Let’s face it…you struggle with writing papers. You didn’t like it in high school and college and you don’t like it now. You’re not alone! Why is it that you don’t like to write? Is it because you think no one will read it; that there are too many articles out there on the ‘net? Are you someone who doesn’t read articles so you don’t think others will? Here’s the deal – articles are supposed to be read, but they won’t be unless you make it worth the time to read. If you don’t then writing articles is a waste of time and effort.
At the same time, you have to write articles that are meant to be read. It’s just a matter of making them good and that doesn’t have to be strenuous and straining. There are guides to follow and points that need to be made and once you get the hang of it, you’ll see the benefit and value of articles.
Now, before you go off writing articles, let’s make a few things clear. You must write about something you know. Chances are you’re promoting your website or area of expertise so look for things that tie into that. When you write about something you know you won’t have as hard of a time coming up with the topics. Once you have the topic it’s just a matter of making your articles creative and interesting.
Are you ready to learn how to write your articles so that they are read? Here are 6 easy ways to do just that!
1) Use shorter paragraphs.
When the paragraphs are longer, it looks like it’s hard to read. Your readers will skim, if that, and won’t digest what you’re trying to say. With all the information out there we’ve all become skimmers. Make it easy for your reader. Forget what your English teacher taught you. Paragraphs can now be one sentence or even one word. I’m giving you permission to do this!
2) Use numbers and bullet points wherever possible.
The numbers and bullet point emphasis importance. It draws the readers’ attention to what you really want to tell them. I’m willing to bet that with this article, you skimmed the introduction and you read the numbered lines and then skimmed the descriptions.
That’s okay. What I really want you to know is the sentence that’s attached to the number. Even if you read nothing else, you know 6 easy ways to make people read your articles
3) Use Sub-headings
Use subheadings to direct your reader. Much like bullet points, they emphasize what you really want your reader to know and the transition from one point to the next is smooth and easy for the reader.
4) Provide a good attention-grabbing title or header.
Your headline is key! If you don’t grab them with your title you might as well forget it. Don’t place stress on yourself over this.
There are many “formulas” you can use for headlines and titles. People like numbers – “Lose 30lbs in 30 days”, “Increase your traffic by 500% in 7 days!”.
Play on emotion. That’s what people are looking for. Are your tips “simple” or “easy”? Are they “quick”? Think about keywords that your readers are searching for. Your title should be short, sweet and do the point but it also needs to describe what your article is about.
5) Use real life situations.
Have you ever noticed that you’re drawn to things that you can relate to? Why would your readers be any different? If you’re talking about starting your own virtual assistant business, your reader probably wants to know what happened to you. What snags did you come across? How did you over come them? What mistakes did you make and how can they learn from them?
As long as you don’t over do it, descriptions and metaphors also make for a good article. Put them in the article. They’ll stick with it to see how it all turns out.
6) Use facts and figures that you can back up
Make your article authoritative by using facts and figures. While this is a good tactic, don’t turn your article into a formal report. Do you like reading formal reports?
Here’s an example. Recently there was a news scandal in our area. The affidavit was posted online along with the article. Because I had never seen an affidavit before, I decided to look at it but it was so dry and boring (even though it was a scandal!). I got more out of, and read the entire article next to the affidavit. Why? The reporter put it into my terms, made it not so formal, and something that I could relate to.
Consider yourself a teacher and you’re explaining the topic to your students.
Using the above six tips, you’re well on your way to not only grabbing your reader’s attention, but keeping them with you from start to finish. You main goal is to write an informative, readable article that others will see value in and post on their web site. Set yourself up as an expert and you’ll have followers waiting for your next literary work!
About the Author:
Heather Jacobson doesn’t pay for marketing if she doesn’t have to and uses the power of article marketing to elevate her business. Sign up for the free 5 day eCourse on article marketing at http://www.valleyva.net/article-ecourse.html and discover how you too can market your business with articles!
