6 Easy Ways To Get Your Articles Read

There are those who dread writing. It seems like a lot of work — especially if no one reads it. To the end user, reading an article can seem like a lot of work too, especially if it is boring or badly written.

Since articles are supposed to be read and their whole purpose is to impart your message to others, it is important to write articles that will entice people to read them.

Frankly, the most important step in getting your articles to be read is to make them good! This needn’t be a strain. There are just a few steps you need to follow, and once you get the hang of them, writing articles can actually be fun (and even profitable).

It helps if you write about something you know about. There are those who just advise that you pick a hot topic and base your writing on that. I think this is the best way to make writing a strain. If you already have a website, you are probably already pretty knowledgeable about the site’s subject matter, so you might as well write about that.

If you hate to type, a good voice dictation program like Dragon Dictate for Mac or Dragon NaturallySpeaking for PC can go a long way in helping you to get your thoughts on paper (or onto the screen). This software might even make you a better writer, as it may encourage you to write in a more colloquial fashion, like one friend talking to another. Programs like Apple’s Pages also have a “Full Screen” mode that hides distracting elements to help you concentrate.

Ready to write? Here are six tips to make your articles more interesting and readable:

1.  Create an Attention-Grabbing Headline

If you have a headline that generates curiosity and entices the reader, you’re already halfway towards getting him or her to read your article. Use bold statements or ask questions that incorporate the keywords that people are looking for. Make the title as concise as possible, and ensure that the body copy lives up to the promise offered.

If you’re writing about romance, for example, you could use titles such as “How To Make Her Crave You More,” or “How To Make Her Yours In Six Simple Steps.” Such titles reach people’s emotions and generate interest.

2.  Use Short Paragraphs

Long paragraphs tend to create big, gray blocks of text which are intimidating to the reader. One glance at the article tells the reader that there is hard slogging ahead. Short paragraphs make the article look easier to read and more inviting. A paragraph can consist of a single sentence, and sometimes even a single word!

3.  Use Numbers and Bullets

Bullets are those little round dots that are used at the start of each point in a list. Such flags indicate to the reader each point being made in the article. They help break up the article and keep it from looking like one big block of text.

4.  Use Subheadings To Divide Your Text

This makes it easy for the reader to skim or scan the article. It divides the text in the short easily digestible chunks. It also makes it easier for the reader to review the article afterwards.

5.  Try To Keep The Reader Interested From Beginning To End

Use real-life examples in your article that will be relevant to the reader. Drive home your point with graphic metaphors and similies that paint a vivid picture in the reader’s minds. In short, do your best to make the reading experience pleasurable.

6.  Give Your Article Authority with Facts and Figures

Including facts, figures and statistics in your article can help boost credibility and make it seem more authoritative. Wikipedia is your friend. Don’t be afraid to quote credible experts as well, but don’t overuse quoting or the article will no longer be regarded as “unique content.” Also don’t make your article too formal. It should be light and easy to follow.

Keep these points constantly in mind when writing articles, and you will find it much easier write appealing articles.

This is a guest post by Tim Arends, if you want to guest post here check out the guidelines.

Image Credits: Elvissa .

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18 comments

Neosys April 25, 2011 - 4:29 pm
Its a nice post. Now a days google wants people to write articles coz it increases their ranks. Your post will help me.
How to start a blog April 26, 2011 - 5:14 am
Head plays an major role and it is very important to have your primary ketword in headline.
Sponsorship letter April 26, 2011 - 6:53 am
Great article,I am always looking for ways to write better quality articles, The tips bring me some help,Thanks for sharing.
splitsvilla April 26, 2011 - 7:08 am
I think the headline and title need to be catchy. If they are good enough, then even an average post will do. Just like this post. your title was so good that I automatically clicked on it. And I am not saying that your content was average, it was extremely good infact. But the point is that your title needs to be catchy or else no matter how good your content is, your posts won't be read.
Dean Saliba April 26, 2011 - 10:44 am
I always struggle with writing headlines that grab the attention of the passing visitors and potential readers. :)
Tim at IMM April 26, 2011 - 12:57 pm
Thanks for the comments. I tried to follow all of my own advice in the article!
Jerrick April 27, 2011 - 10:22 pm
Get a fantastic title for it. Use subtitle which show the important keyword of the content. We understand that most of article are not allow to put a picture like a blog. Therefore create a nice starter at the paragraph with talking what you going to tell in the content are direct to the point so that your customer won't bounce out.
Fabrizio April 28, 2011 - 6:51 am
Great read and some top vaulable tips. Headlines are probably the most important part of any article, since it is the first thing that visitors see when landing on a page.
Tim at IMM April 29, 2011 - 10:39 am
Good comments! Yes, I would say your headline or title should: 1. Contain your keywords 2. Be catchy and inviting 3. Be something that your article fully delivers on, so the reader is not disappointed after reading it. Whew! That's a lot for the headline to do, but I think it is definitely attainable!
exsuit April 29, 2011 - 11:37 am
Good suggestions Tim. Even though I don't use a mac, checked out your blog and like the content! Subscribing now!
Tim at IMM May 2, 2011 - 12:13 pm
Thanks! Glad to have you there!
Harsh Agrawal May 1, 2011 - 1:50 pm
This first thing which matters the most of "Article title" ..Better the title is, it will attract more clicks. Anther thing is post formatting. Make it readable. use headlines and bullets when ever required. Make your content scanable...
Kevin Kimes May 3, 2011 - 12:49 am
Does this qualify as a meta-article? :) It follows it's own advice and is quite helpful. I found that some of these suggestions, like short paragraphs (I still struggle with that, though) and bullet points, I had somehow intuitively realized, but most were new light bulbs for me. I would add that humor is generally good to include when possible, but be sure you're actually funny before trying to make your readers laugh. :)
Tim at IMM August 19, 2011 - 11:08 am
Absolutely right, Kevin. What I sometimes do is, while proofreading my article, is look for overly-long paragraphs and see where I can split them into two. It's often easier to do this during the proofing process than the writing process.
splitsvilla May 9, 2011 - 7:45 am
better quality article free from copyscape and also written in paragraph are the best way to increase the website or blogs quality content.
Tim at IMM August 22, 2011 - 11:27 am
Right. Unique content to please Google and QUALITY content to please your human visitors!
weight loss August 17, 2011 - 10:40 am
Most people don’t have enough interest to participate in the hunt for ways to subscribe. When they lose that interest you’ve probably lost them for life. Making things difficult for your readers is NOT the way to gain their interest. People like easy.
grey oaks real estate October 13, 2011 - 11:04 pm
In summary, write a high quality article that has an eye catching title and informative content to get your readers read your write up and to give them a reason to come back to your site.
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