How to Write a Short Article in Less than 500 Words
Judy Cullins © 2003 All Rights Reserved.
Online publishers, ezine subscribers, and Web visitors want
short, useful information. Use this "500-Word Article Formula"
to create trusting, confident, and lifelong clients and customers.
How to Write this Short Article
1. Create a benefit-driven title so people will open your email.
Allow pizzazz into your title. Dare to be outrageous!
2. Create a snappy one to three-sentence introduction.
Include what's in it for your audience. How will your article
improve their lives or business?
3. Know your article's purpose and specific audience and
narrow your slant or focus just for them.
This article's audience includes business people who want
to promote their product or service through a short article,
as speakers or coaches, or consultants who have a new book
to sell and want to attract new clients, and Web site publishers
who want more visitors.
4. Write an outline with four to six major points you want
to make before you write.
My outline and headings for this article include the seven ways to
write this article:
- Write for Your Targeted Market.
- Write an Outline First
- Write Each Paragraph to Support Your Outline Headings
- Write An Outline With Four-Six Sub Points
- Write Four- Five Sentences for Each Paragraph
- Create Four-Six Paragraphs for Each Heading of Outline
- Revise Copy Looking for Ways to Tighten Your Article
Remember each sentence must support the thesis statement,
that's one major benefit of how you will solve your reader's
particular challenge or problem. In this one, I give you 7
solutions for writing a short article.
Break down each paragraph into four standard-length sentences
(15-17 words each). For drama, write one or two shorter
sentences. One paragraph contains around 100 words. Five
paragraphs of five sentences of 20 or less words will equal close
to 500 words.
6. Create Four to Six Paragraphs From Your Outline
From your outline sub points that must also support the thesis,
write a concise, compelling paragraph that explains and gives
examples.
If you write over 500 words, tighten your copy. Leave out
stories or analogies. Shorten examples. Cut redundant sentences,
phrases, and words. Drop most "is" verb forms and "ands." They
slow the copy and the reader down, a cardinal sin in writing.
Bored readers will leave. Instead, use vital, action verbs and
colorful nouns.
7. Revise Looking for Ways to Tighten Your Article
- Use bullets to clarify and shorten copy
- Reduce or eliminate quotes and anecdotes.
- Replace -ly adverbs and adjectives with picture or feeling
power verbs and nouns.
- Let go of superfluous words like "that,"
- Use one or two-syllable words for readable, direct copy.
Write only a sentence or two to either sum up or point out the
benefits of your information. When you write under 500-word-
articles of about one page, Online publishers, Web Masters and
potential clients will read them, pass them on, and eventually buy
from you.
Judy Cullins: 20-year author, speaker, book coach
Helps entrepreneurs manifest their book and web dreams
"Ten Non-techie Ways to Market Online"
To receive FREE "The Book Coach Says..."
go to www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml
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