1. Craft
a Strong Title
The title you attach to
an article can mean the difference between it being widely read and completely
ignored. Which is more appealing: Tax Tips for Individual Filers or Nine Things
the IRS Doesn’t Want You to Know? What about How to Have a Successful First
Date compared to First- Date Maneuvers That Will Have Him Begging for More?
2.
Address Problems and Provide Solutions
Readers are attracted
to articles that promise to help them reach a desired goal; but articles that
tell people how to avoid or overcome a problem are even more in demand. What
solutions can you provide to help them deal with problems?
3.
Provide Ordered How-To Steps
How-to articles are one
of the most popular formats. Let readers know what procedure to take to get
from point A to point B.
4. Supply
How-To Details with Your What-to-do Advice
Too many how-to
articles tell readers what to do without telling them how to do it. You’ll
impress a lot more people with your articles if you go beyond simply telling
them obvious, surface-level facts.
Your true expertise
will shine in the details you provide.
5. Use
Concrete Examples and Quotes
You’ll get your points
across more forcefully by providing examples to back them up. Regularly weave
in a combination of personal anecdotes, stories of other people’s experiences,
and quotes from people who can validate the tips you offer.
6.
Include Relevant Links
As you write each
section of your articles, ask yourself if there’s a place you can send readers
to get more information. You don’t have to supply a link in every paragraph,
but most articles you write should contain at least a couple of online
resources.
7. Avoid
Jargon and Twenty-Dollar Words
Too many beginning
writers feel they need to write to impress. Don’t use twenty-dollar words when
a fifty-cent word will do just fine. If you clearly communicate your expertise
and truly help your readers, they will be plenty impressed.
8. Keep
Sentences Short
Try to keep many of
your sentences short. Sometimes, very short. Like this. Readers process your
ideas more efficiently when you keep your sentences on a leash.
9. Make
it Personal
Speak directly to your
readers through your articles. Have a personal conversation with them. You’re
not reciting a thesis. You’re chatting it up with someone who shares similar
interests.
10.
Self-Promote Sensibly
Too many experts
gratuitously weave in awkward plugs for their products and services for no
other reason than to promote themselves. Concentrate on giving your readers
what they need to know. If your article’s topic is focused on your area of
expertise, readers will think you’re cool even if you don’t go out of your way
to point it out.
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