5 Steps to a Top Notch Article

There are all kinds of articles on the web, but a good web article should be between 500 and 800 words and it should share something – give useful tips, provide ‘how to’ information, or answer a question. There are 5 steps that will ensure you create a top-notch article.

Step #1 Create a Powerful Headline

The first thing you need to create is a headline that stands out and draws potential viewers in. Use clever word play, catchy phrases, and make sure your search engine optimize it relating to the article content.

For example, let’s say you are writing about diamonds. Which of these headings is most likely to draw in the reader? “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend- Make Sure You Buy Accordingly” or “How to Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring.”

Step #2 Create Your Introduction

The article’s introduction needs to be only a few sentences. It shouldn’t be too wordy, but rather it should clearly define what the article is going to be about.

For example, “Buying diamonds can be confusing, even daunting. After all how can you tell if you are buying a quality diamond?”

Step #3 Cover the Key Points

Come up with four or five key points that you are going to cover in the article. These points should be clearly defined with a new paragraph. They can be introduced with a sentence or as a sub heading.

For example, “Let’s look at the five C’s of the diamond.”

Clarity

Color

Carat

Cut

Certification

Step #4 Develop the Story

Now you need to write to cover each of your key points. This is where you develop your detail. You can include images if you like; use bulleted lists, paragraphs, etc. Make sure that you cover your point clearly and concisely so that the reader can easily understand.

For example, you are now going to define your five C’s of the diamond in detail. What clarity is, how you know what the clarity of the diamond is, how to read the appraisal, etc. This is where you will provide all of the information so that your reader knows how to buy that diamond.

Step #5 Call to Action

Finally, you need to conclude your article, followed by a call to action. The call to action is what you want your reader to do after they finish reading the article.

For example, a call to action might be “Click here to find out more.” or “Are you ready to save on that diamond ring?”

There you have it – every article should be made up of these five steps.

 

To your speaking and writing success

Fran Watson