Put These 8 Hard Hitting Tips for Article Writing to Work For You

There’s enough evidence that shows writing articles is an awesome promotional tool, I think we can all agree on that, however most people don’t know how to write a good article; one that is interesting, engaging and encourages a call to action.

If you understand how valuable writing articles for your online business is, then here are 8 powerful tips for article writing that will not only get your articles read, they will get your readers to take action.

1.  Write Like You Talk

For most people it’s easier to speak than it is to write so why not write your articles as if you were talking directly to your reader?  For example, people can get wordy when they write as you might notice in this sentence:

“One of the things I like about article writing is that it’s a great way to attract people to my website.”

If I were to convey that idea to someone while talking to them I’d probably say it this way:

“I like writing articles because they get people to my website.”

Do you see the difference?

Writing like you talk is about using fewer words and  getting to the point quickly.

A tip that I use is after I write something, I say it out loud.  If it doesn’t sound like something I would say to someone when speaking to them, I’ll change it so that it does.

Also keep your paragraphs to 2-3 sentences and avoid long, run-on sentences. Even if the sentences belong together, they are much easier to read if you break them up.

2. Strengthen your writing with an ‘Active’ Voice

When you write in an active voice, your writing moves forward from doer to action to object.  Using a passive voice puts things in reverse going from object to action to doer.

Here’s the difference from using an active voice versus a passive voice:

Active —>  “The dog bit the boy”
Passive –>  “The boy was bitten by the dog”

Do you see the difference?  It actually takes longer to read a statement in the passive voice and it’s not as clear and to the point.

3. Use Facts with information to back them up

Using facts in important but back them up with information.   For instance, Aloe Vera is good for your skin because ……

or

These are the things you need to do to avoid acne:

item 1 and why
item 2 and why
item 3 and why

Get in the habit of using interesting content as opposed to the run of the mill content you can find everywhere.

Your information doesn’t need to be new and exclusive information every time, but make sure that the information is presented in an interesting unique manner. That’s where using your own voice comes in.  It gives your viewers new insight as to what you are telling them and gives them food for thought.

4. Use a Catchy Title

Your title is what draws your reader in. It has to capture attention and create intrigue.  So use powerful, descriptive words, be specific, offer a benefit and touch on an emotion if possible.

For example, the title of this article is

“Put These 8 hard hitting Tips for Article Writing to Work For You”.

‘Hard-hitting’ is a powerful description.

The title:

“Easy Method for Potty training your toddler in 3 Days”

The benefits are easy and fast (in 3 days)

The title:

“Amazing breakthrough for curing the embarrassment of acne”

This touche on the emotion (embarrassment of acne)

Here are a few examples of titles that attract attention and peak interest:

• How to lose ten pounds  in 5 days
• Amazing  tips for writing attention getting articles faster
• Avoid these 5 dreadful mistakes when advertising your ecommerce website
• Don’t buy another can of dog food until you read this shocking article

5. Keep your Topic Focused

Keep your article focused on one specific topic and then follow through with informative details. Deliver good information in an expert manner.

If you have too many topics running through your head, break them up into separate articles.   If you are a little foggy about what details to include, ask yourself the who, what, when, where, why and how questions for ideas.

Keep your ideas flowing in a logical manner, don’t jump around. Your article should flow from one idea to the next in a logical sequence.

6. Don’t Be Dull

No one wants to read something dull.  Writing an interesting, engaging article is about writing with personality, spirit and emotion.

If you are a funny person, be humorous.  Even a little sarcasm or controversy can add to a reader’s enjoyment and will keep them reading.

Light a fire under your reader by using action words and avoid words like was, were, can, maybe, are, am, may, could, should, etc.  Instead bring your article alive with action words like get, find, will, do, must, go, run, drive, achieve, perform, expand, etc.

The idea is to come across with a powerful message that adds enthusiasm and gets your reader to take action.  Never be wishy-washy with your ideas.  Be powerful and write with authority.

7. Proofread, Spell check & Examine the Flow

Proofreading your work goes without saying, but it’s one of the biggest flaws article writers have.

Just about all word processors have spell check but it’s not enough to use a spellchecker.  For instance, words like their, there and they’re won’t get flagged if used incorrectly.  This means you’ll need to proofread carefully.

But don’t just proofread for errors, check to make sure your copy flows logically, that it makes sense and doesn’t jump abruptly from one thought to the next.

To help with the flow of your ideas, try use transition phrases like these:

• Here’s how it works…
• Let me explain…
• Let’s take a closer look…
• You’ll also be glad to know that…
• The way I look at it…

If possible get someone to read your article before submitting it.  It’s one extra step in the process but it’s an important one for ensuring your article is error free.

8. Funnel Your Readers

Each article you write should be written with a goal in mind.

For example,  the goal of your article might be to increase your newsletter sign-ups, promote a product or promote an e-course or ‘how to’ guide.  Whatever it is,  use your article resource box to get your reader to take action and be specific.

Don’t use your resource box to pitch your bio.  Instead use it to funnel your readers to a page on your site where they can take a specific action.

So there you have it, my favorite tips for article writing.

What are some of the mistakes you’ve made writing articles and what are your favorite tips?