Writing Articles, But Still Not Getting Traffic? Your Articles Suck ? But I Can Help! (Part 2)

Last time on "Because your articles suck" ? we discussed how to write effective headers, bylines (boy were those easy), and article summaries. Now it's time to move on to the body of the article and then the all-important resource box.

Body (Wow, nice bod)

First of all, you have to use subtitles. Subtitles segment the article, which makes it seem shorter, and thus, easier to read. People will run away from a 700-800+ word article with nothing to break it up. By the same token, use spacing effectively. People don't like to read long paragraphs, either. When you change subjects, start a new paragraph.

Second, write like your article is going to be read by 6th graders - well, more like people with 6th grade reading ability ? because you are. Studies have shown that most people read and write at a 6th grade level. (Remember: the Internet is not only in the USA, there are MANY more people on the 'net from the rest of the world, and most speak English as their second or third language.) This does NOT mean you should actually write like a 6th grader would, it means write at their skill level. You still need to use decent grammar, spelling, etc.

Third, keep your writing conversational. People don't like to be lectured, but they like to have conversations. Heck, some students have conversations during lectures! (Sorry, lame joke)

Next, lets look at content. Your content should provide great information by itself, but always leave the reader wanting more. For example, "These are just a few of the ways to start your own business cheaply" gets the user to want to read more, and it also gets them to click on your link in the resource box.

Also, make sure your articles are brief, you're not writing books, and people looking for articles don't want to read books. If your article is over 1,200 words, split it into segments. Having 2 or more parts to an article is also good, because it makes the life of an ezine and newsletter publisher that much easier ? they've got 2 weeks worth of content for the price of one! Though, it was probably free in the first place, but it keeps their readers happy and reading their publication?

Finally, involve your readers in the article - ask them questions with simple answers. (If you get them jazzed enough, sometimes they answer out loud...) You like questions, right? Sure you do. Asking simple questions makes the reader connect with the article, (and also with you, as the author) and that makes them read to the end, as well as click on your link for more information. I can't stress the word simple enough, because tough questions (What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?) make the reader feel dumb, and a reader who feels dumb stops reading.

Resource Box/About the Author (Last but DEFINITELY not least)

The resource box is possibly the second most important part of the article, aside from the content. This is where you establish your credibility as an author, and prompt the reader to go to your website. Start off by explaining, briefly, how you are an authority on the subject you're talking about in your article. Then, inform the reader where they can go to get more information.

This area is not a free-for-all link directory; it's highly targeted advertising. You wouldn't put up a banner ad for boats on a site for mountain vacations, would you? No, you'd put up a banner for ski equipment or hiking equipment. By the same token, link to one site, and ONLY one site, as closely related to the article topic as possible. If you get the urge to add a second link, write a second article - more than one link changes the resource box from a great resource into a text ad. If you can, use anchored text with your keywords in your link - this helps with backlinking and also with increasing your SEO ranking.

Backlinking is discussed in another of my articles ? You can find it at http://www.content-articles.com/article.aspx?i=24

To get more clicks on that SINGLE link in your resource box, use phrases like "To learn more, click here..." and "For more information about [enter something about your article topic here], visit..." If a reader is reading your resource box, they're obviously interested in the topic. Now is the time to catch them and direct them toward your site to keep learning more.

The End! (Yep, that's it)

Now that you've got the techniques you need to start writing effective articles, go do it! I won't keep you here any longer with my bad jokes and simple questions? Or will I?

Jason is a long time web developer, and the owner of Premier MicroSolutions, LLC, an Internet marketing company based in Ohio. When you want to submit all of your (now awesome) articles, visit http://www.content-articles.com/article.aspx?i=24

housekeepers near Park Ridge ..
In The News:

The A.I. industry seems set for growing pains as Big Tech companies scramble for solutions to the medium's unprecedented strain on the power grid.
Fourth of July fireworks cause a 60% spike in lost pets, but GPS trackers and AI photo-matching services like Love Lost can help reunite missing dogs with their families.
Protect yourself from jugging, the rising crime by which thieves monitor ATM users and follow them to steal cash, with six practical safety tips to stay alert and secure.
U.S. airlines like Delta, American and United are selling your domestic flight records to government agencies through the little-known Travel Intelligence Program.
Autonomous robots from Uber Eats are rolling out across U.S. cities, featuring LIDAR sensors, secure compartments and all-weather operation for food and grocery delivery.
Costco has expanded into EV infrastructure with new ultra-fast charging stations that can charge most electric vehicles to 80% in 20-60 minutes while shoppers browse the warehouse.
The new Gemini Robotics On-Device AI allows robots to perform complex tasks without internet, offering enhanced privacy, reliability and adaptability for real-world use.
Protect yourself from Amazon phishing scams by spotting red flags like suspicious sender addresses and spelling errors while using Amazon's Message Center to verify communications.
GAC Group's new Govy AirCab flying car combines lightweight design with advanced safety systems and smart cabin technology to revolutionize city travel with an 18.6-mile range.
The Berkeley Humanoid Light (BHL) is a lightweight, open source humanoid robot that anyone can build using 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components.
Meta’s new AI chatbot is getting personal, and it might be sharing more than you realize.
A new threat targets both Android and iPhone users: SparkKitty, a powerful mobile malware strain that scans private photos to steal cryptocurrency recovery phrases and other sensitive data.
Thanks to a team at the University of California, Davis, there's a new brain-computer interface (BCI) system that's opening up real-time, natural conversation for people who can't speak.
Privacy risks are hiding in plain sight, as your personal data is likely being collected, tracked, and sold without your knowledge.
VenHub, a fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store just opened at the LAX/Metro Transit Center in Los Angeles.
A woman's Facebook account takeover reveals dangerous social engineering tactics and provides lessons on recovery, avoiding scams and enacting stronger security measures.
Shanghai engineers are using 432 walking robots to relocate a complex, preserving Shikumen architecture while creating space for a modern underground hub and cultural center.
Major healthcare data analytics firm Episource had a cybersecurity incident exposing 5 million patients' medical records and personal information in recent breach.
A new sophisticated PayPal scam sends legitimate-looking emails from official PayPal addresses, using phone numbers instead of links to convince victims to download remote access tools.
Fox News' AI Newsletter brings you the latest on this rapidly evolving technology.
The innovative Kara Pod device extracts moisture from air to create mineral-rich water and brew coffee, featuring UV sterilization and compatibility with Nespresso pods.
Gov. Hochul unveiled New York's nuclear power plant project to power a million homes, which faces permit challenges while promising jobs and a cleaner energy future.
SAFE introduces Aerie, an underground luxury bunker combining high-end living with advanced security, wellness amenities and interactive walls simulating panoramic views.
A Facebook scammer posing as Elon Musk tricked a victim with promises of a Tesla and $250,000, requesting gift cards that become untraceable once the codes are shared.
Experience hands-free golfing with the Robera Neo smart caddie that uses AI to follow you, navigate obstacles and carry your clubs with GPS course mapping.

Five Reasons You Should Write to Help Your Business

Most business owners are overwhelmed with the day to day... Read More

How to Write Articles to Sell Your Book

Selling books online means that you need to get interested... Read More

Thinking in Articles

I have a confession to make.I think in "articles."As a... Read More

How Article Marketing Will Make You a Fortune

Article marketing-the simple act of writing one 400 word article... Read More

Article Marketing: the BETTER Offpage SEO Solution

Been reading up on SEO? If so, you know that... Read More

Why Keyword Articles Are Good for Your Business

Content is an important component of your web site. Learning... Read More

Why Link Exchanges are Dead-and What the New Move in Free Traffic Is

It's no secret-link exchanges are dying a painful death. And... Read More

How to Use Articles to Increase Web Site Traffic!

A simple technique to increase web site traffic is using... Read More

Lots of Extra Money Waiting to be Made from Writing $5 Articles

There is probably no easier way of earning extra money... Read More

5 Powerful Article Writing Tips

Writing articles is one of the most powerful, if not... Read More

Thought Leaders - Using Article Marketing To Entrench Yourself and Your Personal Brand

A "Thought Leader" is someone recognized as an authority in... Read More

Interviews with Well-Known Ezine Writers #2: - John Colanzi

MS: John, you must be one of the most prolific... Read More

Articles and Internet Branding: 5 Steps to Success

Are you ready to become an internet marketing expert? Are... Read More

Ten Tips Articles

"Ten Tips" articles are the easiest piece to write because... Read More

Free Reprint Articles That Will Interest Publishers - 4 Tips

Have you been writing and submitting your free reprint articles... Read More

Will This Be Your First How-to Report?

You've got to start somewhere, but once you've created your... Read More

Got Lingo? The Terminology Of Marketing With Articles

Every field or discipline has its own specialized vocabulary and... Read More

Need a Great Idea? Feed Your Brain

A lot of great ideas happen when two or more... Read More

Publishing: Changing realities (II)

There is some wisdom in saying that when you are... Read More

Writers Block Begone

Back when I was in college, I belonged to one... Read More

Consultants - Writing Articles for the Internet Blankets the World with Your Expertise and Style

A Consultant could be an expert about absolutely anything.Calling yourself... Read More

Branding, Control, and Results - Submit Articles in Your Own Name

Article distribution is currently booming on the internet. Authors do... Read More

Use Your Expertise to Write That Article!

Have you ever seen articles that are not only related... Read More

Writing Articles - Two Aspects Of The Surge

Writing articles for publication on the Internet is, at the... Read More

Why You Should Write Articles or At Least Get a Ghostwriter to Write for You

Overture reports over 1 million queries for article keyword related... Read More

scheduled cleaning services Mundelein ..