Skip to content
Added to your CPD log

View or edit this activity in your CPD log.

Go to My CPD Only APM members have access to CPD features Become a member Already added to CPD log

View or edit this activity in your CPD log.

Go to My CPD
Login to bookmark this
Added to your Saved Content Go to my Saved Content

APM Blog 

The APM blog aims to encourage discussions within the project community. We do this by sharing blogs on various topics of interest to the project management profession.

If you want to join the APM blogging community then we have some tips for you. Blog content should:

  • be relevant to the project management community
  • aim to further discussion, debate etc
  • be logical and have a coherent argument
  • be interesting to read

Creating blog posts

Choosing a topic
Before deciding whether something is worth writing about, consider what you are trying to achieve. Every story should serve a purpose and, in this particular case, answer one or more of the criteria listed above.

The post should present a single idea rather than trying to fit in multiple arguments – these can be used to form future posts for a series of blogs or further reads. Contact us if you have an outline for a blog or would like to submit a draft.

Content ideas
Here are some guidelines on possible subject areas:

  1. Give your spin on the latest news.
  2. Pull some interesting facts from your analytics or other market research.
  3. Highlight new industry trends, new ways of working etc.
  4. Debunk a myth or misconception about your company or industry.
  5. Express your opinion on a controversial topic or disagree with a commonly held belief.
  6. Write about changes you’re making to improve the profession, delivery of projects etc.
  7. Give a sneak preview of an upcoming product launch eg white paper, book etc and how it affects project management.

Structure
Every blog needs a structure – and there are key pieces of information it should include:

  1. Headline – keep it brief and informative; think of a catchy title that will attract the reader’s eye.
  2. First paragraph – 35 words ‘selling’ the main interest of the article: who? what? when? why? Think of this as an introduction.
  3. Following paragraphs – a natural progression of information. Break up large blocks of text with headings or create bullet lists where necessary.
  4. Final paragraph – a summary of your central argument or theme.
  5. Further information – include links to further reading, author bio etc.
  6. Length – minimum 500 words, maximum 1000 words.

Audience
The reader’s perspective is: What’s in it for me? It pays to keep on referring to this when writing your blog. We have a range of readers for our blogs so try to keep technical jargon simple. Our readers include:

  • new professionals
  • experienced project managers
  • young starters
  • international readers
  • general public

Remember, when writing for the web it is vital to keep to the point, keep sentences short and punchy, and get your most important message across in the first line. Try to keep the audience in mind: a good blog delivers a message in a way that strikes a chord. 

Style
Use plain English. Make sentences and headlines short, to the point and include keywords. Try to write in a friendly and informal style – keep it personal and light.

Good practice includes:

  • Crediting other people’s hard work, you can provide your analysis of others’ content but don’t repurpose it.
  • Content should be responsible, fair and accurate.
  • Not losing sight of your audience. If it’s not relevant, interesting or thought provoking – what’s the point?
  • Not including overt commercial messages. No one wants the hard sell.
  • Avoiding direct promotional links.
  • Keeping writing short and to the point; try to avoid waffle.
  • Always stating opinions as opinions, and never being critical or demeaning of another person.

For more formatting tips please see APM’s Style Guide.

Review process

Once you have sent a draft we will review and respond with comments or revisions based on APM style as well as our knowledge on readership and editorial content. Get in touch if you would like to contribute.

After the blog is published

When the blog has been published we will aim to promote it on APM’s social media channels where possible:

If you use Twitter and would like us to mention you then please send us your Twitter username.
If you are a member of the APM LinkedIn group and would prefer to post your blog yourself as a discussion rather than for us to do it then please let us know.
The promotion will be used to direct web traffic to the blog post on the APM website to encourage comments. In the LinkedIn forum it may also attract comments.

Blog comments

Please respond to blog comments in a timely manner and encourage colleagues or fellow committee members to chip in and help get the conversation started.

Duplication of blog content on other sites

We do not allow duplication of our blogs on other websites as this has a negative impact on our website domain authority and SEO. However, you are welcome to share the blog link on your website and social media.

FAQS

Can I use my own photos?

Whilst we love creativity, we are not always able to use your preferred images with the published articles. We will always try to find something else that is suitable as long as it complements the piece. Images will be subject to editorial review.

Can I share online links to another page?

If suitable and not overly promotional we are happy to share hyperlinks to other webpages in the published piece or author biography. This is subject to editorial review.

Send us an email if you would like to contribute