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List articles are easy to write because all you have to do is
write down several related items, which becomes your basic
outline, and then write several sentences to explain each short
topic more fully.
An example of this would be an upcoming article I will be writing
called "4 Secrets of the Super Affiliates". In this article I will
tell you the four things that affiliates do to make more money
from their affiliate programs. Under each topic, I will explain
how you can use this item to make more sales from your affiliate
business.
b. How To/Directions
In a how to article, you would show your reader how to do
something. This is especially good if you have a physical rather
than a digital product.
A friend of mine, Mac, sells all types of metal polishes. An
excellent way for him to write an article about one of his
products would be to explain the best way to use the product.
For example, using a soft lint free cloth will give this result,
while a towel will do this.
2. Article Writing Tips
These tips will work regardless of which type of article you plan
to write.
First, make your list of items. If you are writing the how
to/directions article, write it in steps and make sure you include
all of the steps. Test your steps if you have to, to make sure
they work.
Create a title. It could be "4 Ways to...", "How to make..." etc.
Eliminate any items that don't belong.
Type your title and list leaving space for you to flush out your
article. Write several sentences explaining each item.
A good length for any article is about 500 to 750 words. You don't
want to make it too short, but if it is too long, your reader
won't take the time to read it.
If your article includes items you will need, make sure you
include a list at the top of your article, including measurements,
etc.
As Ernest Hemingway would say, use short words, short sentences,
and short paragraphs. This is especially important online because
readers read about 25 per cent slower.
3. Article Submission
Once you've written your article, you want to submit it for
publication.
There are two ways you can do this.
First, you can search for ezines related to your topic. Write the
editor a personal email explaining what your article is about. I
would also recommend that you paste the article into the body of
the email message, as most people are hesitant to open an
attachment they haven't asked for.
Second, you can submit your articles to article directories.
Here are five that I would recommend. There are many more, but it
is up to you to decide where you want to submit your articles.
http://www.marketing-seek.com/
http://www.makingprofit.com/
http://www.ideamarketers.com/
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
http://www.goarticles.com/
4. Some final tips
When you submit your article, don't forget to include your
resource box.
Your resource box is no more than 65 characters wide and no more
than 6 lines deep. It is similar to a signature file, but it also
includes information about you, the author of the article.
Here is an example of the one I will use to submit this
article:
Jinger
Jarrett is the author of the ebook "10
Ways to Promote Your Business For Free". You can
download your own copy for free by clicking here:
http://www.smallbusinesshowto.com/newsletter.html
You also want to
make sure you include the copyright information on your article
and a word count. This should go at the top of the article, below
the title, or you can put it after the resource box at the end.
For example:
© By Jinger Jarrett 2003. You have my permission to reprint this
article in your newsletter or on your web site provided you leave
the resource box intact.
Word count: 750
Finally, before you post your articles, or send an editor an
email, read the guidelines on their sites. This is time consuming,
but you only have to do it once, and you have a better chance of
getting your article published.
Target your market with razor like precision, and you'll get your
article published. You'll establish credibility as an
author/business person, and this will increase your sales because
your customers will see you as an expert. |
