In a world where readers are increasingly demanding that content creators deliver more than just facts, it’s essential for journalists to keep up with their readership. One way to do so is by crafting in-depth feature stories that are both engaging and captivating.
These are articles that highlight something new and exciting in modern culture, such as a popular TV show or a hot fashion accessory. They may also explore why a trend is emerging or why it might be fading. This type of story often draws on a reporter’s existing beat and public records to establish trends, but it can also be spotted by regular observations at local venues, such as the diner where a certain band plays or the tattoo parlor where a lot of teens are sexting.
A successful trending story should be well-written and evoke emotions in readers, whether that’s empathy, curiosity, joy, or sadness. Ideally, the story will also contain some sort of actionable advice or guidance.
This user need is anchored in social media, which is why it’s important for publications to be able to spot trends quickly and respond quickly. This can be done by using Twitter or TikTok as research tools to track hashtags and topics. It’s also helpful for journalists to be able to connect with audiences on social platforms, as they can build trust by being part of the community. This can also help them to share and get feedback on their stories, which in turn helps to grow their audiences.
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