Article Writing: 5 Tips on How to Pull
and Hold the Reader
by Dina
Giolitto
Okay, so you're getting a feel for this
article
marketing thing. Cool. Now you must write articles that
will engage your reader and hold their attention all the way
through, as opposed to "click and flee." Have you
ever clicked and fled? This is what happens when your eyes
are weary of the internet information overload. You click
on an article that's so copy-heavy, it makes your brain groan
from the pain. You do not want this to happen to someone who
is reading YOUR stuff, so don't barrage them with words. Here
are 5 tips to help you create articles that are super-tight
and outta sight!
1. Keep it short.
The article
websites say to keep your articles under 800 words, but
I know from my own writing experience that's difficult when
an article concept is blowing around in your head. I'll save
you the guilt and say that 500-1,000 words is okay. Just remember:
if you start rambling, your reader won't stay with you very
long. So keep it short and to the point!
2. Pace and balance.
Some people who write short articles
start with a slow and intriguing buildup, but then cut the
reader off at the end. This may keep the number of words down,
but the sudden anti-climactic ending makes for lousy reading.
Don't leave your reader high and dry! Write a quick summary
of each paragraph, then develop each one with three or four
supporting sentences. Close with a motivating call to action.
3. Break it up.
An article that's broken up into sections is so much easier
on the eyes than one with long paragraphs of copy. For this
reason, the How-To, "7 Tips" and Q&A are immensely
popular. Use subheadlines in Bold type to help guide their
eyes down the page. If you can offer your content-hungry article
prospects some great, well-paced copy that will look fantastic
on their specialty niche website, you can be sure your articles
will get great exposure.
4. Focus on the customer.
Of course, your article
content will come from your own experiences. But instead
of saying, "I know this guy who" and "When
I designed my website," you can project your story onto
the customer. It helps to address the reader and ask questions:
"Ever find yourself buried under piles of paperwork?"
(You yourself may know this feeling, but your customer doesn't
care.) It's all about the reader!
5. Include a call
to action. If you word your articles in just the right
way, you can really inspire your key customer to take action
without making them feel coerced. Tap their wants and needs,
offer solutions, and then spur them on to make a change for
the better. Of course, the solution is to get in touch with
you. Do this subtly in your article, and then do it again
with a bit more volume in your conclusion and bio. "Visit
Wordfeeder.com today to find out how great
copywriting can make a world of difference for your business!"
There, see how easy that was?
In general, it helps to visualize the article
reaching its final destination. If your article is about cooking,
then imagine it on someone else's cooking website. Now imagine
the reader, taking in your story. What would they want to
read about? How can the visual presentation keep them riveted
on your words, so they can make it to the end where your bio
and URL link is? How can you get them to click that link?
If you do get wrapped up in the joyous act
of article
writing, that's a beautiful thing! Just remember to keep
your eye on the prize: your business prospects.
Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto, Wordfeeder.com
Copywriting and Marketing. All rights reserved.
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