain language and a conversational tone? 


Submitting your article