Write an effective article?

mclintst · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 07:13 PM

Hi Everyone,

I am new to building websites and to this form etc.. I need some tips and advice on creating articles for my sites. Not the topics or anything, but the actual structure of an article. Is there a minimum# of words that you need?, how are you structuring the points you want to get across? Do you have any examples of some really good ones that you have written?

I have so many ideas, thoughts and really effective advice on fitness and weightloss. I can get it from my head to my mouth but for some reason not to the keyboard...My first site (still a work in progress) is weightlossweapons.com Which is started since I lost close to 40 pounds and have kept it off. I want to share what I know works and what doesn't but it's very frustrating

as I can't seem to express that effectively.

Thanks in advance,
Steve.

Theresa · #2 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 01:06 PM

Hi. I don't know if there is a universally accepted number of words that are ideal, but on Ezine they recommend 400-750 words as the ideal size. If you are able to articulate what you want to say verbally, consider recording your articles and then transcribe them. The articles you have completed already look very nice.

Here is an article I submitted to Ezine. It may have some useful tips for you:

Quality Website Content

Keep it simple. People using the internet are looking for quick easy information. Give it to them. The typical internet user wants to sift through quickly to find what they need. If they click on your site from a search engine and it takes more than about 1.5 seconds to load, there’s a good chance they’ll hit backup before they even get a chance to see what you have to offer. Resist the urge to load your site with large image files and impressive Flash files which will just drive potential traffic away. Strive to keep your load time short.

Keep it easy to read. If they wanted to read a book they’d go straight to Barnes & Noble. Keep your content short and easy to find. Long paragraphs are your enemy. Stick to short paragraphs and sentences. Make use of bullets and numbering. Make keywords bold in select locations. Use italics where appropriate. The typical web browser is skimming. Make it easy for them.

Be original. Write your own articles if at all possible. Search engines love unique content and you can improve your rankings if your site has a great deal of original content. If you are not confident in your skills as a writer, consider asking someone for help or even hire a local college student. Just give them a bullet list of points you want to make and ask them to write it up for you.

Use spell check. Any decent word processor will have a spell check function as well as a grammar check function. Make use of them. You want your website to look professional and misspelled words say to viewers that you are unprofessional, incompetent and untrustworthy. It’s harsh, but true.

Proof read. Don’t rely on spell checker alone. There are a great many spelling and grammar mistakes that word processors will not pick up. You may have a missing word, duplicate word, phrase or sentence. You may have simply used the wrong word like ‘too’ instead of ‘two.’ Get someone else to proof read for you. It’s harder to catch your own mistakes than someone else’s.

Keep it relevant. Make sure your content is consistent with the aim of your website. Make sure it is relevant to the needs of your viewer. If your website is selling garden products, it might be best to avoid writing articles about your favorite sports team. You can start a new website for that.

Keep it current. Don’t let your content get out of date. Review your articles regularly and update as needed. Check to make sure your facts are still true. If you have links to outside websites, and you should, make sure they are still active. Make sure any contact information on your site is up to date. When you are finished reviewing, start again.

attackdepression · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 01:43 PM

Great advice Theresa!!

Lisa turned me on to Make your content presell and that has really helped me. If you haven't downloaded it go to http://mycps.sitesell.com (not an affiliate link, by the way) It has some GRRRREAT tips for writing content.

I agree with Theresa, there's no right or wrong length for an article. An article should be as long as it needs to be and that will vary from topic to topic. There was another topic on here recently about this very subject and someone gave a good suggestion of breaking your articles up into sections or separate pages if they get too long.

But the key is to be helpful and not be afraid to share your personal experiences in your writing. Your writing should be conversational as if you are talking to them and the great thing about the web is that it is much more relaxed so you can use ellipses, short sentences and very casual writing.

Try to stay away from phrases like "You all know...." or "Everyone here should know" Try to keep it active and say things like "You know..." or "You should know..." That helps the visitor feel you are speaking directly to them.
I have to catch myself on that a lot.

mclintst · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 12:13 AM

Wow great advice ladies. I still have a lot to learn.

Theresa,

I tried the recording my own voice idea and it came out pretty well. I have written and re-written a few more articles that I am going to post on the blog section.

Sometimes I get too detailed and over complicate the article, but I am working on that

attackdepression,

I'm just starting to develop that one on one writing style. Most of my past work has been very authoritative, speaking to a wide audience rather than the individual.

Thanks again for the advice. You should hopefully see your tips in action very soon.

Steve

webdev · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Sometimes I get too detailed and over complicate the article, but I am working on that

I struggled with that a lot as well and still do sometimes. Stretching your ideas into long sentences is really easy but not very useful to your audience. Long senstences dicourages people to read on.

Now, i keep my paragraphs about 3-8 lines max. Make use of bullet points and bold keywords.

I know its hard but the key is get your main point across in the most simplistic language possible that even a 12 year old can understand.

TechieGuy · #6 (**permalink**) 09-20-2007, 06:01 PM

I agree. Whenever I write or design I always follow the KISS rule: Keep It Simple S...you can fill in the last word.

I also find it hard to express myself without going overboard. When I write the first draft I just write normally. I then re-read what I have written and decide what needs to stay and what I can take out. Sometimes I find that reorganzing the information also helps. Eventually I end up with a finished articles or post that I like.

webdev · #7 (**permalink**) 09-20-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

I also find it hard to express myself without going overboard. When I write the first draft I just write normally. I then re-read what I have written and decide what needs to stay and what I can take out. Sometimes I find that reorganzing the information also helps. Eventually I end up with a finished articles or post that I like.

That's the way it should be done. But i hardly reread my stuff. I only read it over few times to make sure no spelling or grammar mistakes. lol my day job and commute doesn't leave me anytime to work extra on my content.

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