Okay, so you're getting a feel for this article marketing thing. Cool. Now you must write articles that will engage your reader and hold their attention all the way through, as opposed to "click and flee." Have you ever clicked and fled? This is what happens when your eyes are weary of the internet information overload. You click on an article that's so copy-heavy, it makes your brain groan from the pain. You do not want this to happen to someone who is reading YOUR stuff, so don't barrage them with words. Here are 5 tips to help you create articles that are super-tight and outta sight!
1. Keep it short. The article websites say to keep your articles under 800 words, but I know from my own writing experience that's difficult when an article concept is blowing around in your head. I'll save you the guilt and say that 500-1,000 words is okay. Just remember: if you start rambling, your reader won't stay with you very long. So keep it short and to the point!
2. Pace and balance. Some people who write short articles start with a slow and intriguing buildup, but then cut the reader off at the end. This may keep the number of words down, but the sudden anti-climactic ending makes for lousy reading. Don't leave your reader high and dry! Write a quick summary of each paragraph, then develop each one with three or four supporting sentences. Close with a motivating call to action.
3. Break it up. An article that's broken up into sections is so much easier on the eyes than one with long paragraphs of copy. For this reason, the How-To, "7 Tips" and Q&A are immensely popular. Use subheadlines in Bold type to help guide their eyes down the page. If you can offer your content-hungry article prospects some great, well-paced copy that will look fantastic on their specialty niche website, you can be sure your articles will get great exposure.
4. Focus on the customer. Of course, your article content will come from your own experiences. But instead of saying, "I know this guy who" and "When I designed my website," you can project your story onto the customer. It helps to address the reader and ask questions: "Ever find yourself buried under piles of paperwork?" (You yourself may know this feeling, but your customer doesn't care.) It's all about the reader!
5. Include a call to action. If you word your articles in just the right way, you can really inspire your key customer to take action without making them feel coerced. Tap their wants and needs, offer solutions, and then spur them on to make a change for the better. Of course, the solution is to get in touch with you. Do this subtly in your article, and then do it again with a bit more volume in your conclusion and bio. "Visit wordfeeder.com today to find out how great copywriting can make a world of difference for your business!" There, see how easy that was?
In general, it helps to visualize the article reaching its final destination. If your article is about cooking, then imagine it on someone else's cooking website. Now imagine the reader, taking in your story. What would they want to read about? How can the visual presentation keep them riveted on your words, so they can make it to the end where your bio and URL link is? How can you get them to click that link?
If you do get wrapped up in the joyous act of article writing, that's a beautiful thing! Just remember to keep your eye on the prize: your business prospects.
Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.
Find out how crisp, targeted copywriting can make a world of difference for your business. Dina Giolitto is a Copywriting Consultant with ten years of experience. Visit wordfeeder.com for free tips on branding, copywriting, article marketing, and more.
Bridgeview travel from Midway .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareI've been able to distinguish 3 main categories that people... Read More
Once you learn the benefits of article writing, you may... Read More
Many writers do not understand that the online writing business... Read More
Writing articles related to your business is a great way... Read More
One of the best things you can do for your... Read More
Many internet home business owners today have learnt that one... Read More
Most Internet marketers worth their salt know how effective articles... Read More
The more you write, the larger your impact. If that's... Read More
Start by Being QuotableIt's tough to stand out online. With... Read More
MS: Shelley, you're an excellent person to talk to about... Read More
I get asked all the time, "Lorrie, how can I... Read More
If you write web content, it may be a mystery... Read More
Yesterday I met a 13-year old boy with a devilish... Read More
Online readers love information, but be sure your information is... Read More
Many online marketers have crowed about the value of writing... Read More
It's amazing how quickly free articles can generatetraffic - my... Read More
Anxiety, apprehension, cold feet, consternation, dismay, distress, dread, fear, fright,... Read More
A recent debate started me thinking about how some marketing... Read More
If you want to increase the amount of visitors to... Read More
Find definitions from A to G! ~~~~~~~~~~~ A ~~~~~~~~~~~ About... Read More
The sources of inspiration are all around us, in the... Read More
Article marketing is becoming more and more popular, especially as... Read More
Knowing exactly what an editor wants.Unfortunately, many new writers struggle... Read More
Submitting Articles for redistribution is the best way to get... Read More
This is the "real" Money Maker in the Mail Order... Read More
Chicago limo O'Hare Deer Park ..A few years ago as a webmaster with no money,... Read More
When I was first advised to start writing articles, this... Read More
1. What is the single most compelling subject from your... Read More
There's a new sort of ghost stalking the digital landscape.They... Read More
Writing articles is by far the most effective online promotion... Read More
If you're sick of being #987 for your best Google... Read More
This is the "real" Money Maker in the Mail Order... Read More
A Consultant could be an expert about absolutely anything.Calling yourself... Read More
1. Write to one person.When you're writing your article picture... Read More
Now that you see that articles are the number one... Read More
Writing articles that are available for reprint is an excellent... Read More
If you've spent any time online trying to promote your... Read More
Not every web designer has the time ? or skills... Read More
It is important for all webmasters to realize that if... Read More
Still following along on the Copywriter's Crash Course in article... Read More
Online readers love information, but be sure your information is... Read More
Anxiety, apprehension, cold feet, consternation, dismay, distress, dread, fear, fright,... Read More
I have a confession to make.I think in "articles."As a... Read More
I was asked to write an article on a short... Read More
This is Part 2 of a 2 part article -... Read More
Ease of Submission With so many article distribution sites out... Read More
When I started Ezine-In-A-Box I wanted to help people publish... Read More
Online PR in the form of website and ezine article... Read More
By now you probably understand how important writing for trade... Read More
Writing articles is one of the best ways to get... Read More
Article Writing |