Article Writing 101
Would you like your opinion on a matter to be read? How about you write it?
Many times, people write their beliefs and opinions in an article.
If you would like to learn how to write an article, read along.
An article is a piece of writing written for people. The objective behind article writing is for it to be published to a large audience to make some difference to the world.
FORMAT FOR ARTICLE WRITING
An article must contain the following:
Title
Introduction (encourage people to read the article)
Body of the article
Conclusion (summarize the article)
TYPES OF ARTICLE WRITING
There are different types of article writing. Knowing what each type involves will help you make better choices.
These types include:
Newspaper Article
This writing is done in a newspaper. It could be an editorial, opinionated, or narrative essay about an event that happened. Newspaper articles can be of any industry or niche.
SEO Article
Whether you are writing an online article or you are a freelance writer, SEO articles are the ‘spice’ of article writing.
SEO is search engine optimization and with the need to write articles that rank high on search engines, SEO has become very important.
The question is; how can you write SEO articles?
Here are some key steps you need to follow:
Keyword Research
You first need to conduct keyword research based on the niche of the article you are to write. Keywords are important words that are to be used several times in an article to highlight the importance of the word or group of words.
When you use a popular keyword (s) in your article, it could rank high on search engines. When people look up a topic or search for a particular word related to your article, your article will pop up if it contains the right keywords.
Intent and Value
Your SEO article must contain relevant titles and valuable content. Give your readers something they would not resist. Do not article-fish them, i.e use a popular title and then the content below is not relevant to the title.
Use Backlinks
Linking is another important SEO tip you must consider. Your article must have about two to four links (1 link to your blog, and 2 or 3 should be an informative blog about the top).
Sometimes, you can add up to 7 external links so your article can rank high on search engines.
Add Images and Alt Text
Make sure you include images in your blog. It is important that your articles contain the necessary photographs and alt text for people who can’t see clearly.
HTML
Headings are important in SEO. Your title should be Heading 1 or Title. While subsequent paragraphs should be Heading 2 and Heading 3.
Formatting your article properly helps it rank high on SEO.
Authentic and Original Content
Let your article be authentic. Even when you copy from other sources. Proofread and paraphrase key points in your own words. Check for grammatical errors and correct them.
Other Steps in General Article Writing
Whether you are writing an SEO article or opinionated content online or in a newspaper, you must follow the following steps:
Target Audience
Who are you writing for? Even in your niche, there are different target audiences available. For instance, a business writer has to write to the company, the employees, or the customers. These three entities can be further divided into different target audiences. This shows how broad your target audience can be.
Purpose of the Article
What is the aim or reason for the article? Is it to motivate people to do something or to educate them on a subject? Knowing the purpose of your article will help you in your next step. It will also help you choose your preferred title.
Research
Now, you know your target audience and the purpose of the article. Your next step is to research and get as much information as possible regarding the article. Select the important information that can help you best.
Organization
Arrange your collected information in the right format and start writing.
Writing
Now that you are writing, make sure you use correct punctuation, spelling, and proper grammar. Keep your introduction brief and captivating. Keep your reader hooked. Discuss the article in an organized manner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing
The following are some common mistakes you must avoid when writing an article:
Do not be too formal
Avoid big grammar and words.
Let your article title be catchy and understandable
Use paragraphs
Don’t be too opinionated
Conclusion
The secret to being a good article writer is to keep reading. So, continue reading and researching topics under your niche till you become great.
P.S. Read this guide on how to monetize your writing skills
