Online readers love information, but be
sure your information is crisp, clean, clear and concise. Internet writing is different
from print.
1. Keep your paragraphs short, even a line or two.
Online readers will ignore long batches of words in long
paragraphs, whether in an ezine or at a web site. That costs the author a lot of book
sales. Respect readers who want material short and sweet.
2. Write tips in consistent format.
First, use the command form of a verb. Follow it by the
cost of not doing it, or benefits from doing it. End with a positive comment. Use this
three or four-sentence formula to bring the curious to you. One tip I sent out in 2004
landed me an offer from a large print magazine to write a longer article on the same
topic.
3. Make your heading compelling.
If you haven't tested it on associates, or haven't edited
it at least three times, it may say "lackluster." People will delete it or click
on to something new. Which one will you read? " Write an Article," or "Sell
More Books by Writing a Short Article"?
4. Get to the point quickly—in the title and the
first line.
Keep your introduction down to a few sentences. .
5. Tell your readers what you want them to do.
They are waiting for your magic formula to make them
richer, healthier, or enjoy great relationships. Use numbered points for this if possible.
Make your copy strong, clear, and direct.
6. Target your article to your preferred audience.
Not everyone will want your information, so include your
audience in the title or introduction. When you focus your information, you write more
compelling, focused copy that your readers will love. They will reward you by clicking to
where your book is sold in your signature file.
7. Reduce superfluous words such as adjectives and adverbs
like "ly."
Allow only 2-4% passive verbs. Because of a lack of effort,
novices ruin their work with sentences full of "is" and "was" linking
verbs. Use strong verbs instead, by starting more sentences with a subject, followed by a
verb and object. Neither books, nor articles will sell with these "slugs."
8. Focus on your readers’ needs and wants.
Keep the “I” out of your copy unless you are
telling a success story. If you do use “I” consider couching it like this:
“If you are like me, you…. Remember to give what’s in it for your readers.
9. Contact an editing buddy who is above average at
writing.
It’s best to get a book coach or professional Internet
editor to give your first 3-4 efforts some feedback, so you are on the right
track—and will get published. Online sites and ePublishers will not publish your
article if it isn’t well organized; reader centered, easy-to read and doesn't offer
something new.
10. Include a powerful signature file that will attract
other publishers and web masters to your other articles listed on your web site.
Once they start posting you, your message will be seen by
your targeted audience who want your service or book information. Include the basics of
name, benefit of book or business, free offer such as an ezine or report, your web, email
address, and a local and toll-fre.e number.
Keep these ten tips in mind, so that your Internet article
will bring potential book buyers to you, your service, your Web site, and your products.
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