Writing articles for online newsletters and websites can be a low cost, effective and powerful way of marketing yourself to new clients.
Writing for the Web, however, is quite different from writing for other formats. For example readers tend to scan texts more. Often one search can uncover a number of relevant or not relevant articles instantly. The reader must then sift through and find the appropriate ones quickly, offering little time to actually read your article unless it passes the initial scan.
If you want to make the most of the opportunities the Internet provides, here are 12 tips on writing articles for the net:
1. Turn your knowledge into articles.
Take your unique experiences and ideas as an expert in your field and turn them into at least 10 articles. Brainstorm 10 different topics you could confidently speak or write about based on your hard won knowledge. These topics may not be related but will give you a better idea on areas you are confident on writing on.
2. Start with an informal outline of the main points.
The hardest thing about writing articles for the net is getting started! Use a blank piece of paper and a mindmap to work out key themes and points. Add detail later. Sometimes several articles will come from one brainstorm as you identify linking themes or different angles to take on a subject.
3. Research websites.
Look for websites or e-newsletters that are content hungry and will publish articles by others. Target sites matching your target audience and tailor your article to suit that audience.
4. Clarify the logistics.
Contact the editor and clarify the length, style and how much promotional material you can use in your articles. Length will vary from 200 to 2,000 words, with between 400 and 800 words being most common. Often the editor will erase any information from your articles, promotional or otherwise, if it does not fall within the boundaries of the site. It is best to know your limits to avoid having articles taken apart by another party or not posted on the site at all.
5. Keep it short, keep it simple and keep it active.
Remember people don't read computer screens they scan them. Keep your writing style simple and active. Use an active rather than passive writing style. This all starts with the subject line. When a recipient or scanner sees your subject line, you will have their attention for about 2 seconds. Make every second count. After the heading use short sentences and bullet points to keep concepts simple.
6. Use a Dictaphone or voice recognition software.
If you are really busy, use a Dictaphone or other technology to get your thoughts down. I have found this a great way to get articles written during those times you are traditionally not very productive. Use a virtual assistant or ghost writer to actually write the article. Remember it is your ideas and experience readers want, they don't care how the ideas get from your head onto the computer screen. Focus on high value work.
7. Provide solid, practical advice.
Avoid waffle and useless, irrelevant information. Focus on practical tips and ideas. Use dot points and numbering. Make your article as easy to read as possible
8. Personalise.
Use personal stories, metaphors or examples to highlight key points. They make intangible ideas more real.
9. Customise.
Tailor your articles for key targets - for example engineers, scientists or accountants. This includes adapting language, using relevant examples and taking new angles on a subject so the market can relate to it.
10. Timing.
Timing is everything for news and e-newsletters are no different. Use news events or seasonal angles to make your material more relevant. For example we had great feedback from an article on goal setting in January because this is a great month for planning the year ahead.
11. Be proactive.
Always spend time writing articles. It is money well spent and far more credible than advertising.
12. Use links and provide contact details.
Always provide a link back to your website and summary details on your background and how people can contact you.
Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.com
Wheaton limo Chicago a> .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareA large portion of your business relies on your ability... Read More
Writing articles is one of the best and most effective... Read More
Do you have problems finding ideas for articles and speeches?I... Read More
You say, I can't write an article, I have no... Read More
Most writers I talk with who experience "writer's block" do... Read More
Article marketing is becoming more and more popular, especially as... Read More
If you've spent any time online trying to promote your... Read More
Rejection is part of a writer's life. You must cope... Read More
Writing for websites -- content, as it is called --... Read More
It is a well known fact that writing, distributing and... Read More
Gasp! I can hear it from the purists now: Matt... Read More
Finding something to write about can be frustrating for all... Read More
When I started Ezine-In-A-Box I wanted to help people publish... Read More
Find definitions from A to G! ~~~~~~~~~~~ A ~~~~~~~~~~~ About... Read More
It is pretty obvious that content is king online. It... Read More
Getting people to join your company can be hard work.... Read More
Marketing on a budget is tough. This is a universal... Read More
There are times when I want to write an article... Read More
Writing articles has proven time and time again to be... Read More
Who remembers the 1979 movie, The Jerk with Steve Martin?... Read More
How many times have you read the following? If you... Read More
Recently I interviewed Kevin Bidwell of All-In-One-Business.com on some of... Read More
Take a look around the Web and you'll find thousands... Read More
Last month, I began promoting Jason Potash's "Article Announcer." I... Read More
I get asked all the time, "Lorrie, how can I... Read More
Chicago limo Lisle ..Jim was working hard to grow his business. Long hours... Read More
Increase your ezine subscribers by submitting articles once or twice... Read More
It's no secret-link exchanges are dying a painful death. And... Read More
Lets face it people use articles to send traffic to... Read More
Many people which in online business world find difficulties in... Read More
I get asked all the time, "Lorrie, how can I... Read More
Not doing what, you ask.Writing and submitting articles.Writing articles is... Read More
Are you looking for a better way to promote your... Read More
People who have an idea for a website sometimes require... Read More
It is not my intention to give you a 5... Read More
Most business owners are overwhelmed with the day to day... Read More
Good technical articles are challenging to write. They're time-consuming, demanding... Read More
Publicity?you're business can survive without it, but it certainly won't... Read More
Publishing articles on the Internet is a tremendous way to... Read More
A "Thought Leader" is someone recognized as an authority in... Read More
So you've decided to market your home-based copywriting business through... Read More
What should be in your article summary? It's otherwise known... Read More
When you create your articles in TextPad format, something like... Read More
As of July 1st, the year was half over! July... Read More
Submitting articles once or twice a week can yield 15... Read More
Do you know the difference between simultaneous article submissions and... Read More
If you want to really make your article "SELL" then... Read More
By default, Microsoft Word automatically changes straight quotation marks (... Read More
Ease of Submission With so many article distribution sites out... Read More
Take a look around the Web and you'll find thousands... Read More
Article Writing |