Thanks for taking the time to contribute to the 10:10 website. These guidelines are designed to help you make the most of your feature, and to make the editing/feedback process as straightforward as possible.

When it comes to reducing emissions we think it's better to show than to tell, and that's where you come in. A guest blog of this type is basically a mini case study that outlines how you're doing (or plan to do) 10:10. The idea is to present carbon-cutting information in a way that's practical, engaging and firmly rooted in the real world.

There are four key ingredients to a successful 10:10 blog:

1. Stay focused

One thing that sets 10:10 apart is that it's a specific, near-term target, and this should be reflected on all of our content. We're looking for a story about how you're doing (or plan to do) 10:10. How, in other words, you're reducing your emissions by 10% – or as close as you can get – in a 12 month period.

It's fine to summarise the good things you did before joining 10:10 or the longer-term actions you're taking, but this shouldn't be the main focus of the piece. The only real exception to this is in spreading the word – we're always keen to hear about anything you're doing to get others involved in the project.

2. Be specific

The best blogs will be both inspiring and informative. While writing, ask yourself: if you were just getting started with the whole carbon cutting thing, would you find this piece helpful?

Detail is key here. If you've installed extra insulation, for example, include all the info you would have wanted before you started. Was it in the walls or the roof? What materials or methods did you use? Where did you go for help? How much did it cost? How much money and carbon will it save?

3. Tell a story, and make it personal

This is what differentiates your case study from a simple set of tips, and will hopefully inspire people to follow your lead.

Try to present the information as a narrative – use the first-person 'I' or named individuals rather than the corporate 'we'. Talk about motivations ('our heating bills were sky-high'), difficulties ('on the first attempt, we bought the wrong-sized draftproofing tape and the stockroom door wouldn't close'), emotional responses ('I was worried that my colleagues wouldn't be interested'), funny or quirky anecdotes ('we had to adjust the motion-sensitive lights after they switched off in the middle of a board meeting'), incidental details (the new heating system was much quieter).

4. A picture is worth a thousand words

Pictures can add a huge amount of colour and interest to any blog so please do send them if you have them - or even video if you've got it!

At the very least we'll need a head-and-shoulders image of the author.

And that's about it! If you have any questions about this guide, contact Malachi Chadwick – mal@1010uk.org

Happy blogging!