Have ever wished that there were a formula for crafting your expertise into a Top Ten article that will showcase your knowledge, cement your credibility and promote your products and services?
1. Find a problem to solve. Think back to conversations you've had with clients, potential clients, colleagues, family, friends and strangers. What are the common problems and challenges that people in your target market face? If you don't have a target market, get one!
2. Brainstorm many ideas. Get pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and rattle off as many ideas as you can think of that will solve that problem. Don't judge, filter or edit at this point, simply capture everything that comes to mind. When you think you're done, write for ten more minutes. Then, walk around for two minutes, come back and write some more.
3. Select the best. Ideally, let some time pass after you've brainstormed, so you can look at your list with fresh eyes. Now filter through all of your ideas and choose your favourite ten points.
4. Refine your writing. Be sure that you're trying to make just one clear point in each item. You can choose to stay conversational and casual with your writing, or you can opt for a more professional style. Either way, read it out loud for a sense of how naturally you've put the words together.
5. Be consistent. Make each of your items is approximately the same number of lines so it's laid out nicely on the page. Also, try and assemble your information consistently. If each point has a definition and an explanation, put them in the same order every time.
6. Make your points "pop". Choose your ten item titles carefully. Many people will only scan your article. If they like what they see in your item titles, they might take the time to read the rest of the article. If they like what they see there, they might take the time to click the link in your author information.
7. Start with a bang. Title your article. Be as clever and creative as you can, but most importantly be clear about what the reader will get by clicking through to read your article. Answer the question "why bother?"
8. Make an offer. At the end of your article, include an author information section (sometimes called a "resource box") where you offer readers the opportunity to find out more about a specific product or service. Whether it's to sign-up for your newsletter, call you for a free consultation or visit your website, be sure to spell out exactly what you'd like the reader to do next (and why they should do it).
9. Recruit new eyes. Have another set of eyes look at your article before it's published. Whether it's a professional editor or not, they may be able to point out things you wouldn't have seen, since you're so "close" to the article.
10. Walk away. While you're waiting for this feedback, give yourself a rest from the article. File it away and work on other things for a day or two. Don't let perfectionism get the better of you!
? Linda Dessau, 2005.
Linda Dessau is a writer and coach. Through her "Newsletter Assist" and "You Talk It, I'll Write It" writing services, she helps coaches and other solo professionals promote their business with email newsletters and create passive revenue streams with written information products. Find out more at: http://www.genuinecoaching.com/writing
family-safe home cleaners Lincolnshire ..Writing articles, and promoting them for publication, is one of... Read More
Every day thousands of people join affiliate programs and yet... Read More
Most business owners are overwhelmed with the day to day... Read More
You may be wondering what persuasive writing has to do... Read More
One of my subscribers writes 'I can't hold my tongue... Read More
1. Participate in chat rooms related to your targeted audience.... Read More
Submitting articles once or twice a week can yield 15... Read More
This may come as a surprise... to you, but writing... Read More
This article is dedicated to those who are afraid to... Read More
Speak to an Audience that Reaches across the GlobeAs a... Read More
Find definitions from Q to Z... ~~~~~~~~~~~ Q ~~~~~~~~~~~ Query... Read More
It is important for all webmasters to realize that if... Read More
You, too, can become a recognized expert in your specialized... Read More
I was busiy submitting some articles I ghost wrote for... Read More
Do you have problems finding ideas for articles and speeches?I... Read More
Find definitions from A to G! ~~~~~~~~~~~ A ~~~~~~~~~~~ About... Read More
Writing articles related to your business is a great way... Read More
Are you ready to become an internet marketing expert? Are... Read More
It's stunning sometimes how far article marketing has come over... Read More
Start by Being QuotableIt's tough to stand out online. With... Read More
How does a writing agency market itself effectively in a... Read More
Want your articles to get picked up and reprinted by... Read More
I am often approached and asked, how do I write... Read More
These 7 Important Elements are your Blueprint to Article Writing... Read More
If you want to really make your article "SELL" then... Read More
maide service in Buffalo Grove ..The traditional print media newsletter is still useful even in... Read More
It is pretty obvious that content is king online. It... Read More
Take a look around the Web and you'll find thousands... Read More
Sharing knowledge on the web can be a very powerful... Read More
Get the Facts you need to start promoting you free... Read More
Gasp! I can hear it from the purists now: Matt... Read More
You want your business to be noticed by thousands daily.... Read More
Find definitions from A to G! ~~~~~~~~~~~ A ~~~~~~~~~~~ About... Read More
Every webmaster knows that to gain ranking positions in search... Read More
Looking for another no cost promotional tool? Your fee will... Read More
How would you like to have your name and web... Read More
This is Part 2 of a 2 part article -... Read More
It's all the rage. It's what everyone is talking about.... Read More
We all know that article writing is a great way... Read More
If you write web content, it may be a mystery... Read More
One of my subscribers writes 'I can't hold my tongue... Read More
1. Participate in chat rooms related to your targeted audience.... Read More
Currently many online writers and would-be online writers, feel very... Read More
Are you a reluctant marketer for your book? Do you... Read More
Have you ever seen articles that are not only related... Read More
Have you ever wondered why Ezine Articles have become one... Read More
You may be wondering what persuasive writing has to do... Read More
No one can logically argue against the fact that content... Read More
Some six weeks ago, I began writing and submitting articles... Read More
A huge problem for many people who are working on... Read More
Article Writing |