Finimpact Editorial Guidelines
Valued, authentic, trustworthy, clear, relatable and professional content applies nowhere more importantly than in the world of personal finance. Where knowledgeable and fact based decisions are a critical necessity to a successful financial enterprise.
We have taken this so seriously that the extent to which we have applied the above principles in the creation of our articles not only provides exactly the information that a visitor needs but also establishes trust to a degree that can not be surpassed.
All of our articles go through 6 stages before it gets anywhere near being read by anyone seeking knowledge and information on the subject.
Stage 1: Article Research
Each subject matter of every article is researched thoroughly where all the subject facts and subsections are consolidated into something called a content recommendation. This content recommendation has been compiled to contain the most pertinent, relevant and practical information. This recommendation, in addition to the factual information, also contains the style, structure template and directions for tonality.
Once compiled it is reviewed by our content editor to make sure the tone, logical flow of subject matters, clarity and reader relatability are all on par with the standards we expect and in line with our goals of creating expert and trustworthy content.
It is also reviewed to make sure it is in a style that is easily understood without the usual use of intimidating language and incomprehensible jargon often used in financial information that puts people off from trying to understand in the first place.
When certain terms and principles relating to the financial world are needed an explanation is also provided in everyday language that everyone, regardless of education and status, with a little effort, will be able to absorb and use.
Stage 2: Article Creation
The content recommendation is then sent to a professional writer with a proven history of writing on the subject and a web presence of past publications that establishes their authority and expertise.
Once they have written the article (according to the content recommendation) the editor reviews the article and a dialogue between the editor and writer begins. Any changes, amendments and explanations that are needed are made and ideas regarding style, tonality and how best to convey ideas in the simplest and clear way possible are exchanged. The idea is to arrive at a place where the article is as much in line with our guiding principles as possible.
Stage 3: Authoritative Proofreading
The article is then sent for proofreading by dedicated, qualified professionals. They are looking for any information that might have been overlooked and importantly any additional information that needs to be added in order for the article to be more accessible and relatable to more people who might need the value of learning the subject.
The editor then reads over it again to make sure that any new changes or additions are still in line with the tonality of our vision.
Stage 4: Fact Validation
All our fact checkers have either a PHD, BA, MA or a combination of government recognized certifications in finance eg. CFP, CAP,CLU,ChFC
They have either featured in major publications, published books on the subject and/or teach the subject in universities to budding future economists and financers.
Each article is critically examined where the actual intention is to find as many mistakes and inconsistencies as possible to the extent that if none are found we raise our eyebrows and ask "what's wrong with it?"
After they have fully checked every fact, idea and explanation and have updated time dependent principles our content editor then reads through it again to make certain that tonality, logical progression, fluidity and clarity are all still in line with what we want to provide.
Stage 5: Article Linking
At this stage the article is sent back to the original content recommendation creator to add links to other related articles that would be of use to the reader and links that the reader might need eg. documents, tables, definitions.
This is so the reader doesn’t need to go on a wild web adventure tracking down the related materials in order to move forward. The idea is to provide value; a complete reader experience that after having visited our site will leave them feeling confident, knowledgeable and with a vision of their next path forward.
Stage 6: Editor Sign Off
Here the editor goes over the article one last time and checks for everything. Grammar, spelling, consistency, flow, tonality, structure and most importantly - if the article is relatable. Relatable means that there is no wordagae that might give the impression “ better leave it up to the professionals” or “ we understand this - you won’t - so don't bother trying” aka - Corporate Snobbery
The information must be presented in a way that imparts the ambience to a reader that they are being handed the keys to unlock the financial system to use to their advantage and that they have the ability to wield these keys effectively and successfully. This is our main intention by providing this information and these articles;
Our site is not just providing information but also providing a public service because a thriving economy depends on equal opportunities for everyone not only in financial resources but also in education: Knowledge about the financial system and how to leverage it.