Have you ever stared at a blank computer screen hoping for some inspiring topic to pop into your mind so you can start writing?
This can be very frustrating because it not only wastes your precious time, but prevents you from going forward with other business tasks.
Here are some simple steps to writing an article.
1. Select a topic
Choosing a topic is easy if you know where to look. Visit forums, blogs, article directories, create google alerts. Create a folder of article topics or write them down on paper as they enter your mind. When reading books, add sticky notes to the pages that contain headings of possible topics on the content you’re reading.
2. Write an introductory paragraph
The first paragraph of your article should point out the a specific problem. Describe how bad the problem is by tapping into the emotions of your reader. Make them feel the pain then point out the solutions.
3. Write the main content
The body of your article should contain the main content. Outline several solutions to the problem you described in the introduction by writing a paragraph on each one.
Don’t worry about spelling or grammar as you write. Just focus on writing to keep your creative juices flowing. If you stop and correct each sentence your creative ideas won’t be spontaneous and you’ll struggle with writing the rest of the content.
Write short paragraphs of approximately 5 sentences. If you create create white space between paragraphs and use bullet points it will be easier to read the content.
4. Write a concluding paragraph
This paragraph summarizes the content of your article. Don’t use the same words you used in the body but use synonyms.
5. Create a resource box
This contains a call to action, a little about yourself or your business and a link to your web site. Try to include 2 links…one that contains link text and the other your full web site address.
6. Proof read your article
Don’t just run your article through a spell checker, but read it aloud to yourself or get someone else to read it. If the sentences sound strange, rewrite them until they sound and flow well.
Leave the article for a few hours or a day then read it again. Taking a fresh look at the content helps you to find better ways to write it and have greater impact on your readers.
7. Submit to article directories
Manually submit your article to the top article directories in the correct categories. Don’t submit to thousands of directories using automatic submission software. Search engines don’t spider duplicate content. It’s more important how to submit your article correctly than to blast it to thousands of directories.
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Herman Drost is the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)
owner and author of Web Design, Web Hosting, SEO