Entries Tagged 'article writing' ↓
March 30th, 2009 — article marketing, article writing, copywriting, freelance copywriting
Article writing can be seen as one of those boring tasks that are a throw-back from school and university days. But in business the writing of article is an effective marketing strategy to deliver targeted visitors, increase your rankings and boost sales.
If the thought of it still fills you with dread, the good news is that after learning a few simple steps, writing your own articles isn’t as hard as it appears.
What to write about?
This is probably the biggest hurdle most new writers face. The easiest way to begin is to write about things you are interested in and preferably passionate about.
Once you have decided on a general area, a good way to narrow the topic down is to focus on the problems that people have. Typically, people read articles because they want to be entertained or they want information.
A guiding principle is to expect the readers to be looking for “What’s in it for them?’ You may already know the common problems that people have in the particular field, but if not, a good source of information is to look at related online forums and note the most common questions asked.
Chunk it
Most people don’t like to read large documents from the Web, so articles tend to be around 400 words long. If you break the article into an introduction, a small number of sub-headings and a conclusion you may only have to write about 50 words in each section.
For your eyes only
The first draft should be for your eyes only. Don’t try to produce a final copy as you write. It tends to be much quicker to get your thoughts down and come back to edit later. The final, and most important step in the writing process, is to proofread your article.
Get it out there
Once you have written your article you may want to add it to your own website as an item that search engines love – a piece of original content.
By adding an ‘About the Author’ section with a link to your website, you can also submit it to article directories. As other websites publish your article you receive another thing that search engines look for, one-way back links.
After writing your first few articles you will find it is not as daunting as it first appears. You never know, you may even want to offer your services as a freelance writer on the Internet as a way to make some extra income.
See also: 4 Ways to Make Your Article Creative and Interesting
The 5 Benefits of Article Writing You Might Miss
Article Writing – How To Write Quality Articles Quickly
Can Article Writing Help Me Get More Newsletter Subscribers?
March 11th, 2009 — article writing, blog, blogging, copywriting
If there is one method guaranteed to get your articles and blogs read, then it would have to be to fill them with emotive content.
Before you say thanks for the tip, sit down at your desk as usual and start to write – STOP.
Emotive content doesn’t come from calm, well thought out writing. Emotion comes from within you – something has to stir you up and get you riled before it will come out in your writing.
The best time to write is when you are feeling:
- happy
- sad
- so angry you could punch the next person that looks at you
How do you get to feel like that? Read or talk to people.
Start your day reading a few blogs, even working through your email inbox can do the trick. How many times have you read something and thought what the **** are they going on about! Well when it happens write about how it makes you feel.
When our beliefs are challenged or questioned we become so wound up we need an outlet – let articles or blogging be yours.
Write about whatever has got your blood boiling – forget structure for now and just let it flow. I’ll guarantee that when you’re done, not only will you feel a whole lot better but you will also have one of your best articles in front of you.
I am willing to bet that if you had tried to sit down and write about the same subject from cold you would never have come up with an article that was so damn good.
This is because you are letting your emotion do your talking – you are holding a conversation so your writing is more relaxed and therefore more accessible to your reader.
So next time you see red, start typing or pick up a pen. Let it all pour out and before long you’ll have a stack of fantastic blogs and articles which will spark new debates, articles and blogs…
March 2nd, 2009 — article marketing, article writing, copywriting
Frequently, when it comes to article writing, the end result can be pretty mundane. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started reading an article in anticipation of being entertained and enlightened, only to be bored to tears.
I hope you won’t feel that way about this particular article! But if you struggle to be creative here are some pointers that will be helpful to you. By understanding these tips, you will end up making your article writing more useful and powerful.
Words
Yes I know, articles are made up of hundreds of words, but it is the choice of words that can make all the difference. Don’t stuff your article with big, impressive words that no one understands when something more concise will do. Also try to use interesting words whenever possible.
Structure
The structure of your article can also have an effect on its interesting-ness. Long blocks of text can be a complete turn-off. Go for short sentences and paragraphs to create an article that is compelling. Don’t use five words when one will do.
The simple way to achieve this is to write a ‘How to’ article. This way you are specifically dealing with exactly what the title indicates, and you are meeting a need of your reader. As long as you stick to the topic and teach them how to do it, you will succeed at writing an interesting article, well, for them at least.
Tell ’em a story
Another to generate interest is to include a story of how what you are writing about has helped someone else. Everyone loves a story or anecdote so exploit it, use it and entertain with it.
Offer information
Finally you can keep your article interesting by offer information that is rarely found elsewhere and quite possibly information that you alone can offer.
There you go, now you can go forth and be creative with your articles.
February 9th, 2009 — article marketing, article writing, freelance copywriting
As already mentioned in my earlier blog 7 Ways Articles Increase Your Prospects, Publicity and Profits, writing articles is a great way to promote your business.
Few people realise the power of writing articles, or the influence that an article can have. Many people hear about writing articles and submitting them to article directories, but it is not so common for people to do it.
Since even writing one article takes time, the lazy internet marketer won’t do it. But those that are willing to take time to write and submit them will truly generate a good amount of traffic to their website.
Article Authors recognise and understand that this technique is a powerful tool for driving traffic to their website.
Here are some benefits that you will get will you start now and submit your articles.
It’s free advertising
Submitting your articles to article directories won’t cost you a penny; its just takes time. But this method of driving traffic to your website will have a long term affect.
Be recognised as an expert in your field
When you write decent articles that are filled with valuable information, people will respect you and see you as an expert.
Generate sales
Writing an article is similar to writing sales copy. Although they have different purposes the principle is the same – “One drives traffic, another generate sales”.
Build a good opt-in list
Article writing can help you build your opt-in list. By simply adding your link to your article you could grab their email address.
Open opportunities for joint ventures or for finding a business partner
By building your reputation within your field, some of your readers may become interested in joint ventures or becoming business partner – it could open many doors for you.
Writing articles is great way to drive traffic to your website. Don’t underestimate the power of article writings. The more you write, the more you enjoy writing it, and the better your articles will be.
February 5th, 2009 — article marketing, article writing, freelance copywriting
If you have ever kept a diary you will know how easy it can be writing down and recording your thoughts. But making them appealing to other readers is difficult.
When you decide to write an article for publication, you are marketing yourself as an expert in that particular field. So writing an article puts whole lot of responsibility on your shoulders, that of being true and genuine. So to help out, here are a few basics of article writing.
Today there is a huge amount of competition when it comes to article writing on the Net. One of the most important elements of successful article writing is the ability to produce high quality articles fast.
The ultimate key to writing an article fast
You simply have to understand your topic. There is an old saying in writing that you should only write about things you have actual knowledge of. Therefore start writing about something you are familiar with. After that before you begin writing any article make sure you fully research your subject so you have a thorough knowledge of it.
An in depth knowledge is just one step the art of fast article writing is that it takes practice. Therefore, you need to workout. Before you reach for your gym gear, I am talking about writing regularly. Many professional writers recommend that you write each and every day. By following this course, you will become a better and faster writer in no time.
Plan and be organised
Rapid article writing calls for organisation:
- An introduction to the topic
- Paragraphs that deal with the topic
- A conclusion to the topic
Using this format gives the readers a chance to understand your article better and you will be able to convey your message properly to the readers.
Keep it simple
Finally, when it comes to the easiest way to write an article fast, remember the principle of keeping it simple. People like to read articles that are easy to understand. Therefore don’t litter your writing with unnecessary fancy words. Keep it simple.