|
Author: Jason DeVelvis Article source: http://www.1-web-site-search-engine-optimization.com/. Used with author's permission.
We've all been there. We hear about how articles will generate HUGE publicity for a site, (the old "If you build it, they will come") so we sit down, write an article, submit it to article directories, then wait. A week goes by, you get a trickle, another week, still a trickle, a month, still a trickle (if that). What happened to all the promise of thousands and thousands of people coming to the site? Nothing - that's the problem. Very few (if any) ezines, newsletters, or web sites reprinted your article. Just the RSS feeds (they were probably responsible for the trickle). Lets take a look at how an article should be written for maximum exposure.
Headline/Title (This just in…)
The headline is arguably the most important part of the article. If the reader isn't interested after reading the headline, they won't read the rest. It should be something catchy. My first article was entitled "Branded Email: Email Branding is the Next Generation of Email" and after posting that to a site or two, I shortened it to "Branded Email: The Next Generation of Email." By now, I'm sure you realize that the introduction paragraph was describing my first experience at article writing. My title was not catchy, (in fact, it sucked) and nobody came.
What is catchy? "How to" headlines are good. "10 Tips" (or 5 tips, or 47 tips) are often read. Case studies are great. Alliteration (putting words that begin with similar sounds together in a row - Gary Guesses Google's Gauge - Wow, that was bad, but you get the point) grabs a reader's attention. Using common phrases and clichés is quite effective, putting a funny spin or changing those same phrases and clichés works well too. Questions get readers. Pique the reader's curiosity, and they'll read.
Also, depending on your audience, you can use "shocking" words and phrases - mild swear words and words that the industry deems "taboo" work well to get readers. "Shocking" headlines create emotion, and emotion gets a visitor to read the article. I probably offended you (or made you laugh) with my headline - and you're reading the article now. Just make sure that if you decide to go with a "shocking" headline, you also propose a solution. "- but I can help!" takes your offence and changes it to "Wow, he's right, I'll read the article and find out how he can help me!" Some readers wouldn't keep reading if I just made the headline "Your articles suck" - that's just plain mean. For example: If I was writing an article about plastic surgery, I could make the headline "Are you ugly? I can fix that."
Byline (By: ME!)
Bylines are simple - just type your name in the box. Don't use your business name - businesses don't write articles! If you're writing for your business, include it with a copyright at the bottom of the body of the article.
Summary (That about sums it all up…)
Summaries are there to pull the reader in. Their job is to tell the reader what the article is about, and to grab their attention so the reader clicks and reads the article. Much like a headline, these need to be fairly catchy, but concentrate on informing the reader about the article. This is not the place to generate emotion (especially if your headline already has), but instead it's where you need to leave the reader wanting more.
For example, "These tips will help you make over $5000/month" is a good sentence to put in your summary, as is "Find out the secrets of how to start your own business, without a lot of startup costs." Do NOT make this sound like a blatant sales pitch, or your article won't get read.
Next Time (Same bat time, same bat channel)
Check out Part 2 of "Your articles suck" for tips and tricks on how to write a great Article Body and a wonderful Resource Box. Jason is a long time web developer, and the owner of Premier MicroSolutions, LLC, an Internet marketing company based in Ohio. When you want to submit your articles, visit Content-Articles.com - The Premier Web Site Content Article Directory
Every Pharmaceutical Drug LEECHES Nutrients From Your Body
Are you currently on one or more pharmaceutical drugs? Perhaps you are not aware, but every pharmaceutical drug depletes the body of various nutrients, deprivin...
It Takes Two - How to Cultivate Profitable Alliances
"Cross promoting with other businesses can give you a significant advantage over the competition, with many benefits and cost savings." -Heidi Richards- More an...
The Secrets of Becoming More Beautiful
The skin contains natural enzymes that break down the extracellular matrix--proteins that keep skin looking youthful--leading to lines and wrinkles. And, these ...
Certification for Freelancers and Home-Based Business Owners
Professional certifications aren't just for the information technology field. Today, there are a number of Microsoft and vendor-neutral certifications that eve...
Lucky...
You make me smile
like I've seldom done before
You give me a reason
to want more and more...
Got Some L.A.F.S.?
Could you use some laughs? I'll bet you could, especially if they increased your online sales. And, no, I'm not talking about jokes, cartoons, and riddles. L....
How to Boost Your Adsense Revenue?
In this lesson you will learn to boost your Adsense revenue. You must have heard about peoples achieving high payments per click with AdSense. For high total ea...
Batting Cages Business - Making Profits With The Swing Of A Bat
Join the new wave of entrepreneurs and wing into action with a batting cages business.
195,000 Die Annually From Hospital Mistakes
An average of 195,000 people die needlessly each year from medical mistakes. Here are a few things you can do to avoid becoming one of next year's statistics.
How to Increase The Sales Of Promotional Products
I have searched for a new way to increase the sales of my promotional products. A good way is to start an affiliate-program with a commision for every customer ...
THE NEW SCHOOL VISIT: 5 Things to Look For
No amount of research can replace the most reliable evaluation known to parent kind. Parents are going to have to take time and participate in a good old fashi...
One Way Link Building Campaigns
This article explains in detail the various issues related to the linking campaign needed to establish a site's worth in the algorithms of search engines.
Help Become a Consistent Winner at Online Low-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em by Playing at the “Easy” Tables
Are you interested in becoming a consistent winner at online Texas Hold 'Em or are you simply in it for the action? If you are interested in winning, please rea...
Dont Use FFAs To Build Your Newsletter Subscriber
For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, The initials FFA stand for "FREE For All" and my advice would be don't waste your time! FFA's DON'T WORK! ...
Choosing a Golf Swing Training Aid
The main thing to keep in mind is that a training aid will need to be used consistently to be effective. Using it one or two times will not give you instant re...
The Secret of Relationship Success
The key to relationship isn't "getting your needs met." It's beyond that tired old phrase that keeps so many people out of relationship success. Find out here w...
Here Comes The Sun: Solar Energy is Becoming More Attractive for Mainstream Consumers
Non renewable energy production is getting more expensive and is linked to environmental damage. Solar power is getting cheaper and more efficient and is an env...
Restaurant Startup - Part 1: Market Research – What are Potential Competitors Doing?
This is part one in a series of articles describing the planning and implementation of a restaurant startup strategy.
Buy MLM Leads With A Bit Of Caution
You can buy MLM leads from a variety of sources on the Internet. While they may be readily accessible, you must exercise caution when dealing with any company ...
Computer Viruses and Other Nasties: How to Protect Your Computer from These Invaders
Spyware, aggressove ads, registry attacks, trojans, browser hijackers, tracking compoents... can you protect your computer from all this bad stuff? Maybe not al...
Secrets of Cleaning Truck Trailers in Your Fleet from a Veteran Truck Washer
Speed, quality and efficiency, there is an easier way.
The Five Keys to Using Food Treats Wisely
Giving kids food treats is not a new concept. Parents have given children food treats for years as a way of showing their appreciation for cooperative behaviour...
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them: Top 5 Internet Safety Tips
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them Did you know 1 out of 5 kids has been sexually solicited online 1 out of 4 kids has been sent a picture o...
Finding Freelance Writing Jobs - Join Us On The Job Search
Finding freelance writing jobs require great skill, dedication and lots of patience. Here are some helpful hints on getting the first assignment.
|
Print this page