By Herman Drost
If you plan on writing and submitting many articles to article directories, ezines and other online publications you need to format them correctly. Publishers receive many article submissions each week so if your article is correctly formatted it has less chance of being rejected.
Where to write your article
I usually write my articles in Microsoft Word because you can adjust the number of words per line and adjust the size of the text so you can read it easily. I then copy and paste it into notepad because the word processor does not use correct formatting for online publishers.
Another great editor is textpad. This is a powerful replacement for Notepad. I also use it to edit web pages and scripts because of notepad's limitations in this area.
Top 10 Steps to format your article
Most ezine publishers prefer short articles between 500 and 750 words. Short "tip" articles of just a couple of paragraphs are also very popular. Articles should be formatted to 65 characters per line or less, including spaces, and written in short paragraph sections.
1. Must be unique
Your article must be unique. This means you should not copy someone else's article and submit it for publication. Editors will recognize this and may ban you from sending them any more articles.
2. Article length
Most ezine publishers prefer articles between 500 and 750 words. Read publisher guidelines before submitting your article because often there is a minimum and maximum length.
3. Title
Use a descriptive title that encapsulates what is contained in your article body. You need to satisfy both your readers and the search engines, so include your main keywords plus create a catchy title that grabs your reader's attention.
4. Sentences
Format each sentence to 60-65 words before submitting it for publication. This enables people to read it easier than if you had long sentences.
5. Paragraphs
Write short paragraphs of 5-10 lines so you don't make your reader's eyes tired. Reading text on a monitor is harder on the eyes than reading printed material.
6. Resource box
This should be no longer than 6 lines. Include your name, web site address, a unique offer (ie newsletter subscription) and a call to action.
7. Correct spelling and grammar
An article that contains spelling mistakes and grammatical errors suggests you are unprofessional. Some readers will automatically reject these articles.
8. HTML code
Most article directories will allow simple HTML to enable certain areas to stand out. ie bold, italics, emphasis, underline, hard return, blockquote, numbered or bullet point lists. Make sure you close every tag that you open otherwise it will format the whole article with that tag.
9. Don't use affiliate URLs
Avoid including affiliate URLs in your article body or resource box. They will be rejected immediately as it looks like you are promoting someone else's offer. If you need to promote an affiliate URL send the reader to your own web site address first then include your affiliate URL on that page.
10. Don't write a sales letter
Articles should be informative. Include tips, strategies, techniques that will help make your reader more knowledgeable. Write to share your expertise on the subject.
Tip
After writing your article let it sit for a while (a few hours or days) before you submit it for publication. Often when you read it again you'll find mistakes you did not see before, and find new ways to rewrite a paragraph or sentence that will make the article more attractive to your readers. If the goal of your article is to attract more readers and visitors to your web site, improving it's effectiveness will help you fulfill that goal.
Herman Drost is the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)
owner and author of Affordable Web Design
Receive fresh, in-depth articles articles on how
to design, optimize and promote your web site by subscribing
to his"Marketing Tips" newsletter at: http://www.isitebuild.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Herman_Drost
Herman Drost - EzineArticles Expert Author
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Fast Article Writing - 5 Techniques to Supercharge Your Article Writing
By Sean R Mize
Article writing can boost your marketing and advertising efforts. In fact, article writing can be your primary marketing tool. It is the cheapest and probably the most effective strategy to increase traffic to your web site. However, you must consider that other internet marketers are also using this strategy. There are lots of competitors out there and barging into the article writing business could be very difficult especially if you don't have enough materials to compete. That is why it is very important to produce tons of articles. And you need to master the art of fast article writing to compete head on. Here are few important tips to help you in your article writing:
1. As much as possible produce multiple articles in a day. It is not enough to write one or two articles in a day. You must produce at least six or more articles so that you will have enough materials to submit to article directories, post in your blogs, send to your email list, and contribute to writing sites.
2. You can also use other articles as reference materials. However, don't plagiarize. Rewrite them and add your own angle or points. In this way, you don't have to start from scratch.
3. To help you in choosing topics, make a list of general ideas. The more ideas you list, it would be easier for you decide later on what among those ideas you will develop into articles.
4. The comments on your blogs are good sources of new ideas. Some bloggers' comments are lengthy discussions of their ideas. Get the most useful points and develop it into articles.
5. Stick to short informative articles. You don't have to write long articles for general information topics. Longer articles are harder to produce and take so much time. Yet, they are usually not being read because online users prefer short, concise articles.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, 'Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide'
Download it free here: Secrets of Article Promotion
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 1574 articles in print and 11 published ebooks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize
Article writing can boost your marketing and advertising efforts. In fact, article writing can be your primary marketing tool. It is the cheapest and probably the most effective strategy to increase traffic to your web site. However, you must consider that other internet marketers are also using this strategy. There are lots of competitors out there and barging into the article writing business could be very difficult especially if you don't have enough materials to compete. That is why it is very important to produce tons of articles. And you need to master the art of fast article writing to compete head on. Here are few important tips to help you in your article writing:
1. As much as possible produce multiple articles in a day. It is not enough to write one or two articles in a day. You must produce at least six or more articles so that you will have enough materials to submit to article directories, post in your blogs, send to your email list, and contribute to writing sites.
2. You can also use other articles as reference materials. However, don't plagiarize. Rewrite them and add your own angle or points. In this way, you don't have to start from scratch.
3. To help you in choosing topics, make a list of general ideas. The more ideas you list, it would be easier for you decide later on what among those ideas you will develop into articles.
4. The comments on your blogs are good sources of new ideas. Some bloggers' comments are lengthy discussions of their ideas. Get the most useful points and develop it into articles.
5. Stick to short informative articles. You don't have to write long articles for general information topics. Longer articles are harder to produce and take so much time. Yet, they are usually not being read because online users prefer short, concise articles.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, 'Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide'
Download it free here: Secrets of Article Promotion
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 1574 articles in print and 11 published ebooks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize
Articles - Become a Specialist Web Article Writer and Earn Cash
By Angela Booth
Here's a secret: Web articles are in hot demand. On Web sites, original content translates into high visibility and sales of products, or of advertising. So if you can write articles - even quite simple ones - you're assured of an income for your writing.
Even if you're an new writer you can cash in on this trend by becoming a specialist Web article writer.
On the other hand, if you're an experienced writer, the Web is your oyster. Become a specialist Web article writer and offer article packages and more to your happy clients. Some article writers are earning well by producing article series on hot topics, as well as exclusive articles developed into ebooks, for a stable of clients.
If you're a new writer and want to sell articles
If you want to sell articles to Web sites and you're a new writer, it's best to approach Web sites directly, after you've written the articles. Yes, write the articles first, so the buyer can see what he's getting. You could write ten articles on gift baskets, for example, and offer them to a site which sells gift baskets.
It's best to avoid the jobs-for-writers boards and out-sourcing sites; the fees that buyers who haunt these sites will offer for articles is much too low.
If you're an experienced writer, develop your own stable of clients eager for your articles
The key for you, if you're an experienced writer, is multiple, on-going sales to sites to which you've sold articles already. Think long-term. First, develop relationships with sites in specific areas - gift baskets, wines, fashion or whatever area appeals to you. Sell the sites a batch of articles.
After a month, contact the sites and ask for repeat business. You'll get it. Articles are an investment for a site, because articles build traffic inexpensively, especially when compared to advertising.
You'll be surprised at how quickly you can build a profitable career as a specialist Web article writer. Thousands of new Web sites are developed and deployed online every day. You'll never run out of eager buyers for your articles, and writing specialist Web articles is the perfect home business. Get started today.
Want to make money writing Web articles? You can, with Angela Booth's Start Writing For Money site at http://startwritingformoney.com/home and her Fab Freelance Writing Blog at http://www.fabfreelancewriting.com/blog/ Angela Booth is a successful writer, copywriter and author who's been mentoring writers for over 20 years. Angela can show you how to make great money writing articles with her "Perfect Article Writing System" at http://www.abwebconsulting.com/articles
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Booth
Here's a secret: Web articles are in hot demand. On Web sites, original content translates into high visibility and sales of products, or of advertising. So if you can write articles - even quite simple ones - you're assured of an income for your writing.
Even if you're an new writer you can cash in on this trend by becoming a specialist Web article writer.
On the other hand, if you're an experienced writer, the Web is your oyster. Become a specialist Web article writer and offer article packages and more to your happy clients. Some article writers are earning well by producing article series on hot topics, as well as exclusive articles developed into ebooks, for a stable of clients.
If you're a new writer and want to sell articles
If you want to sell articles to Web sites and you're a new writer, it's best to approach Web sites directly, after you've written the articles. Yes, write the articles first, so the buyer can see what he's getting. You could write ten articles on gift baskets, for example, and offer them to a site which sells gift baskets.
It's best to avoid the jobs-for-writers boards and out-sourcing sites; the fees that buyers who haunt these sites will offer for articles is much too low.
If you're an experienced writer, develop your own stable of clients eager for your articles
The key for you, if you're an experienced writer, is multiple, on-going sales to sites to which you've sold articles already. Think long-term. First, develop relationships with sites in specific areas - gift baskets, wines, fashion or whatever area appeals to you. Sell the sites a batch of articles.
After a month, contact the sites and ask for repeat business. You'll get it. Articles are an investment for a site, because articles build traffic inexpensively, especially when compared to advertising.
You'll be surprised at how quickly you can build a profitable career as a specialist Web article writer. Thousands of new Web sites are developed and deployed online every day. You'll never run out of eager buyers for your articles, and writing specialist Web articles is the perfect home business. Get started today.
Want to make money writing Web articles? You can, with Angela Booth's Start Writing For Money site at http://startwritingformoney.com/home and her Fab Freelance Writing Blog at http://www.fabfreelancewriting.com/blog/ Angela Booth is a successful writer, copywriter and author who's been mentoring writers for over 20 years. Angela can show you how to make great money writing articles with her "Perfect Article Writing System" at http://www.abwebconsulting.com/articles
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Booth
Can An Article Writing Course Help You Become A Better Writer?
By Andrew Morris
Is this a silly question? Not really, because while it is possible to learn how to craft a sentence and turn a phrase on your own, can you actually learn how to take that creative spark that dwells within and put it on paper (or on a screen)? Just as there are those who are born an artist, there are others who are born with the talent to write a novel, create a perfect sales letter, compel their readers to come along on a journey to another land, adventure or experience.
But even these authors have learned, studied and applied their talent over time to become better at what they do, the art and craft of writing. While there are certainly writing courses delving into the proper turning of phrase, how to evoke an emotional response from the reader; for me the best writing course of all is "just write", then learn from you did.
Over the years, I have written articles, press releases, screenplays and I am now working on a novel. Often when I go back and read something I wrote long ago, I am amazed (not in a good way) about what I read. "Whew," I say to myself, "who in the world wrote that?" And of course the writer was me. Over time as we mature and our life view changes and/or evolves, so too does our talent for writing.
Whether you are a natural writer, or someone who stares at a blank page struggling for the right words ... write. Keep a journal, write a short story, create a web page, start a blog, email your thoughts and feelings ... as long as you keep the pen or keyboard at work. There is not a better teacher and instructor than your own persistence to achieve what you want. And if for you that is writing, then write.
The other day I was asked to write a press release for a multi-national company. They sent me the facts, told me the key issues, then waited for me to deliver. I stared at the page, compiled the data into (what I thought) was a good press release. Guess what? They rejected it, saying it was hard to read. So what did I do, sulk? Well, maybe for a minute or two. I rewrote the article, listening this time to my inner writing voice; telling the same story but in a more captivating manner.
When I sent this release, it was accepted and I was quickly paid, I learned from doing. I believe there are a multitude of talented men and women on the net, many of whom may have a very good course on "creative writing", "how to write a good sales letter", "how to write a good review", and by all mean should you find a book or website that strikes your fancy, jump in. But even then, writing is more important than waiting for inspiration.
We all have an inner muse, use it to motivate yourself to exceed your even your own expectations and create something that is a masterpiece. Whether it is a novel or sales letter, web page or press release: research, write, refine, learn and accomplish.
Andrew Morris helps article writers turn their passions into profits, and uncovers hidden gems of income generation by ...
http://www.articlewritingzen.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Morris
Is this a silly question? Not really, because while it is possible to learn how to craft a sentence and turn a phrase on your own, can you actually learn how to take that creative spark that dwells within and put it on paper (or on a screen)? Just as there are those who are born an artist, there are others who are born with the talent to write a novel, create a perfect sales letter, compel their readers to come along on a journey to another land, adventure or experience.
But even these authors have learned, studied and applied their talent over time to become better at what they do, the art and craft of writing. While there are certainly writing courses delving into the proper turning of phrase, how to evoke an emotional response from the reader; for me the best writing course of all is "just write", then learn from you did.
Over the years, I have written articles, press releases, screenplays and I am now working on a novel. Often when I go back and read something I wrote long ago, I am amazed (not in a good way) about what I read. "Whew," I say to myself, "who in the world wrote that?" And of course the writer was me. Over time as we mature and our life view changes and/or evolves, so too does our talent for writing.
Whether you are a natural writer, or someone who stares at a blank page struggling for the right words ... write. Keep a journal, write a short story, create a web page, start a blog, email your thoughts and feelings ... as long as you keep the pen or keyboard at work. There is not a better teacher and instructor than your own persistence to achieve what you want. And if for you that is writing, then write.
The other day I was asked to write a press release for a multi-national company. They sent me the facts, told me the key issues, then waited for me to deliver. I stared at the page, compiled the data into (what I thought) was a good press release. Guess what? They rejected it, saying it was hard to read. So what did I do, sulk? Well, maybe for a minute or two. I rewrote the article, listening this time to my inner writing voice; telling the same story but in a more captivating manner.
When I sent this release, it was accepted and I was quickly paid, I learned from doing. I believe there are a multitude of talented men and women on the net, many of whom may have a very good course on "creative writing", "how to write a good sales letter", "how to write a good review", and by all mean should you find a book or website that strikes your fancy, jump in. But even then, writing is more important than waiting for inspiration.
We all have an inner muse, use it to motivate yourself to exceed your even your own expectations and create something that is a masterpiece. Whether it is a novel or sales letter, web page or press release: research, write, refine, learn and accomplish.
Andrew Morris helps article writers turn their passions into profits, and uncovers hidden gems of income generation by ...
http://www.articlewritingzen.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Morris
The Secret to Writing Five to Ten Articles Per Day
By Jo Mark
Many people complain that they have never been successful writing articles. They say that their articles do not bring any meaningful traffic to their website. In most cases, the reason for this is that these people do not write consistently. They probably wrote one or two articles over the course of a week and expected a flood of traffic. When it didn't happen, they gave up.
Writing articles is a great way to bring traffic to your website and generate sales. But you've got to do a lot of it. Writing one article a week is not enough to benefit your website or your bottom line. To be successful writing articles, you've got to submit at least one each day. If you want to be really successful, you should submit three to five (or more) a day.
But how is it possible to write that many articles each day. First of all, I start out with a basic format that I use for all of my articles. Using a simple format for every article I write keeps me focused on the process and enables me to do it quickly.
In the first paragraph I state the reason that I'm writing the article. By using the same basic opening for all of my articles, I am never at a loss on how to start an article.
In the next few paragraphs, I provide the meat of my article. I do this quickly by downloading three or four related articles from an ezine. I take three or four ideas from each article and put them into my own words. Never copy someone else's work. It is illegal and can have severe penalties.
If this is your first time trying to write several articles in one day, write a "list type" article. A list type article starts out with; 10 ways to..., or 5 techniques to..., or 7 secrets of... This is the easiest type of article to write. You merely list the items in the body of your article.
My closing paragraph synopsizes the information contained in the article. By using these techniques, you'll be writing ten articles per day and on your way to super success in no time!
Do you want to learn more about how I make money? I have just completed my brand new guide on how to easily develop your own ebook and start your own affiliate program.
Develop Your Own Ebook! http://www.WriteEbooksAndMakeMoney.com
200 Free products you can sell! http://www.MillionDollarArticle.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Mark
Many people complain that they have never been successful writing articles. They say that their articles do not bring any meaningful traffic to their website. In most cases, the reason for this is that these people do not write consistently. They probably wrote one or two articles over the course of a week and expected a flood of traffic. When it didn't happen, they gave up.
Writing articles is a great way to bring traffic to your website and generate sales. But you've got to do a lot of it. Writing one article a week is not enough to benefit your website or your bottom line. To be successful writing articles, you've got to submit at least one each day. If you want to be really successful, you should submit three to five (or more) a day.
But how is it possible to write that many articles each day. First of all, I start out with a basic format that I use for all of my articles. Using a simple format for every article I write keeps me focused on the process and enables me to do it quickly.
In the first paragraph I state the reason that I'm writing the article. By using the same basic opening for all of my articles, I am never at a loss on how to start an article.
In the next few paragraphs, I provide the meat of my article. I do this quickly by downloading three or four related articles from an ezine. I take three or four ideas from each article and put them into my own words. Never copy someone else's work. It is illegal and can have severe penalties.
If this is your first time trying to write several articles in one day, write a "list type" article. A list type article starts out with; 10 ways to..., or 5 techniques to..., or 7 secrets of... This is the easiest type of article to write. You merely list the items in the body of your article.
My closing paragraph synopsizes the information contained in the article. By using these techniques, you'll be writing ten articles per day and on your way to super success in no time!
Do you want to learn more about how I make money? I have just completed my brand new guide on how to easily develop your own ebook and start your own affiliate program.
Develop Your Own Ebook! http://www.WriteEbooksAndMakeMoney.com
200 Free products you can sell! http://www.MillionDollarArticle.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Mark
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