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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