Do You Know How To Write An Article? – Part 2 of 4

December 2, 2008 by Carl Tambeau
Filed under: Article Writing 101, The IM University Programs

In Part 1 we discussed creating a Killer Headline for your article. If you didn’t get a chance to see Part 1 of 4, it would be a great idea to review that post before continuing on here.

A great article headline has to answer the prospects question “What’s In It For Me?” Believe it or not this will set the tone for the rest of your article. To write an article is not just to put down some quick points and you certainly can’t rush through the process as quality will suffer. If quality suffers your readers will pass you buy, as your words and writing style says a lot about you on the Internet.

Remember no one is able to see you or deal with you directly so the quality and style of your writing has to show people who you are. I can’t tell you what to write as you need to research your own interest and break into the niche that interests you but also a niche that is supported by the market.

Write your article as if you are talking to one person – forget the fact that there are millions of people on the internet, that really doesn’t matter. Just last week I was told of a great tip when article writing – a bit weird but it makes sense. Set a picture of a friend or family member who you enjoy communicating with on your desk or writing space where ever that may be.

Pretend this individual is actually with you and think of as many questions as possible which you believe someone would ask you about the subject of your article. Next think of answers to those questions, as if it was the person in the picture asking and how you would respond to your friend or family member.

As quirky as this may sound it really works. As an example, right now, I have no idea who you are, you being the person who is reading this material.

Does that mean I don’t care?

Absolutely not because I truly do care.

The point is I am creating this material as if someone is sitting in my office with me right now and it is making so much more sense. The information flows so much better than if you are “by yourself”. I know, I know, you really are by yourself but hopefully you understand this point.