Why and how to set editorial guidelines for your blog
For many, the AP Stylebook is the go-to resource, but online content specific to your brand and audience might require additional rules. Here’s how to keep staff and contributors on track.
Virtually every content marketing program involves a blog.
It’s worth taking the time to create (or borrow) the one thing that makes all future planning and collaboration a bit easier: editorial guidelines .
Guidelines keep posts consistent in style and tone, cut down editing time and lead to better content overall. All important ingredients for increasing readership, reputation and lead generation start with your blog.
Editorial guidelines generally include standards for style and grammar, but for a blog you should include elements specific to digital content, such as key phrases and images. It’s similar to a web content checklist, but it’s more formal and used by marketing teams.
Here are eight things to include in your blog guidelines:
1. Blog and content objectives
Start with the reasons for maintaining a blog:
Communicating your objective will keep writers focused.
2. Approved topics
Before you can start, know what you’re writing about.
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