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10 Tips For Writing Powerful Articles
By: Michael Pollock, Wed Jul 26th, 2006
Writing articles is a great method to create exposure for
yourself and your Internet business. In fact, I'd suggest it's
the best marketing tool you can use.
Webmasters and newsletter publishers are always looking for good
content. Further, aside from your time investment, it's
completely free advertising.
Here are 10 practical tips to ensure your articles get published
and read by others.
1. Write to serve. Before writing an article, ask yourself what
problem it will help others solve. Some of the more common
issues people deal with revolve around a lack of something,
whether it's time, money, self-confidence or just joy in life.
How will your article help with these issues.
2. Grab their attention early. If possible, intend to "hook"
your reader right from the get-go. Ideally, your title should be
the hook. When creating the title, ask yourself if it would make
you want to read the article. Your first paragraph should also
serve as a hook , as well as a general introduction to the
article content.
3. Write to one person only. Forget the fact your article will
be read by many people and write to only one person, just like
I'm doing with you now.
4. Keep the flow logical. Don't bounce around from one idea to
the next. Each paragraph should logically follow the next.
Although there may be different ideas expressed in each
paragraph, they should dovetail off each other.
5. Use quotes to support your main idea. Quotes from famous
people are a great method to reinforce your ideas. They help you
make your point and add credibility to your overall message. I
use the quote library found at Motivation Mecca
http://www.joshhinds.com or Uinspire at http://www.uinspire.com
6. Keep your paragraphs short. Ideally, 4-6 lines per paragraph
is what you want to shoot for. It looks and feels much more
appealing to the reader to see "bite-sized" paragraphs.
7. Inspire action in your article. If your article is, in fact,
intended to solve a common problem, give people practical
suggestions for taking action. Remember the formula "insight +
action = growth."
8. When possible, tie your message to everyday activities. A
good example of this is "life is like a box of chocolates." Make
it easy for your reader to relate to your ideas. That will also
make it easier for your reader to apply your ideas in their life.
9. Summarize the article in the final 1-2 paragraphs. Briefly
summarize the main points of your article, how people can take
action from the information and what results they can achieve.
10. Don't forget the resource box. Provide a brief resource box
following your article. It should tell a little about you, your
business, how you serve others and how to contact you. Be sure
to include your URL and email address with an invitation to
contact you or visit your site.
Using these 10 tips should help you write powerful articles that
get published and read. Above all else, remember this. A writer
writes. So - first - be a writer in your own mind.
About the author:
Michael Pollock is a popular on-line writer and Personal Coach.
He empowers proactive people to create lives that are inspired,
power-full and prosperous. It's your life. Make it great! Visit
http://www.successfulifecoach.com or subscribe to his weekly
newsletter "It's Your Life!" by sending a blank email to
ItsYourLife-subscribe@topica.com