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I have detected a certain cynicism on the network when it comes to 'tweets, likes and shares' - and you know what I think you are right.

Because many people only spend their time doing 'tweets, likes and shares' so you end up seeing the same things going round and round, and you soon wonder if it is all worth your time.

And while there are many 'social media gurus' willing to pass on tips about how to use Twitter, Facebook and other tools, such can't be that difficult to use otherwise they wouldn't be so popular in the first place.

For me the gap is in actually producing things for others to 'tweet, like and share' and so here is a simple way to produce reports of your work and projects, using an old-time journalism technique.

It is very easy, just ask yourself the following questions:

Who? What? Why? Where? When? How?

If you look at a newspaper story you will be able to see answers to practically all these questions in the report.

Using this technique helps readers understand the story, but also enables the journalist to write the piece up quickly and move on to the next job.

So here are some questions you could ask during your next project, make a note of the answers and then write them up by linking them together.

Or even just with simple headers featuring the six questions and your answers below.

And don't forget to include a photograph or two.

Who?
Who was the job for? A private client might be happy with the use of their first name, whereas an association or business could be named.
Who worked on the job within your team?
Who did you have to contact in advance, possibly the local authority?
Who was your supplier and what did they supply.

What?
What issue does the project solve?
What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
What did you learn from the project?

Why?
Why did you use a certain technique and what did it involve?
Why did you pick certain items from suppliers?
If you had to make a change from the initial plan, why?

Where?
Where was the job located, you don't have to provide a full address but a location is good for local search engine results.
Where was the project located in relation to the natural elements and why?
Where can people go on the web to find out more about certain techniques or choices you have made? Including links to your own past work if relevant.

When?
When the project was carried out, and was the time of year important for any reason?
When should you revisit the project to check things are going to plan?

How?
How did you undertake a particular task on the project?
How did you decide on the different elements?
How did your client feel after the job was completed?

Now I am not asking you to sit down at the end of the day for a three hour exam, just prepare some standard questions that you complete when you have a spare moment.

Then when you have a little more time work your answers together into paragraphs and if you can aim for around 500 words, with a photograph or two, then you will have a detailed and helpful report of the job.

If possible, ask one other person to read over it just to ensure nothing is blatantly wrong such as spelling or grammar.

Then once you are happy with your piece contact your client to see if they have a website, Twitter or Facebook account that they can use to link across to your piece. Some will say yes, others will decline, don't press the point.

Finally, tweet, like and share your own piece, thank those who highlight your article and get on with planning out your next project.

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