A featured story is a piece of longform content that tells a narrative, highlighting a specific topic and unpacking its complex layers. They can be newsworthy, informative or even entertaining—but no matter the subject, a great feature relies on human interest, fresh angles and an attention to detail that makes readers care.
In sports journalism, this approach can help fans connect with athletes on a personal level. It can also create a deeper understanding of the bigger themes behind sports events and the challenges that athletes face. For example, a profile feature article on a billionaire can take readers through his long hours at work, the size of his wife’s closet and even that he has never swum in his own infinity pool.
Creating engaging, in-depth features doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With the right writing tools and a few best practices, journalists can make these articles a staple of their digital publishing strategies.
Start with a clear outline. Poynter experts recommend using the hamburger structure to get your notes down on paper and focusing on the “who, what, where, when and why.” You can then start filling in the details of the story—be sure to include all the important facts and quotes you’ve collected. If you need more room to expand your piece, consider using a tool like Shorthand to embed elements like images, data illustrations and videos. This will allow you to create a truly interactive, immersive experience for your audience.