Every article published by LKNConnect represents our brand, our reputation, and our commitment to serving the Lake Norman community.
Our writing should educate, inspire, connect, and increase the visibility of the businesses, organizations, events, and people we feature.
We are not simply reporting news.
We are telling the stories that make Lake Norman a better place to live, work, shop, dine, and experience.
Every article should strengthen the connection between our readers and our community.
LKNConnect exists to provide value.
Every article should answer one simple question:
“How does this help our readers?”
If the answer is not clear, the article should be rewritten.
Our readers should finish every article feeling they have:
Our success is measured by the value we provide—not simply by the number of articles we publish.
Write like a trusted neighbor.
Not like a newspaper reporter.
Not like a salesperson.
Not like a corporate press release.
Our writing should always be:
Readers should feel they are receiving advice from someone who genuinely knows and cares about the Lake Norman community.
Our goal is to build trust through every article we publish.
Every article should accomplish one or more of the following:
If an article does not provide value, it does not belong on LKNConnect.
Every article should follow a logical and consistent format.
A headline should immediately tell readers why the story matters.
Good headlines are:
Avoid sensational or misleading headlines.
Capture the reader’s attention within the first paragraph.
The introduction should explain:
The first paragraph determines whether readers continue reading.
Develop the topic in a logical sequence.
Use:
Every paragraph should move the story forward.
Avoid unnecessary repetition.
Whenever appropriate include:
The more useful the article, the greater its long-term value.
Every article should end by answering one question:
“What should I do next?”
Readers should leave with:
LKNConnect articles are designed to provide meaningful information while respecting our readers’ time.
Our goal is to publish articles that are informative, engaging, and easy to read across desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
Standard Editorial Articles
Ideal for:
Feature Stories & Interviews
Used when additional storytelling or interview content provides greater value.
Historical Features
(Life Before the Lake)
700–1,200 words
Historical storytelling may require additional detail to accurately preserve and explain the history of the Lake Norman region.
Breaking News & Community Announcements
As concise as possible while providing complete and accurate information.
Our objective is not to write longer articles.
Our objective is to write better articles.
Every paragraph should add value.
Every sentence should have a purpose.
Every word should help the reader better understand the story.
When the story has been told…
Stop writing.
Quality always takes precedence over word count.
Our standard is simple:
Write until the reader has everything they need—then stop.
Readers should be able to comfortably read most LKNConnect articles in approximately two to three minutes.
Respect the reader’s time.
Clear writing is professional writing.
Simple writing is powerful writing.
