I love these July story and engagement ideas

July is such a great time of the year for a variety of engagement ideas that are fun for readers, can answer their pressing questions and create localization for stories that are trending.

Here are 10 of my favorites that I hope you’ll consider:

1. Back-to-school shopping hacks: There are lots of ways to get parents ready for back to school shopping season. Providing a list of useful dates like Amazon Prime Day, tax-free weekends and printable supply checklists, could be a really nice service.

2. Changes parents need to know this school year: Many schools passed laws that go into effect this year, like cell phone bans across much of the country. Round up all of the changes that parents need to be aware of.

3. What’s been accomplished so far in your city: Offer a view from different areas of your coverage area — city and county government — on what has been accomplished at the midway point of the year. This also is a nice opportunity to ask either your school district or a specific school like a high school, what their top goals are going into the new school year. They need to be very specific though.

4. Local budget season: If your city or county budget planning kicks off in July, create an explainer on what’s being proposed, what residents can weigh in on, and how it affects services. I love this bonus idea of showcasing by department how money is spent, showing the budget last year to this year, their programs and more. Here is a template I have used in the past.

5. Summer construction update: For many many cities, summer is the primetime for construction updates because the weather is nicer, so this is a good opportunity to provide a check-in on how those projects and progressing and what your audience can expect over the next few months.

6. How is real estate going? Spring and summer are often hot times for real estate, so what has it been like so far this summer in terms of activity? Work with a real estate association to get the number of homes on market, average price homes have sold for and other relevant data, plus feedback from Realtors.

7. Trump’s budget impact: With Trump’s proposed budget moving forward, there could be major changes to local communities. This could mean reduced support for Head Start centers, delayed road projects, and changes to small business tax incentives. Opposed to just reaction from those places, lay out the impact and answer as many questions as you can.

8. July 4th travel: TSA is expecting historic travel volumes this summer, so see if you can find out how many people came through for the Fourth of July or so far this summer. You could also expand this to include an update from your local tourism bureau on visits and impact so far.

9. Summer soundtrack: What are locals listening to that speaks to the city and summer? Round up people in town — from city officials to business owners — and find out what’s on their playlist that says summer.

10. Hikes for people who hate hikes: I always think these kind of hooks are fun, opposed to just a general list of the best places to go. Make a list that works for anyone. I also love this idea for vacation guides, the things you should and shouldn’t do here. It’s real advice, which Google is rewarding and I bet your readers will love.

☀️ More summer ideas: A few years ago, I was head of content for the Local Media Association and wrote this guide on 19 ways to engage your readers this summer. Check it out for even more inspiration. 

🤝 Let us help with your content strategy:We’re experts in helping news organizations creatively increase their audience. Let me tell you how I can help you. Email me at david@davidarkinconsulting.com today.