How to Write a Feature Article: Tips for Engaging Content

Anyone who writes – whether you’re a seasoned novelist or a marketer crafting website copy – understands that mastering how to write a feature article presents its own set of challenges. Feature articles need to inform and engage. Finding this balance is much harder to achieve than you might think.

Feature writing is about going beyond surface-level reporting. It’s about exploring the why and how behind the what, creating compelling stories that stick with you. These stories make you think, feel, and see the world a little differently. They have the power to give a voice to the voiceless, inspire change, and challenge conventional thinking.

This guide will walk you through the process of crafting a feature article that shares human experiences through engaging life stories. Whether you’re focusing on lifestyle features, travel narratives, or profiles, we’ll explore how to choose the right angle and create a powerful narrative structure that captivates your readers.

You’ll discover techniques for crafting attention-grabbing openings and satisfying conclusions that linger in the minds of your audience long after they’ve finished reading. Let’s dive in and unlock the art of storytelling in feature writing!

What is a Feature Article?

In a world of tweets and fleeting social media updates, the ability to craft a well-researched and engaging feature article is a valuable skill for any writer. Unlike news stories, which provide straightforward, factual accounts of recent events, feature articles use descriptive language to delve deeper into a subject.

Think of it like this: News tells you what happened, but features use vivid descriptions to show you how and why it matters. They are stories that resonate with the reader on an emotional level while providing insights they won’t find anywhere else.

Choosing the Right Story for Your Feature Article

Selecting the right subject for a feature article can be the difference between creating a piece that people devour and one that falls flat. The best feature articles typically focus on captivating people, exploring unique angles, or revealing surprising insights about familiar subjects. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

If a topic tugs at your curiosity, there’s a good chance it will pique the interest of others. Draw inspiration from things that spark your passion or topics you’d like to understand better. Pay attention to what’s being discussed, what questions people are asking, and the stories behind those discussions.

How to evaluate potential article ideas:

• Is this relevant to my audience? Consider your target reader. What are their interests? Will they find value in this story?
• Is it timely and relevant? Your feature article should be captivating and add value to your reader.

Mastering the Art of Writing a Feature Article

A good feature article blends factual reporting with narrative techniques used in fictional storytelling. It’s a blend of solid foundation, compelling writing, and an understanding of your audience.

Research and Fact-Check Your Feature Story

Once you’ve landed on an idea for your feature article, you need to do your homework. This involves conducting phone interviews, understanding the nuances of the topic, and digging deep into research papers.

Thorough fact-checking is a must. Always double-check your information from reputable sources before publishing.

Find Your Voice and Style

Don’t be afraid to let your own personality shine through. This doesn’t mean you have to sound like someone you’re not, but it’s about letting your individual quirks peek through. Use humor if it suits the tone and embrace rhythm in your writing.

• Avoid clichés or overused phrases that sound like everyone else.
• Instead of saying something is “amazing” or “terrible,” explore why it evokes that response.
• Don’t be scared to start sentences with “and” or “but.” This makes your copy sound conversational and natural. However, always write in a clear, easy-to-understand style.
• Use powerful verbs and evocative language. Instead of saying, “He walked quickly to the store,” try “He raced to the store, his heart pounding in his chest.”

Build Structure and Flow

Knowing how to write a feature article effectively means mastering its structure:

1. Start with a hook that will grip the reader’s attention from the first sentence. Use a thought-provoking question or unusual statement to engage readers right away.
2. Develop the story in the body. Include examples, anecdotes, and details from your research. Weaving a story rather than just presenting facts is what sets feature writing apart from other types of non-fiction.
3. The conclusion of a feature article is your final opportunity to make a lasting impression. Offer closure on the central theme and leave readers pondering long after finishing the article.

How to Write a Feature Article in Different Formats

Writers often experiment with different feature types depending on what suits the story or subject best.

Here are the 10 most popular types of feature articles:

1. Human-interest stories appeal to emotion and explore personal experiences. These stories focus on the human element and aim to evoke empathy and understanding from the reader.
2. News features delve beyond the surface of news by providing more context. They’re heavily grounded in current events and should explore an event in more depth, examining all sides of an issue objectively.
3. Lifestyle features center around leisure, hobbies, or everyday living. These can include advice-based guides, how-tos, personal essays, round-up articles, or personal recommendations.
4. Seasonal features focus on happenings and events that correlate with seasons or holidays. These often explore traditions, celebrations, or changes associated with specific times of the year.
5. Interview feature articles weave narratives with interview excerpts. An interviewer will typically seek perspectives and stories from various individuals or subject-matter experts on a specific theme or topic. These experts can lend credibility and weight to a topic being explored, and readers tend to appreciate this style, finding comfort in the external validation offered.
6. Color stories are similar to news features but place a heavier emphasis on sensory language. They help bring the reader into a story and allow them to experience events alongside the writer. Sensory details, vivid descriptions, and evocative imagery are crucial to writing a captivating color story.
7. Profiles hone in on a specific individual’s life, experiences, struggles, and/or accolades. The goal is to present a well-rounded portrait of the subject, highlighting their background, motivations, and impact.
8. Behind-the-scenes features bring readers into a world usually hidden from public view. They showcase processes, how things are made, the backstories of popular products or creations, or anything considered a novelty or unknown to most audiences. This provides a fresh perspective and satisfies the reader’s curiosity.
9. Travel features explore specific geographic destinations. They can focus on cultural experiences, food scenes, historical aspects, or recommendations for tourists. The writer’s experiences and observations take center stage.
10. Instructional articles focus on teaching or educating an audience. They’re most commonly used to create “how-to” features that provide step-by-step guidance on a particular topic.

How to Write a Feature Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

A feature article is an excellent tool to provide in-depth information about a topic, person, or event. Here’s how you can write one effectively:

Step 1: Evaluate Your Story Ideas

The first step in writing a feature article is to develop your ideas — these are the seeds that will grow your story.

If you’re lacking inspiration, check out The New York Times’ ‘Trending’ section or The Guardian’s Features. These publications can provide a wealth of ideas to explore.

You can also refer to our guide on 100+ blog post ideas you can write about.

Just keep in mind that these sources are meant for educational purposes and inspiration only — never copy or plagiarize their content. The aim is not to replicate what you read but to spark your creativity by immersing yourself in diverse topics and unique storytelling techniques.

You can also use BrandWell to generate ideas or topics that are relevant to your niche.

For example, I asked BrandWell’s super smart chatbot AIMEE to recommend ideas for a seasonal feature this fall for a pet niche. These are the topics it came up with:

1. Safety Tips for Pets: Create a comprehensive guide on how to keep pets safe during the fall season, including tips on preventing escapes during Halloween, avoiding seasonal toxins, and staying warm during cooler weather.
2. Cozy Recipes for Pets: Share some delicious and healthy recipes for pets that incorporate seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples. You could also include DIY treat ideas and homemade pet food recipes.
3. Fall Fashion for Pets: Highlight the latest fall fashion trends for pets, including cozy sweaters, stylish coats, and fun accessories like hats and scarves. You could also feature pet owners who dress up their pets in adorable costumes.
4. Activities to Enjoy with Your Pet: Suggest fun fall activities that pet owners can enjoy with their pets, such as hiking, apple picking, and visiting pumpkin patches. You could also include ideas for indoor activities like playing hide-and-seek or having a movie marathon.
5. How to Keep Your Pet’s Coat Healthy During Fall: Offer tips and advice on how to keep your pet’s coat healthy and shiny during the fall season, including advice on grooming, nutrition, and skincare.
6. Pet Photography Tips: Share tips and tricks for capturing beautiful fall photos of your pet, including advice on lighting, composition, and using seasonal props.
7. Fall Travel Destinations for Pet Owners: Highlight pet-friendly travel destinations that are perfect for a fall getaway, including national parks, pet-friendly hotels, and vacation rentals.
8. Pet Wellness Check: Create a comprehensive guide on how to keep your pet healthy and well during the fall season, including advice on vaccinations, parasite control, and nutrition.
9. DIY Crafts for Pets: Share fun and easy DIY craft ideas that pet owners can make for their pets, such as homemade toys, treats, and accessories.
10. Pet Adoption Stories: Share heartwarming stories of pets who have been adopted during the fall season, highlighting the joys of adopting a new pet and the importance of giving back to animal shelters.

To effectively evaluate potential story ideas:

• Analyze Trends: What’s hot right now? Which issues are making waves in the headlines? Utilize tools like Google Trends or BuzzSumo to pinpoint trending topics that are relevant to your industry.
• Understand Your Audience: Who are you writing for? What are their interests, concerns, and questions? This understanding should serve as a compass, guiding the direction of your stories and ensuring they resonate with your readers.
• Evaluate Relevance and Value: Your story should aim to provide something new—whether that’s fresh insights, unique perspectives on familiar themes, or practical solutions. Before committing to a topic, ask yourself how it enhances the reader’s life and what value it brings to their experience.

Step 2: Do Your Research

Feature stories need more than just facts and sensory details—they require supporting evidence to bring the narrative to life. This evidence can come from quotes, anecdotes, or interviews, all of which are essential to enriching the story.

These elements not only boost the credibility of your piece but also make it more engaging for readers. By incorporating multiple perspectives, you can create a multi-layered narrative that resonates on a deeper level.

• Quotes: Direct quotes offer valuable insights into people’s thoughts and opinions. They lend authenticity and add a personal touch that helps readers connect emotionally.
• Anecdotes: Anecdotal evidence illustrates statistics or hard data, transforming abstract information into relatable, human stories that forge an emotional connection with your audience.
• Interviews: Interviews provide firsthand accounts, expert opinions, and fresh angles, adding depth and dimension to your story. These unique insights make your narrative richer and more compelling.

Step 3: Choose a Feature Type

After conducting your research, take a moment to decide what type of feature article you want to write.

Keep in mind that this direction can shift as you dive deeper into your findings. You might start with the idea of writing a lifestyle piece about a local sports team’s fitness routine, only to discover a compelling story about an athlete’s transformative health journey.

This is a common occurrence in content writing—story ideas often evolve as you uncover new information. Embrace these changes; they could lead to more intriguing narratives than you first imagined.

Step 4: Select an Appropriate Writing Style

Choosing the right writing style is crucial to crafting an impactful feature article. The tone and language you use will shape how your audience engages with your content.

Here are a few tips to guide you:

• Embrace Your Unique Voice: Your voice sets you apart from other writers. Let it shine in your work! If humor is your strength, consider weaving it into your article—as long as it complements the subject and tone.
• Use Emotive Language: Don’t underestimate the power of emotional language. By using words that evoke feelings or sensory experiences, you can build a stronger connection with your readers.
• Be Selective with Adjectives & Adverbs: While adjectives and adverbs can add flair, overusing them can make your writing feel overdone or insincere. Use them thoughtfully for greater impact.
• Speak Directly to the Reader: Addressing the reader as “you” creates a conversational tone, making them feel more involved in the content rather than just being told information.

Step 5: Craft a Compelling Headline

The strength of your feature article isn’t just in the content—it also depends on the impact of its headline. A compelling, attention-grabbing title can be the key to drawing readers in or having your piece go unnoticed.

Without a dedicated subeditor, it’s up to you as the writer or marketer to craft a headline that summarizes your story while enticing potential readers.

Creating an engaging headline takes time and thought—it’s not something to rush through but rather an essential part of the writing process.

Here are some tips for crafting catchy headlines:

• Create intrigue: Aim to spark curiosity without revealing too much. Think of mystery novels—they don’t spoil the ending on the cover!
• Use powerful words: Words like “Secret,” “Free,” and “Proven” are known to trigger emotional responses, increasing the likelihood of readers clicking through.
• Pose a question: Asking a question related to your topic invites readers to seek answers within your article.

Another effective technique is using intriguing quotes from your story as headlines. This adds context and piques interest, encouraging readers to dive into the article for more.

Step 6: Open With Interest

The opening paragraph of your feature article is critical for grabbing readers’ attention and sparking their curiosity. It acts as the hook, and if done well, it can draw readers in and compel them to keep going.

One effective approach is to build tension from the start by introducing a conflict or problem that will be resolved later in the article. This creates a sense of anticipation, keeping readers engaged as they wait to see how things unfold.

Another option is to pose a rhetorical question—something thought-provoking that encourages readers to reflect before diving deeper into the story.

You could also capture attention with an outlandish or bold statement—something that seems surprising or even absurd at first but is backed up as the article progresses. These kinds of claims can create instant intrigue, but be sure to have substance behind them to maintain credibility.

Alternatively, try opening with a well-known event and work backward, explaining its relevance to your theme or argument. This can provide context and immediately connect readers to your story.

Whichever strategy you choose, the key is to hook your readers from the start, making them curious enough to read further into your article.

Want more tips? Read our guide on how to write a killer blog intro.

Step 7: Be Creative with Storytelling

Creativity can be a game-changer in feature writing. Unlike traditional news stories that follow a strict format, feature articles allow for flexibility and innovation.

While a story generally has a beginning, middle, and end, feature articles offer the freedom to play with that structure. You can experiment with the flow of information, incorporating anecdotes or personal experiences to create emotional resonance with your readers.

You might also try different writing styles—perhaps adding humor to serious topics or offering a fresh, unconventional perspective on familiar issues.

Though creativity is encouraged, don’t lose sight of the main goal: to provide valuable information. The key is balancing engaging storytelling with insightful content.

• Risk-taking: Push the boundaries by experimenting with new formats or ideas that break away from traditional norms.
• Audience-centricity: Shape your creative approach based on what resonates with your audience—their preferences should guide your choices.
• Balanced approach: While being creative, ensure your message remains clear, and that all key points are effectively communicated within the creative framework.

Step 8: End With A Bang

The most skilled feature writers always leave readers with something memorable at the end of their article. Whether it’s a strong conclusion or a detail that ties everything together, offering a sense of closure is essential.

This leaves your audience with a feeling of satisfaction and keeps them eager to read more of your future work.

There’s no strict order to follow when implementing these steps, especially if you’re still getting familiar with feature writing. However, they provide a solid foundation to build upon.

As you gain experience, you’ll naturally develop a unique style and voice that aligns perfectly with your content and audience.

Tips on How to Write a Great Feature Article

Crafting a standout feature article requires a blend of creativity, thorough research, and skillful storytelling. Here are some tips to help you write an engaging and impactful piece:

Create a Strong Narrative

A great feature article isn’t just about delivering facts—it’s about telling a captivating story. Each sentence should guide readers on a journey, keeping them hooked until the very last word.

Think of your narrative as a journey map. It begins by setting the stage, builds excitement as the story unfolds, and concludes by tying everything together—creating a seamless, satisfying arc that keeps readers engaged.

Structure for Maximum Impact

A compelling story grabs attention from the first sentence and stays with readers long after they’ve finished. When writing your introduction, treat it like an invitation that draws readers into a conversation they’ll want to continue.

Your structure should be flexible yet focused. An outline acts as a roadmap, ensuring each section flows naturally into the next, while keeping your main points on track. The article should feel effortless, as if you’re listening to a friend recount an exciting tale.

Edit with Precision

Editing is where good writing becomes exceptional. A meticulous edit can transform your draft into a polished, professional piece.

Writing is only half the battle; refining and perfecting your work is equally important. Editing requires attention to grammar, sentence flow, and overall coherence. Even the best writers revise their drafts—so should you.

A well-edited article is more likely to keep readers’ attention from start to finish. When revising, reading aloud can help catch awkward phrasing or errors that might disrupt the flow. And while spellcheck is helpful, nothing replaces a thorough proofread. Avoiding typos and grammatical mistakes helps maintain your credibility.

Seek Constructive Feedback

After polishing your draft, getting a second opinion can provide valuable insights. Feedback from others can reveal how your article resonates with different perspectives and highlight areas for improvement.

Remember, the writing process doesn’t end when you finish your draft—it continues through revisions and improvements based on feedback. This refinement is key to turning a good article into a great one.

FAQs: How to Write a Feature Article

How Long Should a Feature Article Be?

The length of a feature article can differ significantly based on factors such as the publication, the topic being covered, and the writer’s approach. In general, though, feature articles tend to fall within the 800 to 3,000-word range.

How do I find my writing style?

Avoid forcing a specific writing style. Your genuine voice will connect better with readers. Try out various techniques to discover what feels most comfortable and engaging for you. Celebrate your individuality and let your unique perspective shine through.

What is the main idea of a feature article?

Each feature article should center around a core theme or message. Determine the main takeaway you want your readers to grasp from your piece. Ensure that all aspects of your article work together to support and delve into this central idea.

How do you write an opening paragraph for a feature article?

Your opening paragraph, commonly referred to as the lede, should captivate the reader and establish the tone of your article. Think about beginning with a powerful quote, an intriguing question, or a vivid anecdote to draw them in.

What is the difference between a feature article and a news story?

While news stories focus on presenting straightforward facts, feature articles explore topics in greater depth. News articles typically follow an inverted pyramid structure, whereas features take the time to build a narrative. You can think of news as the appetizer and features as the main course.

Start Writing Feature Articles Like a Pro

Mastering the art of writing a feature article involves exploring the intricacies of human experiences. It’s about crafting vivid narratives that resonate on an emotional level. You’ve honed your ability to find angles that connect with readers, structure stories for maximum impact, and express your distinct voice.

Starting with a sense of curiosity, you build your piece on thorough research and incorporate engaging interviews.

Next comes the editing phase—where every single word counts.

Your story comes to life by reflecting genuine experiences of real people, and now you have a framework to ensure each article captivates readers from beginning to end.

Still staring at a blank screen? Let BrandWell help. Beyond generating topic ideas, AIMEE can help you create a story outline and even draft each section, giving you a rough draft in just minutes!