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
Dina Giolitto is a Copywriting
Consultant with 10 years of experience. Visit
her website for free tips on branding, copywriting,
article marketing, and more.
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