The Ultimate Guide To Editorial Content Types and Formats
I am often surprised when hear from web publishers, journalists and small web entrepreneurs about their frustration with finding ways to create valuable content that it is not just another article or blog post.
Photo credit: Robin Good - Original full size table
Although there are more than 100 types of content that one can actually create, we dilute most of our energy and resources in producing what most others do, news and light article content, without ever considering that there exist a ton of other content alternatives that could be utilized.
This is why I have decided to create this catalogue of content types. To remind writers and editors, that there are a tens of alternative opportunities for creating valuable content and that it is only up to me and you to pick them up and use them.
While there have been other attempts at listing and cataloging formats and types of content that can be published online (which I have listed and referenced at the end of this article), I have tried to improve upon them, not just by extending the number of formats covered (over 100), but also by identifying relevant examples, and where possible, appropriate tools, that can be useful to create that specific type of content.
If you would like to help, feel free to contribute suggestions for additional relevant content types I may have overlooked, as well as for appropriate real-world examples and software tools / web apps that can be of aid in creating these.
The catalog is divided in 11 different general content categories to facilitate browsing and finding relevant alternatives and options for most content types.
Here all the details:
Synthesis - Reference
Df - Definitions
Curated collection of the most relevant and diverse definitions of a specific subject, issue or topic
Example: What Is Content Curation: Definition
Relevant tools: Bundlr
Ck - Checklist
List of items, tools or resources to check to do something or to achieve a specific goal
Examples:
Relevant tools: Checklist.com
Ap - Action Plans
List of steps to be taken to do or to achieve a specific goal
Relevant tools:
Gl - Glossary
Alphabetical list of terms or words relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with clear descriptions
Relevant tools:
Di - Directory
Listing of resources, tools, companies, events or individuals for a specific use / application and organized around specific criteria (location, age, features, etc.)
Relevant tools:
Lb - Links Bundle
Collection of web links to specific online resources that can be shared with just one link
Relevant tools:
Pl - People List
List of individuals characterized by unique traits, skills, abilities - Who's Who - Expert List - Who To Follow
Relevant tools:
Ca - Catalog
Comprehensive list of items, classified and organized around a specific topic
Relevant tools:
Ct - Comparison Table
Tabular data organized to facilitate comparison between one or more items
Relevant tools:
Cc - Collection of Collections
Collection of existing collections threaded together by a unique theme
Example: Museum of Museums
Relevant tools: Acrobat
News & Stories
Ns - News Story
Reporting of a news story already covered by others
Relevant tools:
Nh - Newshub
Web page automatically aggregating news and stories coming from different sources
Example: AllTop
Relevant tools:
Nc - Curated Newspage
Web page aggregating and curating the most relevant news on a specific topic or for a specific audience
Example: Techmeme
Relevant tools:
Sc - Scoop
Break a story first by reporting or writing on something that has not been reported about by others
Relevant tools: Medium
Tr - Tool Review
Written review of a new product or service providing information on its use, features, pros and cons
Op - Personal Opinion
Article expressing the author opinion on a topic, issue, person or event.
Relevant tools:
Ps - Personal Story
Personal recount of something that happened
Relevant tools:
Ol - Open Letter
Communication directed at a specific subject, person or organization and advocating a specific solution or course of action
Example: Open Letters - Examples (Wikipedia)
Bo - Best of
List of information items, resources or tools ranked
Example: Best Free Video Conferencing Tools 2014
Relevant tools:
Eg - Evergreen
Archived content that is still relevant today as it was
when it was first publishedRelevant tools: Google Analytics (to find it)
Cu - Curated Story
In-depth analysis of a specific resource, content or story enriched by personal insight, explanations, quotes, annotations and relevant links
Example: Maria Popova Brainpickings
Relevant tools:
- Any web publishing tool
- Storify
Ac - Articles Collection
Collection of selected best articles from one or more sources on a specific topic
Relevant tools:
Data-Analysis
Da - Data Analysis
Written report focussing on the inspection, cleanup, transformation and modeling of (statistical) data with the goal of discovering useful information, patterns and trends
Examples:
Relevant tools:
Cs - Case Study
Analysis of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time
Examples:
Lf - LongForm Article
In-depth news, analysis, report or opinion content articles exceeding 2000 words. Long-form articles take often the form of creative nonfiction or storytelling / narrative journalism
Examples:
Relevant tools for research:
Sf - SnowFallen
Long-format content augmented by video clips, animations, interactive maps and other multimedia elements
Examples:
- SnowFall
- Snowfall-like Articles Directory
- 12 wonderful examples of immersive online storytelling
- 17 example of long-form online story/interactives with
Relevant tools: Exposure.so
Rr - Research Report
Report based on research results or reviews providing a general overview on a specific topic and some useful tips
Relevant tools:
- Choose the Best Search for Your Information Need
- Marketing Zakta
- Research Tools (Mindmap)
- Search Tools (Project Bamboo)
Wp - White Paper
Authoritative report or guide helping readers to understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision
Examples:
Ir - Investigative Report
A deep investigative research effort around a single topic of interest, often involving crime, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing (Wkpd)
Examples:
- Wikipedia Investigative Journalism
- Examples of Investigative Journalism (PBS Mediashift)
Ta - Trend Analysis
Report analyzing collected data to extrapolate and identify key patterns and to predict, speculate and anticipate future lines of likely change
Relevant tools: Google Trends
Id - Industry Report
Comprehensive business information report, including research, trends and business growth data focusing on a specific industry sector
Examples:
- Industry Reports (The Economist)
- Industry Reports (US Census)
- How to Prepare an Industry Report (Economywatch)
Relevant tools: Marketing Zakta
Entertainment
Fc - Fun Content
Humorous, ironic, funny content including jokes, short stories, photo-retouched images
Relevant tools:
Co - Comics
Ironic, funny graphic illustration or visual
Relevant tools: Pixton, Comic Life
Ca - Animated Characters
Animated video clip containing virtual characters that interpret
a scripted storyExample: GoAnimate Videos
Relevant tools: GoAnimate
Cn - Contest Competition
Intellectual non-physical competition to identify the best performer / most informed person in a specific area
Example: EmpireAvenue
Relevant tools: ContestGen
Ml - Movie List
Annotated compilation of movie titles on a specific topic / theme
Relevant tools: Collectorz Movie
Ap - Audio Playlist
Curated selection of audio tracks saved into a unique annotated sequence
Relevant tools:
Vp - Video Playlist
Curated selection of video tracks collected together into one
Relevant tools:
Visual
Ig - Image Gallery
Annotated gallery of selected images accompanied by informative captions
Relevant tools:
Pr - Slide Presentation
Deck of digital slides containing text and images
Relevant tools:
Vm - Visual Manifesto
Illustrated manifesto of a company, organization or tribe representing its ideals, dreams, mission, objectives, common traits
Example: Manifesto
Relevant tools:
Mm - Mindmap
Conceptual map illustrating a series of ideas, a collection of resources, a plan, strategy, or a sequence of steps to follow
Relevant tools:
In - Infographic
Information graphic synthesizing and highlighting key data, statistics, and other relevant info about a specific topic presented in a visually engaging way
Relevant tools:
Sf - Social Flag
Visual content which generally include inspiring text citations, designed to match a specific community peculiar traits, ideals, fears and dreams
Relevant tools:
Vg - Visual Magazine
Annotated collection of articles on a specific topic or theme
Relevant tools:
Tl - Timeline
Visual display of a sequence of events in chronological order
Relevant tools: Timeline Builders
Conversational
Ft - Forum Thread
Threaded discussion or mini-forum on a specific issue-topic
Relevant tools:
Tc - Topical Chat
Chat page, twitter chat, or other real-time chatting venue on a specific issue-topic
Relevant tools:
Wb - Webinar
Seminar conducted completely over the Internet
Relevant tools:
Hg - Google Hangout
Collaborative live video event with multiple participants and hosts
Relevant tools: Google Hangouts
Ai - Audio Interview
Spoken interview with someone, recorded over telephone or Skype and edited for final publication
Relevant tools:
- Skype
- Call Recorder (Mac)
- SuperTinTin (PC)
- Audacity (for editing)
Vi - Video interview
Recorded online video interview
Relevant tools:
Ec - Live Event Coverage
Live written coverage of an event
Relevant tools:
Lv - Live Video
One-man program, event or ongoing live video broadcasted online
Relevant tools:
Illustrative
Mb - Mood Board
Visual collage consisting of images, text, graphics and other visual elements created with the purpose to more effectively communicate design concepts, atmospheres, general ideas
Examples:
Relevant tools:
Ex - Examples, Models
Collection of selected real-world examples, models exemplifying a specific subject
Examples:
- Elearning Examples, Book Covers Collection
- Great Examples of Content Curation at Work
- Business Model Gallery
- Onboarding examples
Relevant tools: Pinterest
Am - Audio Mashup
Curated selection of excerpts and clips from longer audio tracks edited together into one
Examples: The Grey Album by Danger Mouse
Relevant tools:
Vc - Video Mashup
Curated selection of video excerpts and clips from longer videos edited together into one video
Examples:
Relevant tools:
Sc - Screencast
Recording of computer screen actions, events and sounds designed to create demonstrations, tutorials or presentations
Relevant tools:
Vp - Video Presentation
Slide-based presentation with voice-over, saved as a video
Relevant tools: Slidetalk
Sd - Animated Story
Speeded-up animation sequence where a hand draws and illustrates with words and images a story
Relevant tools: Videoscribe
De - Demo Video
Live or recorded video demonstration of a tool, product or service
Relevant tools:
Pd - Podcast
Series of subscribable audio recorded programs downloadable as .mp3 files
Examples:
Relevant tools:
It - Itinerary
Detailed plan for a journey providing specific route information, relevant resources and useful advice for travelers
Relevant tools:
Institutional
En - Email Newsletter
Periodical email-based content delivery format designed to help organizations stay in touch with customers and fans
Relevant tools:
Ma - Manifesto
Published verbal declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer, be it an individual, group, political party or government (wkpd)
Examples:
Pr - Press Release
Official statement issued to news media outlets providing information on a particular matter
Example: Press Relase For Immediate Release
Relevant tools:
Sp - SocialMedia PR
Social-media optimized content published across multiple channels and directed mainly to news media outlets providing information on a particular matter
Example: Good example of a social media press release from ING
How-to:
Relevant tools:
Pc - Press Clippings
Collection of digital cutouts from different media sources talking about a specific topic, issue, person or event
Relevant tools:
Mk - Media Kit
Curated selection of promotional and informative materials about an artist, company or service designed for the press
Examples:
- Media-Kit-Examples
- Best Blogger Media Kits
- Vox Media Kit
- Seven Examples Of Media Kits That "Make It Rain"
Relevant info:
- What Makes a Good Online Media Kit?
- The Ingredients of a Press Kit
- How to Create the Ultimate Online Media Kit
- Media Kit Template
- Media Kit Resources
Pf - Portfolio
Visual collection of works carried out by a professional or an author
Examples: Portfolio Examples
Relevant tools: About.me
Sh - Social Hub
Curated hub / stream of social content from users talking and sharing information about a specific brand / organization
Relevant tools:
Informational
Cr - Crowdfunding Page
Page dedicated to showcase, illustrate and explain a project while providing good motives to readers to sponsor and contribute to it
Example: How to raise money from crowds: 11 crowdfunding platforms
Relevant tools: 6 Top Crowdfunding Websites: Which One Is Right For Your Project?
Sv - Survey
Series of specific questions designed to gather preferences, expectations and needs from a selected group of people
Example: Survey Examples
How-to: Basics of Survey and Question Design
Relevant tools:
Qz - Quiz
Challenge where one or more questions need to be answered
Pl - Poll
Simple survey consisting of only one or two questions accompanied by a selection of pre-selected answers. Those participating can generally see the poll results as soon as they have submitted their own preference
Example: Saturday Survey by Jane Heart
Relevant tools:
Ak - Ask the Experts
Curated selection of tips, advice or suggestions from experts, thought leaders in a specific area
Example: Quora
Relevant tools: POPexpert
Fa - FAQ
Curated selection of popular questions accompanied by relevant and exhaustive answers
Relevant tools: FAQ Builder (for WordPress), FAQ Builder (Win)
Qa - Question & Answers
Collection of questions and answers
Examples: Yahoo Answers
Relevant tools: Uservoice
Oc - Open Clinic
Live online event where people can submit questions about their problems and issues and receive just-in-time suggestions and advice
Relevant tools:
Rl - Reading List
Annotated sequence of selected articles about a specific topic or issue
Example: Content Curation Guide
Relevant tools:
Bl - Book List
Annotated compilation of movie titles on a specific topic / theme
Relevant tools: Collectorz
Educational
Rl - Resources List
Organized and annotated collection of useful resources on a specific topic
Examples: Vivere a Malta
Relevant tools:
Gu - Guide
Basic introductory instruction on a certain topic or tool
Relevant tools: iBooks Author
Ht - How-to
Short course illustrating steps to achieve a certain goal for beginners
Relevant tools: iBooks Author
Lg - Learning Guide
Reading list designed for a learning objective
Examples: Content Curation Guide
Relevant tools:
Tu - Tutorial
Medium-length format written instruction, often broken into chapters / classes, designed to achieve deep familiarity with a specific subject
Relevant tools:
Bp - Best Practices
Collection of most effective practices within a specific area
Example: UserOnboarding
Ss - Success Stories
Collection of positive stories from people who have been able to achieve something specific
Example: Nomadi Digitali Storie di Successo
Sd - SlideDoc
Visual document created using presentation software, where visuals and words unite to illustrate one clear point per page.
Example:
Relevant tools:
Eb - eBook
A long-form, page-based, book-like publication format, in a distributable digital format
Relevant tools:
Mo - MOOC
Massive Open Online Course - online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access
Examples:
Relevant tools:
Tk - Toolkit
Collection of different tools, contents, examples, templates and others instruments designed to help the user achieve a very specific goal
Relevant tools: Acrobat
Instrumental
Sb - Strategy board
Pre-designed canvas or template divided in sections that need to be filled out to prototype, define and simulate possible strategies and outcomes
Examples:
Ca - Calculator, Estimator
Web-based simple calculation tool capable of calculating, estimating or reporting specific data about something
St - Script Tool
Hand-coded small software program capable of delivering a very specific service
Examples:
Ce - Content Template
Ready-made content structure, providing questions / descriptions / or sample text to help author create quality content by answering questions, filling in the holes or replacing the original reference text.
Examples:
Relevant tools: Smore
Dt - Design Theme
Ready-made editable web site design template
Example:
Bg - Buyer's Guide
Everything a potential buyer needs to know to make an informed choice before purchasing a specific kind of product
Relevant tools: SocialCompare
Tc - Tools
Organized catalog of tools designed for a specific application use
Examples:
Relevant tools: Scoop.it
Jo - Job & Opportunities
Curated selection of job offers and opportunities in a specific sector
Relevant tools:
See also:
The Periodic Table of Content Marketing
- Traditional Content Formats Still Dominate Consumption and Influence
- 3 Content Formats That Are About to Take Off (And Be Abused)
- Beyond Blog Posts - A Guide to Innovative Content Types
- The Best Content Marketing Formats
Originally written and curated by Robin Good and first published on MasterNewMedia on Tuesday April 1st 2014 as The Ultimate Guide To Editorial Content Types and Formats.
Photo credits:
Synthesis - Drop from a dropper by Shutterstock
News & Stories - Corporate work concept by Shutterstock
Data Analysis - Icon of graph by Shutterstock
Visual - N.A. by Shutterstock
Illustrative - Watercolor pen set by Shutterstock
Institutional - Greek ionic column by Shutterstock
Informational - Information symbol by Shutterstock
Educational - Graduation cap icon by Shutterstock
Instrumental - Yellow screwdriver by Shutterstock
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