Want to build your brand and attract a loyal audience? Writing articles is a powerful way to do it. A well-crafted article can boost your profile, drive traffic to your website, and help you build an email list through associated resources like e-courses or newsletters.
But how do you write an article that grabs readers and keeps them coming back for more? It’s about understanding your audience and delivering content that resonates with them.
Think of article writing as having a clear structure – a beginning that hooks the reader, a middle that delivers valuable information, and an end that leaves a lasting impression. Here’s a blueprint for writing articles that captivate, no matter the topic:
**1. Know What Your Readers Want**
Ideally, you’re an expert in your field, so you instinctively know what your audience craves. If not, research is crucial. Explore relevant online forums to uncover trending topics and common pain points. Identify the questions people are asking and then provide the answers.
**2. Start With an Attention-Grabbing Opening**
Avoid generic, overused questions. Instead, create an opening that speaks directly to the reader’s needs and desires. The goal is to make them feel like the article was written just for them.
For example, instead of asking, “Have you ever wondered why losing weight is so difficult?”, try something like: “Tired of fad diets and empty promises? There’s a back-to-basics approach to weight loss that won’t break the bank or leave you feeling deprived.”
**3. Write Like You Talk, Then Refine**
Write in a conversational tone, as if you were speaking directly to a friend. While your first draft might be a bit informal, you can always refine it during the editing process. Readers appreciate facts, tips, and strategies, but they also want to be entertained. Let your personality shine through.
**4. End on a High Note**
Many articles fall flat at the end. Don’t let yours be one of them. Avoid trite conclusions and instead, aim to leave the reader feeling satisfied and inspired. The beginning and ending are what readers remember most.
Offer advice that empowers readers to solve a problem. Provide hope without making unrealistic promises. If you’re writing about business or marketing, summarize the key benefits. Consider using a relevant quote or suggesting a specific action for readers to take. The key is to be creative.
**Bonus Tip: Create a Cheat Sheet**
Develop a cheat sheet with sections for beginnings, middles, and ends. Add effective strategies to each section as you discover them. For example, under “Endings,” you might include: “Offer hope, use a funny quote, suggest an action to get started.”
Follow these steps, and you’ll be writing articles that everyone wants to read and publish!