Web Copy - Steps For Writing an Informative Online Article

By J.C. Hurst

When writing an online article for the first time, an article "template" is a tremendous asset. (Unless of coarse, you enjoy sitting in front of your monitor for hours before you actually begin writing).

The following article template is one that I have used for several years:

Research Your Ideas

When article ideas enter your mind, jot them down. Most ideas hit us at the most inopportune times; such as during rush hour when we're sitting in traffic. Later when you have access to the Internet, Google the subject/category that your idea falls into. Visit sites that contain material related to your subject and take notes. Gather as much information as possible that is related to your subject. Sometimes you will discover that your initial subject can be split up into several sub-categories... resulting is a series of articles.

The Headline - "Do or Die"

The Headline is the first thing an online reader sees... if it does'nt grab and hold their attention, they won't bother reading your article. Make sure it clearly represents what will be found in the article. Here are a few headline writing tips:

• Appeal to the Prospect - Use words such as "you," "your" or words that imply you are speaking directly to the reader- "You Can Look Younger in only 10 Days"


• Touch on the Benefits - The reader's primary concern is, "What's in it for me?" "Get Trim and Look Awesome in 14 Days!" focuses on weight loss to improve the reader's appearance. Good health is also a benefit of weight loss, but most people worry about their appearance more than their health. This headline focuses on what most readers see as the main benefit, and it grabs their attention.


• News Words - Utilizing words like "now," "finally" or "at last" can make a headline seem like news copy and may be about something new or interesting. The reader wants to continue reading to find out what is "new"


• Generate Curiosity - ask questions similar to, "Are You Paying Too Much for Monthly Utilities?" If the reader pays high water bills, this headline will grab their attention. Use this technique properly so that it is relevant to your subject. If you utilize curiosity to hook the reader and the article is about something entirely different, the reader will become frustrated... and will stop reading.


• Show Favor - Show favor toward the product or service you are writing about by using complimentary adjectives in the headline. If you don't sound enthusiastic about the product or service, it will be difficult to get the reader excited about it. Which sounds better? "The Mercedes ML63 AMG Outsells Automobiles in its Class Every Time!" or, "The All-New, High-Performance and Luxurious Mercedes ML63 AMG Outsells Automobiles in its Class Every Time!"

Write an Introductory Paragraph

This paragraph should provide a brief explanation of the content body and expand on your headline. It should accomplish two things:

• Gain the reader's interest so that he or she will want to read more
• Generaly let the reader know what the article is going to be about

Write the Article Body

This is the main content of your article. Write at least three paragraphs that include at least three main ideas, (one paragraph per idea). Provide the reader with valuable and well written content that will make them want to read more of your articles.

Concluding Paragraph

When you have completed your paragraphs which illustrate your main article, you should wrap up your article with a solid conclusion. You want to summarize the important points of your article, so the reader will retain them. Don't use the same words already contained in your article. Use your creativity to convey it in a different way.

Create a Resource or Signature Box

Invite your readers to take action. You can motivate them to act by offering a free gift... "Visit www.ABC123.com to sign up for our free newsletter and receive a free gift!" Include a link back to your site! (CRUCIAL for SEO purposes!)

Grammar and Spelling Errors

It's very unprofessional if your article is littered with grammatical errors. Besides utilizing "spell check", have someone else proof read your article or let it sit for a few hours then read it again. Errors are often easier to spot after taking a break from writing.

Writing and submitting online articles is an easy way to drive additional traffic to your Web site. I truly hope that this article will help you get started!

JC Hurst
Technical Director
WindNet, Inc.
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