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 ..Here's a really simple way... to promote your online business... Read More
Knowing exactly what an editor wants.Unfortunately, many new writers struggle... Read More
Writing for the internet requires that you create a large... Read More
Most business owners are overwhelmed with the day to day... Read More
Have you ever seen articles that are not only related... Read More
When you have to share what you've created, where do... Read More
So you've decided to market your home-based copywriting business through... Read More
Some six weeks ago, I began writing and submitting articles... Read More
Ever read one of those web articles written by an... Read More
Many people which in online business world find difficulties in... Read More
Writing articles related to your business is a great way... Read More
Are you looking for a better way to promote your... Read More
This may come as a surprise... to you, but writing... Read More
Everyone focuses their web marketing efforts on search engines, and... Read More
Ready to jump on the keyword article bandwagon? Billions of... Read More
You want your business to be noticed by thousands daily.... Read More
Not writing articles yet? You really should try it, if... Read More
Find definitions from H to P... ~~~~~~~~~~~ H ~~~~~~~~~~~ Haiku... Read More
Are you short of ideas? There are times when we... Read More
I've noticed a disturbing trend recently of articles suggesting that... Read More
Find definitions from Q to Z... ~~~~~~~~~~~ Q ~~~~~~~~~~~ Query... Read More
Writing articles has proven time and time again to be... Read More
Inspirational articles were once limited to self-help and religious publications,... Read More
I get tons of emails from people who want to... Read More
Last month, I began promoting Jason Potash's "Article Announcer." I... Read More
scheduled maid service Winnetka ..Good technical articles are challenging to write. They're time-consuming, demanding... Read More
One of the best ways to build credibility and promote... Read More
There are many different ways to improve link popularity for... Read More
Many writers struggle with the decision of whether or not... Read More
Article writing can be such an intimate act as you're... Read More
Evaluation of a Home-Run ArticleI've been writing articles and posting... Read More
Article marketing-the simple act of writing one 400 word article... Read More
Writing dozens, hundreds or even thousands of articles and making... Read More
If you're writer, I am sure sometimes you may have... Read More
Frequently when I am communicating with other webmasters and I... Read More
1. Participate in chat rooms related to your targeted audience.... Read More
Abandon your frustrations and get a fresh start by trying... Read More
Free publicity can help to spread the word about your... Read More
Now that you know the secrets to writing great articles,... Read More
1) Don't use all capitals in your title:People don't like... Read More
Many writers do not understand that the online writing business... Read More
For me, to decide to start a home business was... Read More
If you want to really make your article "SELL" then... Read More
Last month, I began promoting Jason Potash's "Article Announcer." I... Read More
Did you realize that writing and publishing articles online represents... Read More
Once you learn the benefits of article writing, you may... Read More
"When you provide good information from which readers can learn... Read More
I recently became aware that promoting your web site in... Read More
As we prepared to move our 12,000 article database from... Read More
SEO writing is very different from content writing, article writing,... Read More
Article Writing |