If you’re an employee, freelance writer, or entrepreneur who wants to write articles for your blog or website, it can be a daunting task. But with a few simple tips, you can get started on the path to becoming an article writing pro.
Start writing daily
The best way to improve your writing skills is to write on a consistent basis. Try to post a 500-word article at least once a day or several times a week on your blog or website. Doing so will help you get into the habit of writing on a regular basis and build up your confidence as a professional writer.
Create a logical, complete main body
The most important part of your article is the main body. A well-written main body will be easy to read and understand, and it should include a central idea in each paragraph. A good way to ensure that your main body is logical and complete is by writing an outline before you start writing.
Keep it simple
The average reader’s attention span is short, so make sure that you keep your articles direct and concise. This will save time and ensure that your article is readable by all readers.
Become familiar with your target audience
Before you begin writing an article, it’s important to understand your target audience and their needs. This will help you to identify topics that are relevant and likely to draw a specific audience.
Use an effective headline
The article title is arguably the most important part of your content because it will be the first thing that people see when they come across your content. There are many free resources on the Internet that will give you some proven formulas for creating a headline that will grab your readers’ attention and make them want to read your content.
Make your opening short and punchy
One of the most common mistakes that new authors make is putting too much text in their article. A large opening paragraph can be a big barrier to entry and discourage people from reading the rest of your content.
A good rule of thumb is to make your opening paragraph about a third as long as the rest of your article. This will allow you to quickly show off your knowledge and grab the reader’s attention, which is vital for building a relationship with your readers and keeping them coming back.
Using a variety of sentence lengths is also an effective way to keep your readers engaged. Short sentences quicken the pace of your text, while longer sentences slow down the reading process.
Don’t use too many adverbs or other cliches
Adverbs and other cliches can be used to add drama to your text, but they can also distract the reader from what you’re trying to convey. Avoid adverbs and other cliches, and instead use words that are easier to understand.
Choose a point of view
A strong point of view will keep your readers’ attention and make them interested in what you have to say. It will also help them feel that they are getting a unique perspective on a topic.