How To Write Articles That Get Results

Writing articles can sometimes be a real struggle. Not to mention, trying to write articles that get results. Here are a few tips to help you through the struggle while also boosting your writing confidence, website traffic and bottom line.

#1 Ask a question. The easiest, and also most valuable and therefore popular, type of content to write is a “how to” article. However, how to articles can get quite complicated. For example, if you’re trying to write an article on how to lose weight or build a computer, that could easily be a book and narrowing it down to 500-ish words can be tricky.

So here’s the key, ask a question. Brainstorm one question or a series of questions people might ask on your topic. If, for example, you’re in the weight loss industry then one question might be, how do I find motivation to lose weight? Or How to eat healthy on vacation. Once you have your question, and quite likely your headline, then all you have to do is answer it with at least three points.

Voila! Add a nice introduction and a conclusion and you have a useful article that was easy to write. In fact, once you become accustomed to this process, and if you really know your industry, you can write an article that gets results in about ten minutes.

#2 Reference a current headline, controversy or trend in the industry. This is a great way to capitalize on a popular topic and thus drive traffic to your website. Additionally, it enables you to give your two cents on the topic. When you reference content written by an expert in your industry, it adds credibility to you and your business because it demonstrates that you’re on top of the trends in your industry.

#3 Answer a question you commonly receive from customers, prospects, associates, friends and family. This is an easy one because you know if you’ve been asked it before, perhaps several times, then the question is on the minds of others. Start your article by restating the question and then answer it. It’s often very easy to write these articles because you’ve already answered the question at least once. If you write conversationally, the words will flow quickly onto the page. This type of article gets results as well because it helps people find answers and information to questions they have.

#4 Lists. Finally, it must be said. Everyone loves lists. They’re particularly useful online when our attention span is perhaps a bit shorter than normal and we can quickly and easily scan the article for the useful information. Lists are also saved, printed, emailed and referenced so they’re great for generating repeat traffic. What kind of lists should you make? You can make a list of mistakes to avoid, products to try, websites to visit and so on. The opportunity for list making is virtually endless and they’re super easy to write.

Writing an article that gets results can be quick and easy. The next time you’re in a crunch, try the answer a question approach or the list. You’ll be surprised how easy they are to write and how much your website visitors appreciate them.

Tagged with: bottom line • controversy • credibility • ish • motivation to lose weight • two cents

Filed under: Advertising • Blogging • eMail Marketing • How To Information • Internet • Local Search • SEO • Social Marketing

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