Here’s an easy, 5-step process to write short articles fast. Remember, to build traffic to your website, content is king. Developing high-quality content is key for traffic-building strategies such as publishing articles, posting blog entries, and adding fresh content to your website to entice visitors (and search engines) to return again and again.
Writing short articles is an important traffic-building strategy
As marketing tools, articles reap results. They can increase your visibility online and offline, broaden your reputation as an expert, and help grow your list. You can publish your articles in:
your website,
your ezine or blog,
a colleague’s ezine or blog,
online article directories, and
trade magazines and newspapers.
Follow these 5 easy steps to write short articles fast
If you struggle to write or don’t have time, developing a bushel of articles—let alone 1 or 2—can seem overwhelming. Follow these 5 steps to write a short article (300 to 800 words) in about 2 hours.
Step 1. Get inspired!—To select a topic, brainstorm ideas you’re excited about. Did you help a client make a breakthrough? Did you develop a method to help your workshop attendees grasp an important point? Do you see an industry trend that you love or hate?
Step 2. Ensure the content is useful for your readers—While your article should be interesting to you, it must be beneficial to your readers. To begin your article, complete this sentence and type it as a reminder at the top of your page:
This article will help my readers learn _______ so they can _______.
Be as specific as possible. This sentence will help you keep your article focused, short, and benefits-rich. Here’s an example for a professional trainer who helps businesses improve communication:
This article will help my readers who are supervisors learn 5 tips to give feedback to an employee when a project goes awry so they can create and maintain an open, positive, and productive working environment.
Step 3. Write your draft—Quickly type an introduction with your main point, followed by three to five substantiating points. Now flesh out those thoughts. Don’t try for perfection or fancy language. Just concentrate on getting your message across clearly. Adjust the introduction to ensure it communicates your main point. Next, make sure your conclusion supports your main point and “bookends” your introduction. Write your headline last.
Step 4. Stay focused—Once you begin the creative process, related ideas will flow. But don’t let your short article become bloated. Jot down new ideas and drop them into an Article Ideas file. Also, turn off email and avoid other interruptions.
Step 5. Review and polish your article—Set aside your article for a next-day review. I recommend you give it to an editor, assistant, or skilled friend to give you honest feedback. This feedback will tell you how well your article supports the goal you wrote down in Step 2.
Be sure to add a brief bio, copyright notice, and call to action such as “Visit www.MyWebsite.com to receive a free special report, Water-Cooler Conversations: 10 Tips to Encourage Positive Communication in the Office.” Now you’re ready to publish your article!
If you own a business, your website is your most powerful marketing and sales tool. Marketing consultant and copywriter Patrice Rhoades-Baum teams with entrepreneurs and small-business owners to make their websites DELIVER: clients, income, credibility, results, and success. A Colorado resident and avid outdoorswoman, Patrice is renowned for her down-to-earth website strategies. Visit www.WebsitesDeliver.com for a free audio workshop: “10 Strategies to Make Your Website Deliver!”
Please Rate this Article
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Traffic Generation Articles Via RSS!
