When I first started writing for the web, I was so terrified.
I was a horrible writer when I was in high school…barely passing my English classes.
One of my mentors told me I could write a great article in 30 minutes…ya right!. But when I tried it for the first time I wrote almost 1,100 words in 25 minutes..I was shocked.
And it wasn’t that bad actually…
So here’s what he taught me…
First…say what the article is about.
Second…tell them who it’s for.
Third…give them the benefit. Why they should read it. What it will do for them. Etc.
Then for the body of the article, give them the best THREE (3) pieces of value you’ve got. And include personal experiences.
In conclusion, summarize the entire article and and the very end pique their curiosity with something else.
For example:
“That explains the top three ways to get targeted traffic to your website. For 7 more ways, please visit ….”
And I just learned this the other day: Your bio shouldn’t be about you…it should be about “What’s next”…for your potential reader….this encourages them to continue on and click your link.
So here’s where the timing comes into play:
Set your timer for 25 minutes, don’t look at your screen, just type what comes to mind. After 25 minutes, spend 5 minutes reviewing, do a spell check and a very quick check for grammar.
Writing for the web doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be valuable.
A few other tips he taught me were:
- Always write about what you know and what works.
- Post it on your site first, wait till it’s cached with Google, then post it on article directories.
- Clear your mind of any negative thoughts like “I can’t write”, instead say aloud to yourself “I am in the process of becoming a great writer.”
- Focus on three things you can explain in great detail.
- Write as if you are speaking to someone you know who would be interested in the information.
- Use conversational English.
- As you write do not edit your thoughts…let go of the need to be perfect….LET YOUR FINGERS FLY!
- Use common phrases and colloquialisms (had to look this one up) or slang.
- Always write with a purpose (to make money)…so include some CTA (call to action) or link that you can profit from.
- Once you’ve written an article, turn it into a video and blast it out on the net with a tool like Traffic Geyser.
And so I leave you with this:
“Don’t measure your success based on where you want to get, instead measure based on where you’ve come from.”
So what are you waiting for…get writing…but FIRST: Comment On This Blog Post and tell me your article writing tips. What gets you in the mood? How do you find ideas? How have you progressed from when you first started? What challenges are you still facing?
Hey Jaime..how are you? Ya that can be difficult sometimes…especially if it’s more technical in natures. Trying to help non-technical people to understand.
Thx for dropping by
Tracy
You’re welcome Tracey…nice name btw..
Tracy
Hey Tracy,
Great article!
I love writing content, but one thing I find challenging is I’m often figuring out how to better explain something, so that is what takes the time.
I’m going to try your recommendation though.
Jaime
Jaime Almond´s last [type] ..How to get free or cheap pictures for your business blog without breaking any laws
Thanks Tracy. This was a very useful article as this will help me have confidence to write more knowing it doesn’t need to be perfect. Great to know what should always be in the article too.
This is the most difficult thing for me. I was a wiz in Lit in college, but my Comp prof (same one as in Lit as it turned out) was amazed at my inability to wright, but could devour any type of literature!
Thanks for the hints!
[...] Start a blog for each site. Blog at least once a week. It doesn’t have to be long winded or perfect, but providing value to the readers. Stay consistent with it. It will take time for the momentum to build. Here’s an article on how to write or blog very quickly. [...]
You just totally inspired me to write my first article for sure and stop putting it off! Thank You Tracy!!
Many Blessings To You,
Renita Mason
After seeing this article mentioned in your most recent post I just had to take a look at it.
I can see why it got mentioned in the e-book you reviewed, it’s a really great post! I like the idea of setting a time limit for 25 mins, I tend to take forever to type my articles.
Using personal experiences really helps, as the content just flows like a river.
Finally, I fully agree with the point you made that there has to be some value factor in the article. Sometimes I come across articles that are absolutely meaningless.
Thanks for sharing these nice tips, I will have to give them go on my next article
.-= Josh@Network Marketing Consultant´s last blog ..Tips for Network Marketing – FREE Guide =-.
Thanks Miriam…appreciate your comments. Get goin’ on your blog girlfriend! Tracy
Hey Tracy,
Your article gets an “F” for FANTASTIC! I loved how easy it was to read, great advice (I’ll print it out), and easy on the eyes with your use of bold, bullets, quotes, and formatting.
I still haven’t created my blog… yet and so this is article and the general energy of your blog is inspirational. Thanks and wishing you massive online success. -Miriam
Looking forward to it Mom…Tracy xo
Hi Tracy
Just read your article. I have been wanting to do some blogging, but wasn’t sure how or where to start. Don’t be surprised if you see an article from me soon.
Love Mom
[...] How To Write A Great Article In 30 Minutes Even If You Almost Failed English [...]
Thanks Ilka…appreciate your comments..yes Hector is a good guy…very creative and innovative
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
Great information! Especially for someone for whom English isn’t their first language. I bookmarked your article so I can refer back to it.
Hey, …and congratulations on being featured in the premier issue of the “Entrepreneurs Report.” Hector did an amazing job!!
To your success!
Ilka Flood
.-= Ilka Flood´s last blog ..Hot Off The Press- The Very First Issue of Hector Cuevas’ Entrepreneurs Report =-.
Hi Tracy,
It’s so true how easy it is to write an article in under 30 minutes as long as you stay focused. You have giving me some great tips that I will take away with me. Thanks for sharing.
Tristram Lodge
.-= Tristram Lodge´s last blog ..Your Blog Is For Interacting With Your Readers =-.
Hi, I’m not sure what this comment says, but I check out your blog and I know it’s good….thank you
[...] recomendación de la que hablo y decidí traducirla y darle mi toque personal. Aquí el enlace del blog >>. Una de las cosas que puedes hacer es precisamente lo que estoy haciendo, utilizar un artículo que [...]
I’ll write something on it soon, but in short…go with what’s popular on alltop.com or in Google trends. Also, get questions from your readers, like what you just sent me. I could now go write a blog post / article on “What to write in my blog?” Thanks for the idea..
[...] How To Write A Great Article In 30 Minutes Even If You Almost Failed English [...]
Hi Tracy, Over the weekend I sat down to write what my first post on my blog would be, I chose to write about Time Management and Teenagers, having two teenagers myself I thought it would be a breeeze. I sat for twenty minutes, I had all the ideas but I couldn’t couldn’t seem to get started and get a format of how I was going to write. If I had your email at the rime it would definatley have helped me. Its printed and I am going to use it for future writing,
Thanks for for your Sweet Tips keep them coming!
Michelle
.-= Michelle O’Sullivan´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Great article. The hardest part is picking the subject. What are your thoughts on that?
http://other-creations.blogspot.com/
Hi Tracey,
thank you for your clear information.
Your teachers should read it and be proven wrong.
Love and Light
from
Yorinda
.-= Yorinda´s last blog ..Positive Aspects =-.
Hey Tracy,
Sweet tips….no pun intended! lol
Seriously though, great article. I’m not the best at writing so for me this we an awesome posts. Took away a lot of good tips here for sure!
30 minutes..I’m on it!
Hi Tracy,
Lots of wonderful tips on getting our blog posts out there for the world to see! I never thought about the bio being “what’s next”…great tip! Appreciated reading your post! I will get goin on writing mine
Great tips–concise, easy to digest and apply. These will help me a lot. Thanks, dude!
Hey Tracy,
Great tips… short… easy to understand and apply. Thanks… I needed that.
Coach freddie
.-= Coach Freddie´s last blog ..Where Do Dreams Come From? =-.
Great post Tracy. Just what I need right now – I was just lamenting to my husband that whilst I can write OK, it takes me AGES!! I was even searching the net last night for a quick solution to this! I am going to print out your tips and keep them in front of me. I think lots of people forget these simple but powerful pointers. Cheers, Amanda
.-= Amanda Lee´s last blog ..Law of Attraction: Use it Wisely, Not Selfishly =-.
Tracy -
Great stuff! You have broken the process down so simply that I
am going to go create a new article (in 30 minutes or less!).
Thank you for sharing these amazing tips!
~Andie Petoskey
Great post,
Article marketing is effective strategy and we do not want to spend 2 hours on one article. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Have a great weekend,
Jiri Majkus
Internet Marketing Coach and Author
.-= Jiri Majkus´s last blog ..10 Minutes of Work and 164 Leads For My Online Home Based Business? =-.
Hey Tracy!
What a great post! I’m getting ready to write articles for Amanda Marie’s 30 in 30 challenge and these tips are great! I can’t wait to get started!
Shaylee