How To Write How-To Articles - Four Ways You Can Get Started

So you're planning to update your blog or online newsletter but aren't too enthusiastic about having to write articles all the time. However you can save yourself some time by adapting a systematic approach to writing how-to articles.

Creating short, how-to articles allows you to connect with your audience, position yourself as an expert, and increase sales. You are giving helpful information to your clients as well as positioning your site for the search engines.

Whenever you're ready to start updating your e-mail newsletter, you may want to create a template depending on your target clients. What do your clients really need - is it specific information, or can you wing it in such a way that they can use this information for their own specific purposes?

If they want specific info, you could always include a teaser paragraph in your newsletter and then provide a link at the bottom of that paragraph. This keyword must be related to something your target audience wants to find out more about.

After finding out what your audience would like to see most, then you can start working on the article itself. Here's a system I've often used to produce quick, informative articles.

The Identifier Paragraph

This gets you started on your subject of choice. Make sure this paragraph does not beat around the bush.

Move On To The Selling Point

Your readers would want to continue with the rest of the article but why? You will what you're talking about help them do their jobs better? At the end of the day, that's the main thing you should be riffing on.

Give short, realistic pieces of advice.

You have so much to say it's hard to fit it into short bits of info, but do it you must. Otherwise you'll lose your audience's attention. Think of the things that could make your readers go WOW - it may be something special your business does, or something you're doing that the rest of the industry isn't.

The Finishing Touches

Years ago, when I was just starting out, one of the pioneers in creative Internet writing told me advice that would stick with me the rest of my life. Believe it or not, it went "Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em. Then tell 'em. Then tell 'em what you told 'em." Believe it or not, it could work for you too. At the end of every article I just wrap up what I've said by reviewing the key points of the article. Most people call this a takeaway. What do you want your readers to value the most and use when they return to their daily work routines? It shouldn't take you long to determine this and come up with your closing paragraph.

Regardless of where in the article, use language the average Joe can relate with. It always pays to use language common people can identify with, instead of overwhelming them with a lexicon of high-falluting words. When reading e-mail especially, readers won't mind short, concise words and phrases. Stick to simple language, especially those words that can help your readers do their jobs better or win them over as customers.

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