| Are you writing articles? | | | | Key #4: Create Several Sub-Headings |
| I know. You've already heard it 100 times before. | | | | To better organize your thoughts, divide your article |
| Thequestion is not IF you're writing articles, but WHAT | | | | intosub-headings. At times, writing a 500-700 word |
| you'reactually writing. Simply throwing a bunch of | | | | article canseem insurmountable. Sub-headings make |
| words togetherisn't going to get you very far. | | | | things easier. |
| Here's a blueprint that outlines the 7 keys to | | | | Instead of tackling the entire article at once, try |
| writingsuccessful articles. Follow the 7 keys and | | | | writingone paragraph at a time. |
| you'reguaranteed to get more exposure with your | | | | Key #5: "Close The Sale" With A Resource Box |
| articles. | | | | One of the worst things you can do is to leave your |
| Key #1: Choose a HOT Topic | | | | readerhanging. They've just read your great article, |
| You'll need to do a little research on this one. If | | | | now what? Aresource box appears at the very end |
| you'realready in touch with the target market for your | | | | of your article. It'sthe last line that your reader sees. It's |
| article,this should come easy. | | | | your chance toset the next step. |
| Research, spy, observe. Do whatever it takes to | | | | Make sure that your resource box is compelling. Make |
| understandyour target market. What issues are hot? | | | | thereader jump over to your website, sign up for your |
| What topicscurrently appear within top ezines, | | | | ezine,download your latest ebook, claim their free gift |
| messageboards, ebooks? | | | | -- getcreative! |
| It's also a good idea to frequently visit articledirectories | | | | Key #6: Poofread Your Work |
| and content sites. These sites contain currentarticles | | | | Did you catch that? It should've read, "Proofread". |
| on a variety of popular topics. Here's a shortlist: | | | | Nothinghollers out amateur, newbie, or just plain |
| Key #2: Choose a "Magnetic" Title | | | | unprofessionalthan an article filled with typos and bad |
| Magnetic title? That's right. Your article title is | | | | grammar. If youdon't have an English major in the |
| yourheadline. If it doesn't pull the reader into the | | | | family, hire aproofreader. Their rates are reasonable |
| article,nothing will. Just think ... what if I called this article: | | | | and they can saveyou from damaging your reputation |
| "Writing Articles" | | | | online. |
| "Tips For Article Publishing" | | | | Key #7 - Promote, promote, promote |
| "What It Takes To Write An Article" | | | | Let's make one thing clear. Without key #7, keys 1-6 |
| See what I mean? These don't pack much "punch", do | | | | are awaste of time. Bottom line, no one will read your |
| they? | | | | articleif you keep it stored on a floppy disk in your |
| Your title is just like a classified ad. Look at it thisway. If | | | | desk. |
| your article title is crowded on a webpage with | | | | You've got to promote it! |
| 100others, what will make it jump off the page? | | | | How can you promote your article? There are well |
| Key #3: Use The AIDA Principle | | | | over ahundred article directories, article banks, free |
| Attention | | | | contentsites, article announcement lists, and article |
| Interest | | | | syndicationservices out there. And the best part is ... |
| Desire | | | | 95% of them are FREE! |
| Action | | | | Plus, there are thousands of ezines that are looking |
| This universal formula applies to your articles as well. | | | | forarticle submissions. Develop a list of ezines in |
| Once you've enticed your reader to read your article | | | | yourtarget market. Next, e-mail each ezine publisher a |
| (via agreat title), you need to keep them reading. | | | | copy ofyour latest article. There are countless stories |
| The first paragraph of your article is critical. If it'sdull, | | | | ofindividuals who have succeeded using this exact |
| boring and lifeless, your reader will surely bailout. You | | | | sameapproach. |
| must keep their interest right from the start. | | | | Wouldn't you like to get your next article picked up by |
| Try using short paragraphs, sentences and words. This | | | | anezine with 32,000 subscribers? |
| willkeep the tempo upbeat and make your article much | | | | Now go on, and get writing! |
| easier toread (or skim, as most do online). | | | | |