Writing a Feature Article? Here's Everything You Need to Know

There is no one formula for writing a great feature article. However, there are some important tips that you can follow to make sure your article stands out from the rest. You actually don't need to be a professional feature article writer to know how to write great feature articles that leave a lasting impression on your readers-- like these ones. 

All you need is a little of this and that and you'll be on your way to bringing your story to life.   

Tag along and get to learn what makes a great feature article. But first...

What is a Feature Article?

A feature article is an in-depth exploration of a specific topic. It provides the reader with analysis and opinion about issues that are important to them. The purpose of this type of article is to give readers more insight into a subject matter than would normally be found in other forms of reporting such as news stories or editorials. 

Feature articles are also aimed to persuade and entertain readers. 

Feature articles are typically written for magazines and newspapers, but they can also appear on websites or blogs as well. They're often longer than traditional pieces of journalism (around 1000 words) because it takes time to fully explore a subject matter without rushing through the process. While there are no set rules about how long your piece should be, it's important to make sure that every sentence is essential to your argument as well as relevant and relatable to your audience. 

Now, take that knowledge a little bit further and explore article writing in all its enterity. Here's our detailed guide on article writing.

Types of Feature Articles

There are a number of different types of feature articles. Here are examples of a few of them. 

• Profiles- An in-depth look at a person or place that relates to a current newsworthy event or issue that allows readers to get more insight of the person or place. E.g  What we know of the life of Vladimir Putin
• Human interest story -A story that focuses on someone’s experience. It can be an achievement or a problem that evokes emotions and can teach the audience a lesson or raise awareness. E.g How George Floyd Was Killed in Police Custody
• Instructional- An article that provides information or advice on a particular topic. They give a step-by-step guide on how to do something. E.g How to Kiss
• Personal- A story about the writer's own experiences or someone they know. E.g My BeyondBlue personal story
• Seasonal- A story that is tied to a specific time of year, often holidays or special events. E.g History behind thanksgiving 
• Behind the Scenes- A look at how something is made or the people who are involved in making it happen. This can be anything from a movie to a sporting event. E.g Money Heist behind the scene

How to Write a Captivating Feature Article

Now that you know what a feature article is and the different types we have, let's discuss some tips on how to write either of them and ensure it's captivating to your audience.

1. Start With a Strong Lead

Your lead is the opening paragraph of your article, and it's important to make sure that it grabs the reader's attention. You want to introduce your audience to your topic in an interesting way so that they will be compelled to read on. Make sure your lead is clear, concise, and to the point. How? 

• Have something unique to say about the topic (you can use statistics here), 
• State the importance of the article
• Create tension or speculation by setting up a question as to why that particular feature article is worth reading
• Speak directly to the reader (use "you" at least once)
• Don't repeat the title
• Keep the first sentence short. 

2. Do Your Research

As we mentioned earlier, feature articles are in-depth explorations of a specific topic. This means that you need to do your research and ideation in order to gather all of the relevant information. Make sure you know as much as possible about the topic at hand and be prepared to answer any questions that may come up. How? 

• Talk to experts, 
• Read up on previous articles about the subject
• Make sure that you have a well-rounded understanding of what you're writing about. 

Here are some 11 insanely helpful ways to come up with topics for your blog.

The more knowledgeable you are about your subject, the more credible you will appear to readers.

3. Use Quotes From Experts or People Involved in the Story

Include direct quotes from experts or those who are directly impacted by your topic. This is a great way to strengthen your argument and give it some real-life context.

It's important that these quotes aren't too long, - try to keep them between one and two sentences. 

4. Provide Sufficient Evidence for Your Claims or Arguments

Make sure you provide adequate proof of any factual statements in your article. You don't want readers leaving your article with doubts about the credibility of what they just read. That's why it's important to include sources at all times. Also aim to connect the dots. Discuss the essential elements of who, when, what, how, and why. 

5. Be Objective

An amazing feature article should maintain objectivity. This means that you should present all of the facts about your subject matter and let the reader make their own judgment.

Don't try to sway them in one direction or another; simply provide them with the information they need to make an informed decision. At the same time don't be afraid to present a perspective or an angle on the topic. After all, your readers need to feel like it pays off to read your article. 

6. Write for Your Audience

When writing a feature article, it's important to remember who your target audience is. 

What are they interested in reading about this topic? What questions about the subject would they want answered? How much time do they have to spend on your article? 

These questions will help determine what kind of content you should include and how long it should be. 

7. Personalize Your Style of Writing

Use straightforward language that's easy for people to understand. How?

• Don't use jargon or technical terms unless it's absolutely necessary.
• Use a conversational tone. Picture you're talking directly to your reader as if they were sitting down next to you on the couch. 
• Avoid using passive voice and excessive adverbs like "very" or "really." Instead, try using strong verbs like "said" and "asked."
• Get to the point: Don't get caught up in long-winded explanations or flowery prose; instead, just get straight to the heart of what you want your reader to know!

Let Zoey Writers Write Your Feature Articles

Zoey Writers can help you write great feature articles that will capture your readers' attention. We know what makes a great article and how to present your story in a way that is both informative and engaging.

We are a professional writing and editing company that offers high-quality content writing services to businesses and individuals. We have years of experience in creating well-written, captivating content that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your desired results.

Visit our website today to learn more about our services, or contact us to discuss your specific needs. We would be happy to help you get started on your next project!

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels: Thanks Vlada