Update Posts: Getting Started

The goal of Update Posts is twofold:

  1. Keep project subscribers informed – Subscribers receive an email notification whenever a new update is posted.
  2. Maintain a public record of progress – Updates create a consistent and transparent paper trail on the website, allowing community members to track key milestones and stay engaged.

There are many templates for you to use and alter to your project specific updates:

The Voice

Our tone should be:

  • Informative, not academic – People want to learn but may feel unsure about participating. Make information clear, digestible, and engaging.
  • Friendly but professional – Keep it relatable, inclusive, and accessible without being too casual.
  • Genuine – Show that feedback is valued and heard, reinforcing trust.
  • Inspiring – Encourage action with a clear call to participate.

What Inspires People?

  • Knowing their voices matter – People want to see that their feedback is taken seriously before contributing their own. Solution: Share screenshots of community comments in update posts to highlight engagement.
  • Understanding what happens next – Transparency builds trust. Solution: Post regular updates on project progress and use platform features like "Idea Added to Plan" to show how feedback is shaping decisions.
  • Make it easy - Always have a convenient call to action (CTA) at the end of your post, a link to the feedback section asking for people to share their feedback. 

Audience

Who is looking at the update posts? Our primary audience consists of community members engaging with the project for the first time. They are exploring the page to learn more and decide if it’s worth their time to comment and subscribe.


How Should Our Audience Feel After Reading an Update Post?

  • Informed – They should walk away with clear, relevant details about the project’s progress.
  • Inspired – The update should highlight community impact and encourage them to engage.
  • Compelled to Take Action – They should feel motivated to:
    • Provide feedback
    • Share with a friend
    • Return for the latest project updates

Every update post should reinforce transparency, build trust, and invite participation in a meaningful way.