Every article should be written with the reader in mind.
Readers should be able to comfortably read most LKNConnect articles in approximately two to three minutes.
Articles should be:
Avoid long blocks of uninterrupted text whenever possible.
Remember:
People don’t read every word. They scan for value.
Help them find it quickly.
Use:
Write with confidence.
Write with clarity.
Write with purpose.
Avoid:
Readers should always feel respected—not sold to.
Every contributor is responsible for verifying every fact before publication.
Always verify:
If you are unsure—
Verify it.
Credibility is one of LKNConnect’s greatest assets.
Our recommendations are earned—not purchased.
Businesses are featured because they contribute value to the Lake Norman community.
Sponsors receive additional visibility through the Growth Spiral, but sponsorship never determines our editorial recommendations.
We protect our readers by remaining honest, objective, and community focused.
Trust is our greatest marketing asset.
When writing about a business, help readers understand the experience.
Answer these questions whenever appropriate:
Our purpose is to educate readers—not simply promote businesses.
Community stories should:
Every story should leave readers feeling more connected to Lake Norman.
Every article should naturally encourage readers to continue their journey.
Typical calls to action include:
Calls to action should feel like helpful invitations—not advertisements.
Strong photography strengthens strong storytelling.
Every article should include professional-quality images that support the story.
Our standards include:
Every photograph should make readers want to continue reading.
Whenever an article features a specific person, place, business, event, product, or activity, contributors are expected to provide clear, original photographs that accurately represent the subject.
Whenever possible, photographs should be taken specifically for the story or supplied directly by the featured individual or business.
Examples include:
Whenever people are the primary subject of an article, a professional-quality headshot should also be provided whenever available.
Photography should always be:
LKNConnect prefers authentic local photography over stock photography whenever possible.
Readers come to LKNConnect to experience the real Lake Norman community.
Our photography should reflect that commitment.
Every article should continue providing value long after publication.
Whenever appropriate include:
Our objective is long-term discoverability—not one-day readership.
Before publishing, ask:
✓ Is the information accurate?
✓ Does this article provide value?
✓ Is the headline compelling?
✓ Is the introduction engaging?
✓ Is the article approximately the correct length?
✓ Is it easy to read?
✓ Are names and contact information correct?
✓ Are the photographs professional?
✓ Does it reflect the LKNConnect brand?
✓ Does it increase visibility for the featured business or organization?
✓ Would I proudly share this article with family and friends?
If the answer to any question is “No,”
Keep improving.
Never:
Remember:
Our reputation is built one article at a time.
Traditional media often focuses on reporting what happened yesterday.
LKNConnect focuses on helping readers discover what they can experience today—and tomorrow.
Our stories encourage people to:
Every article should leave readers thinking:
“I didn’t know that… I’m glad I read it.”
That is the standard we strive for every day.
Every article we publish should reflect these three principles.
They define who we are, how we serve our readers, and why LKNConnect continues to grow as Lake Norman’s Business Growth Network.
