I’ve spent a lot of time in this copywriting blog talking about content for websites, brochures, emails etc. Normally I concentrate on stuff such as keyword placement, headings, subheadings, calls to action, layout…

No one likes to see solid blocks of text, they are a bigger turn off than watching Kim Woodburn eat a witcherty grub on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

The art of creating interesting text is in its layout – and especially the paragraph.

These little fellows often prove problematical to writers. When used incorrectly the reader can be left all at sea and not really sure what you’re talking about.

They can even be repititious – a sure sign the writer has run out of things to say but is desperately trying to hit his word count.

Whatever writing you are involved with (sales, promotional, business or journalistic), perfect paragraphs are paramount.

As an avid fan of Copyblogger I really enjoyed this post by Jo Morrow extolling the virtures of The Art of the Paragraph. This is a ‘must’ read for any writer out there who doesn’t want to fall foul of the “National Society of Writing Snobs”.

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If you look through my blog you will find numerous outpourings on article marketing, blogging, web site content etc.

Content is crucial in your online marketing efforts. I have banged on about how ‘content is king’ (sorry to use such an awful cliche) and how the internet runs on the stuff. Let’s face it, without content there wouldn’t be any search engine results so the whole point of the internet would be rather redundant.

Just to drive my point home a bit more, I would like to draw you attention to a great blog I found on Copyblogger today. Here, Sonia Simone outlines 49 Creative Ways You Can Profit From Content Marketing.

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Have you wasted valuable time and money trying to promote your online business? If you’ve spent hard-earned cash buying ads on ezines or on websites, you may have been disappointed with the results.

There’s a better way to advertise your business or website – article writing – ideal for those who want great benefits that don’t cost anything. That’s just about everyone!

By submitting quality articles you’ll get lots of exposure and publicity without a financial investment. You’ve probably realized by now that the internet is about information, so content brings visitors to your site. That’s a no-brainer.

Consider the possibilities of regularly writing for the internet:

• Your work may be seen by millions.
• Your articles can quickly appear on over 100 websites.
• Search engines are constantly looking for new content – make it yours.
• Your targeted traffic will increase.
• By writing regularly, you can reach affiliates or joint venture partners who can help your sales’ potential.
• Your articles can be permanently displayed on the internet.

Your reputation can spread all over the internet and beyond. Think of the reach just one article can have!

As you submit your work to ezines and article directories (such as ezinearticles), keep in mind that top-ranking sites are crawled by Google more often than other sites. When these sites publish your writing, you’ll soon see results.

With each article you submit, your reputation will grow. An author’s work is often kept permanently on websites, so one keyword-rich article can bring thousands of hits for years to come. Plus Google will love the one-way links you’ll achieve.

Your published works prove you’re an expert – at least in the eyes of readers who view you as knowledgeable. You also establish credibility and trust. Your words can create your own brand for your website and business.

So there you have it –

Writing articles can open surprising doors to success!

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Article writing can be seen as one of those boring tasks that are a throw-back from school and university days. But in business the writing of article is an effective marketing strategy to deliver targeted visitors, increase your rankings and boost sales.

If the thought of it still fills you with dread, the good news is that after learning a few simple steps, writing your own articles isn’t as hard as it appears.

What to write about?

This is probably the biggest hurdle most new writers face. The easiest way to begin is to write about things you are interested in and preferably passionate about.

Once you have decided on a general area, a good way to narrow the topic down is to focus on the problems that people have. Typically, people read articles because they want to be entertained or they want information.

A guiding principle is to expect the readers to be looking for “What’s in it for them?’ You may already know the common problems that people have in the particular field, but if not, a good source of information is to look at related online forums and note the most common questions asked.

Chunk it

Most people don’t like to read large documents from the Web, so articles tend to be around 400 words long. If you break the article into an introduction, a small number of sub-headings and a conclusion you may only have to write about 50 words in each section.

For your eyes only

The first draft should be for your eyes only. Don’t try to produce a final copy as you write. It tends to be much quicker to get your thoughts down and come back to edit later. The final, and most important step in the writing process, is to proofread your article.

Get it out there

Once you have written your article you may want to add it to your own website as an item that search engines love – a piece of original content.

By adding an ‘About the Author’ section with a link to your website, you can also submit it to article directories. As other websites publish your article you receive another thing that search engines look for, one-way back links.

After writing your first few articles you will find it is not as daunting as it first appears. You never know, you may even want to offer your services as a freelance writer on the Internet as a way to make some extra income.

See also: 4 Ways to Make Your Article Creative and Interesting

The 5 Benefits of Article Writing You Might Miss

Article Writing – How To Write Quality Articles Quickly

Can Article Writing Help Me Get More Newsletter Subscribers?

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If there is one method guaranteed to get your articles and blogs read, then it would have to be to fill them with emotive content.

Before you say thanks for the tip, sit down at your desk as usual and start to write – STOP.

Emotive content doesn’t come from calm, well thought out writing. Emotion comes from within you – something has to stir you up and get you riled before it will come out in your writing.

The best time to write is when you are feeling:

• happy
• sad
• so angry you could punch the next person that looks at you

How do you get to feel like that? Read or talk to people.

Start your day reading a few blogs, even working through your email inbox can do the trick. How many times have you read something and thought what the **** are they going on about! Well when it happens write about how it makes you feel.

When our beliefs are challenged or questioned we become so wound up we need an outlet – let articles or blogging be yours.

Write about whatever has got your blood boiling – forget structure for now and just let it flow. I’ll guarantee that when you’re done, not only will you feel a whole lot better but you will also have one of your best articles in front of you.

I am willing to bet that if you had tried to sit down and write about the same subject from cold you would never have come up with an article that was so damn good.

This is because you are letting your emotion do your talking – you are holding a conversation so your writing is more relaxed and therefore more accessible to your reader.

So next time you see red, start typing or pick up a pen. Let it all pour out and before long you’ll have a stack of fantastic blogs and articles which will spark new debates, articles and blogs…

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Frequently, when it comes to article writing, the end result can be pretty mundane. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started reading an article in anticipation of being entertained and enlightened, only to be bored to tears.

I hope you won’t feel that way about this particular article! But if you struggle to be creative here are some pointers that will be helpful to you. By understanding these tips, you will end up making your article writing more useful and powerful.

Words

Yes I know, articles are made up of hundreds of words, but it is the choice of words that can make all the difference. Don’t stuff your article with big, impressive words that no one understands when something more concise will do. Also try to use interesting words whenever possible.

Structure

The structure of your article can also have an effect on its interesting-ness. Long blocks of text can be a complete turn-off. Go for short sentences and paragraphs to create an article that is compelling. Don’t use five words when one will do.

The simple way to achieve this is to write a ‘How to’ article. This way you are specifically dealing with exactly what the title indicates, and you are meeting a need of your reader. As long as you stick to the topic and teach them how to do it, you will succeed at writing an interesting article, well, for them at least.

Tell ‘em a story

Another to generate interest is to include a story of how what you are writing about has helped someone else. Everyone loves a story or anecdote so exploit it, use it and entertain with it.

Offer information

Finally you can keep your article interesting by offer information that is rarely found elsewhere and quite possibly information that you alone can offer.

There you go, now you can go forth and be creative with your articles.

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As already mentioned in my earlier blog 7 Ways Articles Increase Your Prospects, Publicity and Profits, writing articles is a great way to promote your business.

Few people realise the power of writing articles, or the influence that an article can have. Many people hear about writing articles and submitting them to article directories, but it is not so common for people to do it.

Since even writing one article takes time, the lazy internet marketer won’t do it.  But those that are willing to take time to write and submit them will truly generate a good amount of traffic to their website.

Article Authors recognise and understand that this technique is a powerful tool for driving traffic to their website.

Here are some benefits that you will get will you start now and submit your articles.

It’s free advertising

Submitting your articles to article directories won’t cost you a penny; its just takes time. But this method of driving traffic to your website will have a long term affect.

Be recognised as an expert in your field

When you write decent articles that are filled with valuable information, people will respect you and see you as an expert.

Generate sales

Writing an article is similar to writing sales copy.  Although they have different purposes the principle is the same – “One drives traffic, another generate sales”.

Build a good opt-in list

Article writing can help you build your opt-in list. By simply adding your link to your article you could grab their email address.

Open opportunities for joint ventures or for finding a business partner

By building your reputation within your field, some of your readers may become interested in joint ventures or becoming business partner – it could open many doors for you.

Writing articles is great way to drive traffic to your website.  Don’t underestimate the power of article writings.  The more you write, the more you enjoy writing it, and the better your articles will be.

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If you have ever kept a diary you will know how easy it can be writing down and recording your thoughts. But making them appealing to other readers is difficult.

When you decide to write an article for publication, you are marketing yourself as an expert in that particular field. So writing an article puts whole lot of responsibility on your shoulders, that of being true and genuine. So to help out, here are a few basics of article writing.

Today there is a huge amount of competition when it comes to article writing on the Net. One of the most important elements of successful article writing is the ability to produce high quality articles fast.

The ultimate key to writing an article fast

You simply have to understand your topic. There is an old saying in writing that you should only write about things you have actual knowledge of. Therefore start writing about something you are familiar with. After that before you begin writing any article make sure you fully research your subject so you have a thorough knowledge of it.

An in depth knowledge is just one step the art of fast article writing is that it takes practice. Therefore, you need to workout. Before you reach for your gym gear, I am talking about writing regularly. Many professional writers recommend that you write each and every day. By following this course, you will become a better and faster writer in no time.

Plan and be organised

Rapid article writing calls for organisation:

• An introduction to the topic
• Paragraphs that deal with the topic
• A conclusion to the topic

Using this format gives the readers a chance to understand your article better and you will be able to convey your message properly to the readers.

Keep it simple

Finally, when it comes to the easiest way to write an article fast, remember the principle of keeping it simple. People like to read articles that are easy to understand. Therefore don’t litter your writing with unnecessary fancy words. Keep it simple.

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Dear Copywriter,

I’ve got a newsletter that just isn’t growing. I’m busy posting my site on free advertising sites and I’m even paying for advertising, but I’m not getting any new sign-ups. What can I do?

Yours sincerely.

Billy-No-Mates

****************************************************

Dear Billy-No-Mates,

First off, you’re not alone. I know you are working hard but sadly that doesn’t mean you will be guaranteed success. You need to consider long-term ways to grow your list.

My favourite way to grow a subscriber list is through giving away articles.

Website and blog owners are always looking for content to share with their web visitors. So, there are places called Article Directories (basically a library of free articles) where they can go to find articles that they can use – free. I’m sure you’ve heard of Ezine Articles? Well, that is just one – search Google under ‘free article sites’ for more.

All you have to do is write and submit your articles to these websites.

In case you were wondering just how that will help grow your subscriber list, I was just coming to that bit.

Once you have written your article you can then complete the Author Bio which goes at the end the article (see below for an example). This section is where you can sell yourself and talk about your business. But instead of your author bio linking directly to the main page of your site, link it to a page where you have a signup box for your newsletter.

Ta-da! Now everyone who clicks through that link will be taken to the page where you can offer them your wonderful newsletter (with a great incentive they can’t pass up.) and your newsletter list will grow.

So there you go – happy article writing.

Sally Ormond is a professional UK freelance copywriter, website copywriter, SEO copywriter and advertising copywriter with extensive experience in B2B and B2C copywriting markets. She can be contacted at +44(0)1449 779605 or at sally@briarcopywriting.com for any copywriting project you may have.

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Writing articles and marketing with articles is one of the best and fastest ways to market your business.

Don’t believe me? OK then, I’ll prove it. Here are seven ways you can benefit from articles.

1) Articles quickly position you as an expert in your field

Writing articles sets you apart from your competition. You never have to say “Listen to me, I’m an expert!” Your articles do that for you, because articles increase your “expert-ability.”

2) Articles can become an army of 24/7 salespeople

Once you have an article published, especially on the internet, you will achieve a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 day a year international sales team working specifically for you and your business.

3) One article can have many uses

In other words, leverage. Just one article can be used as a free report, a newsletter feature, it can become part of an online e-course, part of a book, etc.

4) Articles spread the word about your business and your services

Articles, especially when submitted online have a very long shelf life. They can be picked up by anyone at anytime and anywhere.

5) Marketing articles is simple, easy and inexpensive

It costs you nothing to write an article (apart from your time). It also costs you nothing to have it listed on article directories such as EzineArticles.com. Imagine what it would cost you to pay for that kind of exposure and publicity.

6) Articles can help you build a mailing list

Once you have a few articles out there, prospects will begin to flow in. These will build into a mailing list worth its weight in gold which can be used over and over again.

7) Articles let you stay in touch with clients and sell more products

We know that it can take from 5 to 8 contacts or more for new prospect to be ready to become a client. Articles allow you to stay in touch with prospects and provide them with quality information.

This list of 7 is just the tip of the ice berg. Article writing and article marketing will boost your business. Why not give it a go?

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