The aim of a good Internet article is to drive traffic to a website, increase sales, and maximize profits. Boring and bland content is the fastest ticket to nowhere-ville.
Writing Internet Articles to Drive Traffic
Let’s face it: some people get away with murder. Murdering the English language, that is. It should be a felony to publish a poorly written article, especially when the reader has to work harder to understand what’s been written than the person who wrote it in the first place.
As a website owner, you are already an expert on that certain topic or theme. But that’s not enough to ensure your articles are read. Those articles have to be high-quality, informative, interesting, and entertaining to satisfy this fast-food, run-and-gun, instant-gratification generation of readers.
Internet Articles Use Short Paragraphs
Readers have short attention spans. When paragraphs are too long, the words get jumbled in the reader’s mind, making the article confusing and too much work to read. The reader simply will move on to other articles that are shorter, sharper, and stronger. Paragraphs can be a single sentence, sometimes even a single word.
Numbers and Bullet Points Increase Sales
As each main point of an article is stressed, numbers and bullets can quickly make it easy to remember and digest. As each one is emphasized with a bullet point or number, readers will know that this is where the benefits start and to pay attention. Format bullets and numbers with indentations to set them apart visually.
Use Sub-Headings to Divide Paragraphs
Doing this will break each of the article’s points into sections. It makes it easier for the reader to move from one point to another, making the transition smooth and easy. This strategy helps to hold the reader’s attention and make the article easier to digest.
Attention-Grabbing Titles and Subtitles Maximize Profits
A good title can entice a reader’s curiosity and make them look further into the article. Use statements and questions that utilize keywords readers are seeking. Titles that describe an article’s content in a short and concise way are most effective.
“Six Easy Ways to Make Her Yours” or “What Women Really Want” are catchy and creative ways to reach out to a reader’s emotions and make them interested.
Reader Interest Maximizes Profits
From open to close, use real-life situations to which the reader can relate. Use good descriptions and metaphors to drive home the article’s main points, but it’s easy to overdo it. Graphic metaphors and similes that invite mental images make the experience pleasurable and enjoyable for readers.
Use Figures When Writing Internet Articles
Using specific facts and figures can heighten an article’s credibility because it makes the writer seem authoritative. Do not make it too formal, because a light and friendly style is easier to follow.
* Originally published on Suite 101 January 25, 2011
