At RUNOMI, we encourage insightful blog contributions and have set a few guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency. Whether you are submitting a research-based article, an opinion piece, or a fieldwork reflection, these guidelines will help you structure your contribution effectively. Check out the full guidelines below and be part of the conversation!
- Types of Blog posts
- Full Features: Aim for comprehensive articles with in-depth analysis (800-1,200 words). Include 2-3 visuals (pictures, infographics) to support your content and break up text.
- Research Notes/ recapped events: Keep updates short and focused (300-500 words). Include 1 visual (picture, infographic) to complement your content and engage readers.
2. Suggested Title
- Craft a catchy and informative title that gives readers a clear idea of what the blog post is about while also piquing their interest.
- Avoid overly technical or long-winded titles. Make sure the title is clear, concise, and compelling to draw readers in.
3. Introduction and Core Argument
- Start strong: The core message should be clear from the very first few lines/ or start with a quote, story…to catch the attention.
- Structure your post like a news article: place the central argument or key takeaway at the beginning.
- Avoid lengthy introductions; focus on drawing the reader in with a compelling opening statement or question.
4. Paragraph Length
- Keep paragraphs concise, typically 3 to 4 sentences. This ensures readability and prevents overwhelming the reader with large blocks of text.
- Break down dense topics into smaller, digestible chunks to maintain a smooth reading flow.
5. Subheadings
- Use subheadings to structure your content. This makes it easier for readers to navigate and skim through the article.
- Subheadings help create a logical flow, making the content more accessible and less daunting.
6. Conversational Style
- Adopt a friendly, conversational tone that differs from academic writing. You’re talking to a general audience, so keep it approachable and engaging.
- Incorporate anecdotes, personal stories, or quotes to add a human touch and make the content more relatable.
- Engage readers by directly addressing them or asking questions to encourage comments or shares.
7. Avoid Academic Jargon
- Use clear, straightforward language to ensure accessibility for all readers. Avoid using complex terminology that might alienate non-experts.
- If technical terms or acronyms are necessary, make sure to explain them in simple terms on their first mention.
8. Citations and References
- Instead of footnotes or academic references, hyperlink to relevant external resources, such as open-access articles, reports, or websites.
- Always prioritize sources that are freely available to ensure that readers can access the information without barriers.
9. Incorporating Visuals (Graphs and Diagrams)
- When relevant, include graphs, charts, or diagrams that complement the content and make complex information easier to understand.
- Ensure visuals are of high resolution and easy to interpret.
- If you’re sharing data, consider including a downloadable file (like an Excel sheet) for readers who may want to explore the data further.
10. Utilizing Images
- Use images that enhance engagement, visually support the topic, and break up large text blocks.
- Prefer original images or those licensed for free use (e.g., Creative Commons) to avoid copyright issues.
Other recommendations
Engage Emotionally, But Stay Focused: It’s okay to weave in personal reflections or emotions, especially when discussing fieldwork or real-world experiences, but ensure the main argument or research takeaway remains central.
Call to Action: End with a question, a prompt for readers to share their thoughts, or a suggestion to explore related content on the website, fostering engagement with the blog.
Mention other colleagues or organizations: When writing your blog, if your story or project involves collaboration—especially with colleagues from RUNOMI or other organizations—be sure to highlight their contributions. This not only increases online visibility but also strengthens the impact of your work. We can tag the other colleagues and organizations when we share your blog through LinkedIn, increasing your exposure.