April 13, 2008
6 Things You Need To Know To Get Your Articles Read
In spite of knowing that writing articles is the very best free marketing on the planet, there are many people who would rather chop off their leg with a chainsaw than write papers or articles. They believe it is just too much work which is all wasted when no one reads what they write anyway. On the other end of the equation, some people think reading those articles is a tedious chore, especially when the article is boring and bland. Well, articles are meant to be read, it’s their very reason for existing - to impart their message and spread their information. An unread article really is a waste of time and effort.
To make sure your articles get read and enjoyed, here are six easy techniques you can use to keep your audience reading:
1) Use short paragraphs.
Long paragraphs create a jumble in the mind of your reader before they get started. If reading your article feels like work, your reader will give up and jump directly past that long paragraph and head for easier pastures. Keep your paragraphs short. Even as small as one sentence. Your writing should be on an eighth grade level
2) Numbers and bullets.
Numbers or bullets make your point easy to follow, remember and digest. Readers will see this is the heart of the article.Their attention can flow easily down the structure of your article. Format your bullets and numbers so your article doesn’t appear like a single block of square paragraphs. Throw in a little bit of flair attention to the shape of your articles. At least on the ones where the format is under your control.
3) Sub-divide your paragraphs too.
This will break each point into easy to digest sections that would still be incorporated into one whole article. It will be easy for your reader to move from one point to the next. You will hold your reader’s attention long enough to get your point across.
4) Provide a good attention-grabbing title or headline.
Study the work of successful copywriters. When your title incites curiosity you have gone halfway toward winning the battle for your prospect’s attention and getting your article read. Statements and questions which include keywords people are looking for should start each paragraph. Describe your article’s content in subtitles in a short and concise manner.
Titles like, “7 Tips To Make Her Start Stalking You Today”, or “The Secret To Making Her Faint When She Hears Your Voice” incite curiosity. Titles that command people work as well, such as “Make Her Yours In Six Easy Steps”. Titles should draw attention on their own.
5) Keep up a fast pace.
From your opening paragraph, use real life situations that can be adopted by the reader. Use descriptive language and metaphors to drive home your point. Just don’t over do it. Keep the experience pleasurable and enjoyable for them, but don’t waste words just to build up your word count.
6) Use specific facts and numbers when you can. Keep away from ordinary and weak statements.
Using specific facts and figures strengthens your article because it makes it authoritative. But this is no college paper. Don’t make it too formal.
It doesn’t have to be a huge chore to write an article. These are just few quick tips and guidelines to help you improve your articles. Writing articles can be fun and seriously profitable once you get the hang of it.