Writing a 1200-word article for Google News or any similar platform involves creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content that follows best practices for news writing and SEO. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can write an article of that length for Google News:
1. Choose a Relevant, Timely Topic
- Google News values fresh, up-to-date content. Choose a topic that’s currently trending or relevant to your audience.
- Use Google Trends or news aggregator tools to identify hot topics in your niche.
2. Research Thoroughly
- Gather information from reliable sources, such as credible news outlets, research papers, and experts in the field.
- Make sure the sources are up-to-date and factually accurate.
- Focus on providing value to the reader with new insights or perspectives.
3. Craft a Strong Headline
- The headline should be catchy and to the point.
- Include the main keyword or the key topic to optimize for search engines, while making it engaging to the reader.
- Keep it under 70 characters for optimal search engine display.
4. Write an Engaging Introduction
- Start with a hook that grabs attention—this could be an intriguing fact, question, or a recent development related to the topic.
- Provide a brief overview of what the article will cover.
- Be clear and concise in the opening sentences.
5. Develop the Body of the Article
- Structure: Break the article into sections with subheadings to make it easier to read. Google News uses structured content, so using headers like H1, H2, etc., will help with SEO.
- Content:
- In the body, provide a well-rounded discussion of the topic. Include the who, what, where, when, why, and how.
- Provide insights, quotes from experts, or data (charts, statistics) to support your points.
- Maintain objectivity and avoid bias; Google News prefers articles that present facts rather than opinions, though opinion pieces are also valid if clearly marked.
- Facts & Figures: Use accurate data to back up claims. If you reference numbers, ensure they’re from reputable sources (like government websites or academic journals).
6. Use Proper SEO Techniques
- Include keywords naturally within the text, especially in the introduction, subheadings, and conclusion.
- Add internal and external links, especially linking to authoritative sources for additional context.
- Optimize images with descriptive alt texts and ensure they are relevant to the content.
7. Write a Strong Conclusion
- Summarize the key points without just repeating the introduction.
- If applicable, suggest solutions, a call to action, or possible future developments related to the topic.
- Make the conclusion impactful, leaving the reader with something to think about.
8. Ensure Readability
- Avoid long paragraphs; aim for clear, concise sentences.
- Use a conversational yet professional tone, depending on the target audience.
- Use active voice and avoid jargon unless necessary (and explain it if you must).
9. Fact-Check and Edit
- Before submitting, double-check all facts, statistics, and names to ensure everything is correct.
- Use a spell-checker and grammar tools (like Grammarly) to catch any mistakes.
- Edit for clarity, conciseness, and flow.
10. Optimize for Google News and SEO
- Meta Description: Write a compelling meta description (160 characters or less) that summarizes the article and includes important keywords.
- URL: Ensure that the URL is short and contains the primary keyword.
- Schema Markup: Google News often uses structured data (Schema.org). If you’re publishing on a platform like WordPress, make sure to use appropriate schema markup for articles.
Example of a 1200-word Article Breakdown:
- Introduction (100-150 words): Brief overview and hook.
- Section 1 (250-300 words): Detailed explanation of the background or context of the topic.
- Section 2 (250-300 words): Key developments or main arguments related to the topic.
- Section 3 (250-300 words): Impact of the topic, relevant quotes, and data.
- Conclusion (100-150 words): Wrap-up, future implications, or call to action.
