Continued from page 1
Here's an example of an outline I created by deconstructing an article I’d read:
intriguing introduction
statement of
problem
case history to demonstrate your solution
list of practical tips
upbeat conclusion
Fill this out in point form, making sure that there's a logical progression of thoughts. Then flesh out your points. You can write a first draft of a 1,500-word article in a day or two, put it away for a day, go back and tighten it up. You're done.
Please note—using an article’s structure is fine, using someone else’s words is plagiarism (theft of their intellectual property).
Here's great part: You can simply use same structure over and over. No one will notice, or care, because content will be different each time.
3.Consider using lists. People love to know 10 best ways, five secrets, 12 essentials. Be honest—don't you always take a peek at an article whose title promises "Five ways to enhance your love life" or "10 secrets to financial independence"? There's something almost addictive about reading these lists, like nibbling popcorn or potato chips.
Here's my take on what makes lists enticing:
Readers love tidbit form. The items in list break up your article into manageable chunks of information, and also provide visual clues for skimming page. Face it, you've done some of reader's work for her (and who isn't grateful for a bit less work?).
Lists create an air of authority and credibility. After all, it takes confidence to promise "the 10 best ways" to do something.
This format creates a ready-made action plan for reader.
For you, writer, a list makes process much less daunting. It's less stressful to tackle writing your article if you know that you can divide it into five or 12 info-bytes comprising a paragraph or two each. And lists force you to be concise and direct.
You can use a list as structure for your entire article, or you can include a list within a longer, more narrative-style piece of writing. One way to do this is to offer your reader a concluding list of practical tips coming out of your article's premise.
This is a great strategy for staying connected with your readers. If you're discussing "big" concepts that threaten to become too vague, give your reader an agenda:
"Now that we've discussed importance of being organized at work, here are five actions you can take.
David Roddis, The Writers’ Coach, helps independent professionals write killer marketing copy, promotional articles and information products that attract more clients. Go to http://www.coachdavid.ca/fasttrack1 to join his mailing list and receive a free copy of "12 questions to fast-track your article". For more information, visit http://www.coachdavid.ca
