- help you build your profile as an expert
- draw traffic to your site, and
- help you build a database of potential clients through associated e-courses or a newsletter.
So far, you probably have not heard anything, you do not already know. What'll probably be struggling with is the process of writing t
he article. Of course you can come up with content - but how can you really get these readers? How can you keep their attention all the way through? And most importantly, how can you make them want to come back for more?
Suppose that you understand the basics of constructing and editing an article (it has a beginning, middle and an end, and you know how to check grammar and spelling.) Most of us can handle it. But if you are not satisfied with simply "getting something out there" - if you want to win readers - then you need to start thinking about what they want to know rather than what you would tell them.
Put your readers first - every time. Give them what they want and they will be queuing up to read anything you produce. Make them something bland (or worse, merely self-serving) and they will blow by you so fast you can rotate in the back draft.
The following four steps will give you a plan to write articles that catch your readers - whatever the topic.
1. Find out what your readers really want
Sometimes you will know what they want because you are an expert in the field and understand the problems. If you do not know the field well, you need to do more research. Look for forums on your topic and see what people are talking about. What are the problems to be solved? Can you give an answer? ( "If they have a headache, give them an aspirin.")
2. Start with an Attention-Grabber
Spend time working on your opening. Try to avoid trite questions like "Have you ever wondered why so many people find it difficult to lose weight?" Firstly, it is boring. Secondly, it is not targeting the person reading the article - what do they care about the difficulties "many people" have with losing weight? They only care about their weight problem!
Try to come with an introductory section that gives the reader that warm "Hey, that's me!" feeling right away. Better yet, try to create a wave of enthusiasm - "It could be the answer I've been looking for ..."
Example: "The diet gurus make it all sound so easy: to lose weight, everything you need to do is consume more energy than you take in. Huh! If it were so simple that" Big People "stores would be out of business at a split second. Fortunately for those of us who are tired of diets, fitness centers and boring meetings, there is a back-to-basics way to handle this. way that will not cost you a fortune or leave you feeling deprived. "
3. Write as you speak ... Then Edit!
Sample opening above also illustrates the importance of the tone you use in your article. You need the "meat" of each article, of course, to make it worth reading - but make sure it is not indigestible!
You are better off writing your article in a natural, relaxed style that is akin to normal conversation. It does not matter if the first draft is a little too informal - you can do that when you edit. Of course you do not want to irritate your readers with too-breezy style, but the formula is worse. Readers may want facts, tips and strategies, but they hope to be entertained, too! Let your personality shine through.
4. End on a high
What is one of the biggest problems with most articles? They fizzle out! Authors often do not know how to connect an optimistic tone. They either just stop dead or they come up with a trite ending like: "So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Beginning and end of your article, the two parts that make the biggest impression. Start by creating a sense of anticipation ... and leave them feeling satisfied (or excited) when you are finished.
If you offer advice to help them solve a problem (like obesity) gives your readers a reason to be optimistic and good about them. Do not make rash promises ... it may offer hope. If you give tips on marketing or business, summarize the benefits of acting on your tips. You can also experiment with using a pithy / humorous quote, or giving readers a special effort to get them going. Be creative - and not rush it.
Here's one last tip: Create an article-writing cheat-sheet for yourself. Dividing the beginning / middle pieces / ends and add more useful strategies as you think. (For example, using the tips in this article, you write: endings - a high end, offers hope, use funny quote, suggest action to get started.)
Do this and you'll be steadily cranking out articles that everyone wants to publish!
