Inspirational articles were once limited to self-help and religious publications, but they are just about everywhere now. (Think about those wildly popular Chicken Soup books or most of the stories in Reader's Digest, for example.) Inspirational articles can be very useful in newsletters, because they make a human connection between the newsletter publisher and the reader.
Well-written inspirational articles move people emotionally and motivate them to do something or to make a change of some sort. Nonprofit organizations can use these articles to motivate readers to volunteer, write letters of support, or make a donation. Businesses can use inspirational articles to create a positive public image, build brand loyalty, and encourage repeat business.
Good inspirational articles have five characteristics.
1. They are personal.
Inspirational articles are all about the power of personal connections. They should include very personal stories about real people's lives. Don't shy away from the emotion, as strong and powerful feelings are central to good inspirational articles. You aren't speaking to your readers' minds with these articles; you are speaking to their hearts and souls.
2. They involve an emotional struggle or challenging decision.
Clearly describe the struggles, obstacles, or difficult choices that the people in your article have faced. How did they recognize the problem, deal with it, and overcome it?
3. They paint a scene.
Help your readers visualize what the people in your story went through. Describe the physical locations where the events took place. But don't stop there. Appeal to your readers' senses of smell, sound, taste, and touch.
4. They include a universal message.
Inspirational articles usually end with an epiphany. They enlighten us or remind us about the essential nature or meaning of some element of our daily lives. These are often very simple lessons -- the importance of family and friends, the joy in giving, the danger in stereotypes, or the value in facing our fears, for example.
5. They are true.
Your inspirational articles must always be true. It is OK to change the names or locations; just state that you have done so. Making up stories to play on your readers' emotions is unacceptable. If you are caught telling lies, you will destroy any trust your readers had in you and your organization.
What would make a good inspirational article for your organization? Think about the stories from work that you tell your friends and family. Consider interviewing a person whose life or work has changed dramatically as a result of your organization. The moments that inspire you to do the work you do will likely inspire your newsletter readers too.
? 2005, Kivi Leroux Miller. All Rights Reserved.
Kivi Leroux Miller is president of Writing911.com, which provides free writing advice, tip sheets, e-courses, and in-person workshops for people who need to write well at work. She specializes in providing guidance to nonprofit organizations on newsletters, annual reports, and other publications. Visit http://www.writing911.com to sign up for "Writing Tips," a free monthly e-newsletter that will help you improve your writing and your publications.
quick home cleaning Glenview ..The Shortest Distance to Your Home Town Enterprise is Over... Read More
Writing and leveraging articles is my most successful strategy for... Read More
Why do so many internet marketers waste their time on... Read More
Writing articles that are available for reprint is an excellent... Read More
Who remembers the 1979 movie, The Jerk with Steve Martin?... Read More
I get tons of emails from people who want to... Read More
SEO writing is very different from content writing, article writing,... Read More
1. Choose A Topic.You need to choose either a hot... Read More
One of the best ways to promote your website is... Read More
One of the most effective (and free!) ways to get... Read More
It's not enough to scatter your articles across the internet... Read More
If you have an entertainment website then you're always looking... Read More
Okay, so you're getting a feel for this article marketing... Read More
MS: John, you must be one of the most prolific... Read More
Writing for the internet requires that you create a large... Read More
Don't let overwhelm hold you back- follow this expert advice... Read More
There is some wisdom in saying that when you are... Read More
Once you learn the benefits of article writing, you may... Read More
Writing articles for your site and for the use of... Read More
Anyone who's been in the business for 2 or 3... Read More
If you are using articles to promote your business then... Read More
Never before in the history of the business of writing... Read More
A large portion of your business relies on your ability... Read More
Do you know one of the most powerful marketing techniques... Read More
MS: Bob, how important have Ezine Articles been in achieving... Read More
scheduled maid service Winnetka ..Do you know the difference between simultaneous article submissions and... Read More
When you have to share what you've created, where do... Read More
Writing articles is by far the most effective online promotion... Read More
Writing and distributing articles on the internet is one of... Read More
It's no secret-link exchanges are dying a painful death. And... Read More
There are many ancient writings, which dive into the importance... Read More
Many writers do not understand that the online writing business... Read More
These 7 Important Elements are your Blueprint to Article Writing... Read More
A revolutionary marketing device that I call article marketing I... Read More
Every webmaster knows that to gain ranking positions in search... Read More
A simple technique to increase web site traffic is using... Read More
Abandon your frustrations and get a fresh start by trying... Read More
This author started with a clean website and wrote 5... Read More
You submit it, that's what you do! And submit it... Read More
A ghostwriter, as one may think is not a writer... Read More
If you're sick of being #987 for your best Google... Read More
A lot of great ideas happen when two or more... Read More
There is no doubt that Spam has affected online business... Read More
Are you ready to become an internet marketing expert? Are... Read More
The Most Economical Way to Advertise online is to Submit... Read More
Article authors who use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) keywords to... Read More
Most authors are wasting their time producing dozens to hundreds... Read More
Publicity?you're business can survive without it, but it certainly won't... Read More
A large portion of your business relies on your ability... Read More
Writing articles, and promoting them for publication, is one of... Read More
Article Writing |