Read all about it! What could a news section deliver for your website?

10 Types of News Stories to help you create meaningful content

Share the latest news stories that make your business truly unique

What do you do with the stories that make your business remarkable? If you’re like many business owners, you’ll already be questioning my use of the word ‘remarkable.' You’ll convince yourself that you just do what you do and that if people want ‘news’, they’ll visit the BBC News website. But the news of what’s happening within your business is great content that you need to share.

Who is a news section ideal for?

A news page on your site is perfect for people who don’t have the time, or the inclination to set-up and maintain a blog. We looked into the benefits of a blog in an earlier post. But we know, that for some, finding time to blog is too big a commitment.

If that sounds like you, a standalone news section on your site is the ideal platform to share the stories and latest developments within your business.

10 Types of News Stories to help you create meaningful content

If you’re struggling to come up with stories, take a look at the list below. Could any of these spark a short news story on your site?

1. Nominated for or won a business award.

2. Won a significant piece of new business.

3. Hired a new member of staff.

4. Launched a new product or service.

5. Launched a new sale or promotional campaign.

6. Supported a charity or local community project.

7. Significant life event for a team member. (Wedding, birth of child, etc.)

8. Completed a new training course or been accredited.

9. Your perspective on a topical industry news story.

10. Have you been featured in the local or trade press?

Benefits

Sharing your news stories gives your business personality. It allows customers and partners to be more connected and can be an excellent way to build trust. It also serves as a reminder that your business is different. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the news you share isn’t important.

Your news section can also play a fundamental role in driving more people to your site. Google, Bing, Yahoo and all the other search engines all work differently, but one thing they all thrive on is fresh new content.

Your news section is likely to be the only part of your site that changes on a regular basis. It reminds them that you are still there, that your site is still providing valuable content. Each news item you create is another way for you to be found.

Repurposing News Stories

The news items you create for your news section can have a life beyond your site. The content you create can be edited to become a more traditional press release that you share with local and trade publications.

Or why not take all of this month's news items and package them as an email digest that you can send to your clients and partners?

News Section Fail - The Frequency Factor

In online terms, loyalty is an alien concept. We live in an on-demand age, where unfair perceptions are an unbreakable reality. So let me be frank.

If I visit your site and the last news item on your news page is dated 2013, I perceive that you don’t care. I perceive that you’re great at starting something, but not so good when it comes to following through. I perceive that you’re a business that has stagnated. It’s harsh, unreasonable and unfounded, but alas, that’s my reality.

Don’t let this happen to you. If you have a news section, I’d recommend you post something to it every two weeks. Monthly works, but if your news items are older than three months, I’d question if a news section is worth it.

Over to you

If you’ve got a news section with no fresh news, make today the day that changes. Take one of the suggestions from the list above and create a short news story about it. 300 words will do. Don’t over think it. Just write it, proof it and then post it to your site. We’re serious. Do it today and breathe life back into your news page.

If you need any help with your News page give us a call on 01738 700006 or drop us a line here.  Our Marketing team is on hand to help.

P.S. Share the link to your most recent news item in the comments below!