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Article writing is tough

by Vulk
62 replies
So here I am writing my articles for the first time and I admit this is tough, I don't know which perspective to talk in, 1st person, 2nd or 3rd. I don't know if I should refer to real-life experience or even refer to myself as in the same position the user is..or even say I'm a guru at this business. Being naturally good with English I can't believe I'm struggling. I know the point of this is to grasp the reader but this is hard. As far as outsourcing goes I think I'd rather write my content.

Considering reading an article marketing book to better up my skills.

- Vulk
#article #tough #writing
  • Profile picture of the author chooch
    The best way is to write like you are talking to someone. Like you are telling them about whatever your article is about.

    Go to any article directory and read some article. That will give you an idea about how to write the article.

    I think you are making it harder than it really is.

    Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author KatyaSenina
      Originally Posted by chooch View Post

      The best way is to write like you are talking to someone. Like you are telling them about whatever your article is about.

      Go to any article directory and read some article. That will give you an idea about how to write the article.

      I think you are making it harder than it really is.

      Good luck.
      This is very powerful! I mean what sounds better?

      For example:
      Many people struggle with debt these days blablabla

      OR

      Are you struggling with debt?...

      Face it, the latter sounds so much better.
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      • Profile picture of the author ELK
        Here's why article marketing can still be quite special.

        Everyone's niches might be different, but I did some careful searching online for good authority niche blogs/sites that looked like they had good quality articles on them. (You can take a look at the structure, style, etc of these articles as guidance for how to write your own articles). What you see on these sites is what the site owner will like getting from you.

        Out of 4 requests, I've had two accept what I had to offer - future articles, published on my site first. I had to turn down two possibilities because they wanted the articles to be published NOWHERE on the internet before, not even my own site.

        I know that the time I spend making sure I make great articles means I don't have to go out and "build great backlinks". I will already have some strong ones with lots of visibility.

        It's like putting your product in the perfect store where everyone is already looking for the type of thing you have to offer. You also have your own site which will get visitors in various ways. But people who like what you have to say in your syndicated articles will likely keep going and check you out on your site. If you really speak to the readers, some of those folks will hook into YOU and follow you further.

        I've only just begun this, but the small amount of traffic I've gotten on my site has resulted in somewhere between 6-8 minutes on my site. There is very little on my site now (!), but the visitors I get are reading what I have there, presumably because what they were searching for matched up well with what I had written.

        I can see why I'd rather spend time crafting awesome articles and continue looking for great syndication opportunities than spend only a short time on my articles so I could use all the rest of my time (and money) finding ways to get a million backlinks.
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        • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
          Originally Posted by ELK View Post

          Out of 4 requests, I've had two accept what I had to offer - future articles, published on my site first. I had to turn down two possibilities because they wanted the articles to be published NOWHERE on the internet before, not even my own site.
          Hi Erika,

          You're really picking this up well and I'm very pleased for you.

          One thing I would suggest and I may have mentioned it before or I forgot perhaps?

          If the site/blog only wants completely original content never published before, it's not always a bad thing. Firstly, so long as they allow you to have a link back to your site at the end of the article, you can still benefit from the potential flood of traffic and sales you subsequently make, not to mention the people that may sign up to your list. Secondly if they don't allow you a link, they have no right to the article and you could sell them that article. Thirdly, they may require original content today but over time, as you get to know them, you maybe able to convince them better, why you need it on your site first. Failing that, you still have the traffic.

          As much as I like a nice juicy powerful backlink, I'd never turn down a source of highly targetted and monetarily free traffic.

          This is in no way criticism Erika, I think you're doing an excellent job and I'm very impressed with the way you're out their proactively looking and learning to create a very good business for yourself.

          Well done.
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      • Profile picture of the author ELK
        Originally Posted by KatyaSenina View Post

        This is very powerful! I mean what sounds better?

        For example:
        Many people struggle with debt these days blablabla

        OR

        Are you struggling with debt?...

        Face it, the latter sounds so much better.
        Yes, I agree - it is a more powerful way to reach the reader. Sometimes a more removed impersonal perspective can work for part of your article, especially if you generalize first and then zoom into a more personal example that points to the reader (like your second quote).
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
      Originally Posted by chooch View Post

      The best way is to write like you are talking to someone. Like you are telling them about whatever your article is about.

      Go to any article directory and read some article. That will give you an idea about how to write the article.

      I think you are making it harder than it really is.

      Good luck.
      HE might be making it harder than it really is but I can say myself that Article Writing just sucks at least for me. I hate doing it so that is why I moved onto other business.
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      • Profile picture of the author garben2011
        Originally Posted by Mike McAleer View Post

        HE might be making it harder than it really is but I can say myself that Article Writing just sucks at least for me. I hate doing it so that is why I moved onto other business.
        I think if we all wrote articles about topics we know very well and are very interested in then it does not suck so much.

        It's that way for me anyway. Probably also why I don't make a whole lot of money from each page cause my sites are primarily on topics I like and not based on how much clicks are worth or how many products there are available to sell and so on. But it works much better for me. Writing is fun. I just write like I normally talk. It's a lot like just coming to this forum and writing.

        But still sometimes it does become a drag when you feel like you have to do it and one person can only do so much.... so that's why I also contract out work.

        Do you think it is a lack of interest in the subject material or not being familiar with the subject enough to know what to write about that makes it suck?
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        • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
          Ignore the need to be perfect, that is step one.

          The problem with many of us (myself included) is that we have had it drilled into our heads that we have to have a perfect final product. This started in grade school and follows many of us on our paths forward.

          Realize that your readers are more interested on what you have to say, and the way you say it, than making sure every final detail is perfect. If the message is good and they can understand it, then you will be well on your way to being successful.

          My personal style of writing should be clear with this response. I am aiming to talk to you as if you are the only one reading the piece. I realize that there are going to be dozens, if not hundreds, of people that are going to read this response, but the aim is to have each person feel like I am talking to them.

          You may find that you work better writing multiple drafts. This will help you convey your message on the paper (screen?) without worrying about the minor details, such as grammar. Once you are certain that your message is being delivered in the best way possible, go back and fix any of your grammar or spelling errors.

          I personally like to distance myself from the content before doing any editing by waiting a day or so between the writing and the edit. You may find that this will help you out as well.

          This should give you a good start, though I believe you had one already.

          There are a few article marketing books I would recommend, though you may be better served by reading material on copywriting. The more I really immerse myself into learning about proper article marketing the more I realize that a good article has a whole lot in common with a good sales page. You have to start with a killer headline to draw in your reader, keep his attention in the critical first paragraph, and draw him in to your work so you can achieve your desired outcome in the end. While the methodology of the two are totally different, they share a lot of the same concepts and ideals.
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  • Profile picture of the author arttse
    Visit ezinearticles.com and have a look how others write.

    This will help.

    Originally Posted by Vulk View Post

    So here I am writing my articles for the first time and I admit this is tough, I don't know which perspective to talk in, 1st person, 2nd or 3rd. I don't know if I should refer to real-life experience or even refer to myself as in the same position the user is..or even say I'm a guru at this business. Being naturally good with English I can't believe I'm struggling. I know the point of this is to grasp the reader but this is hard. As far as outsourcing goes I think I'd rather write my content.

    Considering reading an article marketing book to better up my skills.

    - Vulk
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Worner
      Originally Posted by arttse View Post

      Visit ezinearticles.com and have a look how others write.

      This will help.
      Oh good lord.....*ASTRONOMICAL FACEPALM*

      Nuff said.

      Chris

      P.S. I recommend you do a thread search for posts by Warriors such as TPW, Dr. Mani, as well as post searches on warriors such as Alexa Smith. Read their posts and you will see some great examples of quality writing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vulk
    Thanks for the replies guys. And yeah I think am making this harder than this really is.
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  • Profile picture of the author O0o0O
    That's a common problem to have. A good way to do it is to alternate in the second person (you) and third person (he/she/it/you all/they):

    Awkward (1st Person):
    "I forgot to put on my seat belt, so I sustained worse injuries during my accident than those who remembered to buckle up. So I would buckle up if I were you."

    Correct (Alternating 2nd & 3rd Person):
    "People who forget to put on their seat belts sustain worse injuries during accidents than those who don't, so before before leaving the driveway, make sure you buckle up."

    That's how I usually do it. Anyone else care to weigh in?
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    • Profile picture of the author easytext
      Originally Posted by O0o0O View Post

      That's a common problem to have. A good way to do it is to alternate in the second person (you) and third person (he/she/it/you all/they):

      Awkward (1st Person):
      "I forgot to put on my seat belt, so I sustained worse injuries during my accident than those who remembered to buckle up. So I would buckle up if I were you."

      Correct (Alternating 2nd & 3rd Person):
      "People who forget to put on their seat belts sustain worse injuries during accidents than those who don't, so before before leaving the driveway, make sure you buckle up."

      That's how I usually do it. Anyone else care to weigh in?
      -MY WEIGH IN- Yes, I agree. Keep it 2nd or 3rd person. If you have been asked to write a blog then 1st person is probably more suitable but things such as "leak detection" as I have just written on are hard to write about unless you have actually had gas leaks!LOL
      Keep it neutral and you can't go wrong.
      At first it is a bit daunting as most people are not sure if the client will like the work or not but as you become more experienced, confidence builds.
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      • Profile picture of the author ELK
        Richard,

        Thanks. I can see that I might approach these sites later. But I'd like to take fuller advantage right now of what I know I can syndicate and build that. Then I think I might offer some exclusive content just to test how that goes for traffic, you never know.

        That way I'll have some true comparison. Maybe I'll find both are valuable in different ways.

        Thanks for the support and the additional suggestions - I'll definitely consider those!
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  • Profile picture of the author HigherPrThanGod
    Originally Posted by Vulk View Post

    So here I am writing my articles for the first time and I admit this is tough, I don't know which perspective to talk in, 1st person, 2nd or 3rd. I don't know if I should refer to real-life experience or even refer to myself as in the same position the user is..or even say I'm a guru at this business. Being naturally good with English I can't believe I'm struggling. I know the point of this is to grasp the reader but this is hard. As far as outsourcing goes I think I'd rather write my content.

    Considering reading an article marketing book to better up my skills.

    - Vulk
    Can I ask why you're article marketing? As I've gone up and down over SEO over the last.. 12 years (I started in 99) I don't see what's so special about article marketing anymore. At one time they were really quite valuable, but they've lost their value for numerous reasons in my opinion.

    If you've got a good domain which uses good keywords then your goal should be getting high PR backlinks, and reaching spot 1 on Google.

    As I've learned, backlinks, backlinks and backlinks are what matter. And more and more article marketing won't even give you good back link juice. I personally think article marketing is dead (from the big article sites) and your energy and money would be best spent on other things.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vulk
      Originally Posted by HigherPrThanGod View Post

      Can I ask why you're article marketing? As I've gone up and down over SEO over the last.. 12 years (I started in 99) I don't see what's so special about article marketing anymore. At one time they were really quite valuable, but they've lost their value for numerous reasons in my opinion.

      If you've got a good domain which uses good keywords then your goal should be getting high PR backlinks, and reaching spot 1 on Google.

      As I've learned, backlinks, backlinks and backlinks are what matter. And more and more article marketing won't even give you good back link juice. I personally think article marketing is dead (from the big article sites) and your energy and money would be best spent on other things.
      I started a blog and the best way I thought to climb on Google is articles based around on specific keywords.
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      • Profile picture of the author HigherPrThanGod
        Originally Posted by Vulk View Post

        I started a blog and the best way I thought to climb on Google is articles based around on specific keywords.
        Well, why do all of that work when you have services like ($4!) backlinkcarosel.com, and a lot more in the WSO section that can build your backlinks for you? That's really where you should focus.

        Just trying to get you to consider paying people to build backlinks for you rather than drive yourself batty writing articles if that's not what you're comfortable with. I'm can write articles, but right now has to be the worst time to get in.

        This is just my opinion. (If you have absolutely no money at all, then yeah, generate your own backlinks and good luck!)
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        • Profile picture of the author Vulk
          Originally Posted by HigherPrThanGod View Post

          Well, why do all of that work when you have services like ($4!) backlinkcarosel.com, and a lot more in the WSO section that can build your backlinks for you? That's really where you should focus.

          Just trying to get you to consider paying people to build backlinks for you rather than drive yourself batty writing articles if that's not what you're comfortable with. I'm can write articles, but right now has to be the worst time to get in.

          This is just my opinion. (If you have absolutely no money at all, then yeah, generate your own backlinks and good luck!)
          Yes, as much as I do love the sound of just paying for backlinks and not lifting a single finger.. it just sounds to skeptical. As an affiliate how will I make income on a site without articles? Just seems a bit weird getting no.1 on google with ONLY backlinks..
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          • Profile picture of the author HigherPrThanGod
            Originally Posted by Vulk View Post

            Yes, as much as I do love the sound of just paying for backlinks and not lifting a single finger.. it just sounds to skeptical. As an affiliate how will I make income on a site without articles? Just seems a bit weird getting no.1 on google with ONLY backlinks..
            As for creating articles for your own site, go to it!

            The simple fact is Google still looks at the number of anchored text links to a particular page as an indicator of the popularity of that page for that anchored text phrase, and until that changes backlink services will work. I use that little back link carousel and am having good success with it on my lower competition phrases. Sites with very little content are moving up from page 3 to page 1 in a few weeks. I also recommend the WSO, the Google domination method. It's the most exhaustive guide I've seen on SEO.

            I am in no way affiliated with these entities, I just bought their WSO's/Services and like them. My review is on them.
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          • Profile picture of the author Lyanna
            It depends on your niche, what people are looking for and what you are selling. First person is good for reviews and testimonials Second person is good in general if you want to sell things. Third person is for authority/scientific/factual articles.

            Pro tip: check your competitor's articles and see if you can make better ones.

            Originally Posted by Vulk View Post

            Yes, as much as I do love the sound of just paying for backlinks and not lifting a single finger.. it just sounds to skeptical. As an affiliate how will I make income on a site without articles? Just seems a bit weird getting no.1 on google with ONLY backlinks..
            Maybe you are talking about two different things: article marketing (eza, etc.) and having content on your own site.

            I have several blogs that rank without article marketing but they all have articles/content in them.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kvn
      I always use the techniques from Jason Fladlien's "7 minute articles" to write articles really fast. Now I can produce a high quality article in less than 15 minutes.

      Before that I was taking about 30-45 minutes to write a 400-500 word article.
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      • Profile picture of the author Vulk
        Originally Posted by graphicswarrior View Post

        I always use the techniques from Jason Fladlien's "7 minute articles" to write articles really fast. Now I can produce a high quality article in less than 15 minutes.

        Before that I was taking about 30-45 minutes to write a 400-500 word article.
        Thanks. I looked into the 7 minute article but unfortunately I'd rather not buy a product on how to teach me to write better

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  • Profile picture of the author guptaarun
    You should have to consult the specialist of content writer and than you merge your own views in it than your article might be a good article its my own experience.
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  • Profile picture of the author mjarel
    I think you need to study more about the standards for article writing & read millions of articles.We study in English & we speak English doesn't helps us to write like a content writers,these people knows the structures,formulations,tone of addressing.Its an additional advantage for you that you are good in English,just focus,you would bring a great result.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mindz
      look yo i dont spend no more than ten minutes on an article and i get approve for them everytime and i make sales from it to . Or was making sales .

      My number one advice is . To just write dont worry . You will get better .
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      • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
        Originally Posted by Mindz View Post

        look yo i dont spend no more than ten minutes on an article and i get approve for them everytime and i make sales from it to . Or was making sales .

        My number one advice is . To just write dont worry . You will get better .
        Note this bit...

        Or was making sales .
        That implies that you ought to be worrying about it, as the sales are not happening now.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Newman
      Originally Posted by mjarel View Post

      I think you need to study more about the standards for article writing & read millions of articles.We study in English & we speak English doesn't helps us to write like a content writers,these people knows the structures,formulations,tone of addressing.Its an additional advantage for you that you are good in English,just focus,you would bring a great result.
      Hello,

      Even though I've been writing offline for ages, I experienced a similar thing when I started writing articles online. It's simple, but not easy. Your mastery of English is an asset, but you may need to UN-learn a few things. The formal, stiff and rigid style most of us were taught won't deliver.

      There are excellent writers in the Forum. Buy a few solid resources. Read Paul Myers' 'For the writers in the crowd', in War Room, model writers whose works you find compelling.

      I came from the 'literary side' --where it's ok to pore over 7 pages for months, seeking perfection. Online, it's about communication, about engagement...it's about what delivers.

      It'll get better with time. It'll get easier.

      I wish you the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author Roy Carter
    I'd strongly disagree with the statement that article marketing is dead. Backlinks are vitally important yes, but article marketing is about more than backlinking.

    It's (as ever) about producing QUALITY articles that actually deliver value to the reader and will therefore get syndicated across many sites and blogs etc

    The recent Google Farmer update has people running scared but not those that have always delivered/produced quality content.
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    • Profile picture of the author HigherPrThanGod
      Originally Posted by Roy Carter View Post

      I'd strongly disagree with the statement that article marketing is dead. Backlinks are vitally important yes, but article marketing is about more than backlinking.

      It's (as ever) about producing QUALITY articles that actually deliver value to the reader and will therefore get syndicated across many sites and blogs etc

      The recent Google Farmer update has people running scared but not those that have always delivered/produced quality content.
      It's certainly not dead for everyone. I just know that in some niches it can be next to impossible to come up with "quality articles" anymore because it's been so exhaustively written about. Specially in the financial and debt markets. Add to that the way Google forces those marketing sites to go no follow, and all of that... Me personally, I just don't see the value anymore. We'd all be better off writing quality content for our own site and then building high pr backlinks to our pages. But that's just me.
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    • Profile picture of the author The Bad Blogger
      First of all what is your goal? You want to be professional dude or underdog dude?

      If you want to be an underdog dude, selling off stuff to people and make money out of it, then I recommend you go for those cheap back link service...

      But if you want to be recognized as a professional, being the go-to-guy in your niche, then writing article is very very important, this lets people know you as a guy who knows what he is talking about...

      Yes writing article is hard but here's a tactic to write article that might help you out:

      Go to Google or EzineArticles to research what you want to write, copy and paste them on a notepad, once you collected about 10 articles, read them and take all the important points of each article and...

      Place them in order from the best to the not so best.... and believe it or not you will have an ideal about what to write...

      Remember writing is not because of "how to write" but because of "what you write"

      If you know what to write on a piece of paper, don't you think you can write?

      And lastly remember always write as though you are talking to a friend NOT a group...
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  • Profile picture of the author mahal788
    I've just started on article marketing a month ago.
    I can make 2-5 articles in 30 minutes. I dunno if this is good by article marketing standards but I'm pretty happy with it.
    It helps if you pick a topic that interests you or that you're knowledgeable about. It's how I do it.
    I met a warrior here who makes a full time living with article marketing so I don't think it's dead. I forgot what her name is.
    Best of luck in article marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vulk
    Thanks for the replies everyone, finally to see this as not as hard. just finished a 560 word article in 27 minutes.
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Here is a decent article that might help you: 14 Tips to Improve Your Article Writing and Article Marketing | SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources
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  • Profile picture of the author nigerianguy
    Why dont you outsource the service to experts. Go to elance, freelancer or even fiverr. You will get good writers to write for you for as low as $4/article.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fun to Write
    Vulk

    Only write in the 1st person if you have a good story to share that is authentic. Don't fake it. Since you are just getting started, I recommend that you always write from a perspective of integrity and putting the reader first.

    You may be struggling because you're not sure yourself yet WHY you're writing. Each article should have a goal in mind. You want to convey some type of information to the reader, so...what is that?

    Ask yourself the following questions:

    Who is your reader?

    What do they wish to know?

    What type of problem or issue do they have?

    How can you help solve their problem?

    What type of solution are you offering them in your signature line?

    You've got to know these things before you start to write.

    I also agree with others about writing in a friendly tone of voice.

    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author veenafurtado
    Nothing is life is ever easy!
    Stick with it and you will learn and prosper.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vulk
    Finished 3 articles within an hour and a half...thanks everyone for the replies and help.
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  • Profile picture of the author vheissu28
    Hey, Vulk

    Looks like you've gotten some really good answers and tips from the fine folks here at the forum.

    One piece of advice I would give you is to read all your articles OUT LOUD!

    Remember, writing online is very conversational . . .you're writing to PEOPLE.

    So, read it out loud . . .you'll get a way better grasp of whether it sounds good, sounds conversational, and will keep your reader's attention.

    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author sarahberra
    I know you feel... It's always tough until you really get into it. Read "Hypnotic Writing," by Joe Vitale. Other Books like "The Well Fed Writer" and "How to Write Better and Faster" have really helped me. I struggle with passive voice and a few grammar issues, but I've gotten better, especially within the last two years. I hope this helps....
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  • Profile picture of the author danielsteven
    If your ever having trouble on what topics to write about, here's a strategy that I use...go to forums related to your niche...omgili.com is a forum search engine....look for the threads that get the most views and then just write about those topics....they're obviously hot topics in those respective niches....just a thought
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  • Profile picture of the author Terri LC
    Hi Vulk;

    You can reach 500 words easily by using this format that Ezine just recommended on their blog.

    “Dear Abby” Article Template

    Just an option
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  • Profile picture of the author donhx
    Originally Posted by Vulk View Post

    So here I am writing my articles for the first time and I admit this is tough, I don't know which perspective to talk in, 1st person, 2nd or 3rd. I don't know if I should refer to real-life experience or even refer to myself as in the same position the user is..or even say I'm a guru at this business. Being naturally good with English I can't believe I'm struggling. I know the point of this is to grasp the reader but this is hard. As far as outsourcing goes I think I'd rather write my content.

    Considering reading an article marketing book to better up my skills.

    - Vulk

    If you are struggling with it, you are doing it wrong.

    Do what the great portrait painting masters did--they copied the work of those who were before them. Find an effective article and rewrite it. Once you have the feel and the flow, don't do that anymore. Create your own masterpieces.
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  • Profile picture of the author donhx
    This was a duplicate of the above message. Not sure how that happened, but I have deleted it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Richard Chapman
    If I may add my pennyworth

    I have every confidence in my English and my ability to wirte good articles. It just seems so tedious sitting down and actually writing them - my typing skills are poor. I just can't get myself to do it seriously

    Has anyone any experience with Dragon Speak.

    I am wondering if that is the way to go
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    • Profile picture of the author donhx
      Originally Posted by Richard Chapman View Post

      If I may add my pennyworth

      I have every confidence in my English and my ability to wirte good articles. It just seems so tedious sitting down and actually writing them - my typing skills are poor. I just can't get myself to do it seriously

      Has anyone any experience with Dragon Speak.

      I am wondering if that is the way to go

      I have been using Dragon Naturally Speaking since version 6. It is now at version 11, so that's a few years. It is an excellent tool to get words on the screen. However, seasoned writers know that the best work is done in editing what you have written. First drafts are merely first drafts.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zenix
    Writing articles isn't easy, I have done it in the past but I never got going, it took too long time to sit down and write all the time.
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  • Profile picture of the author ejb2059
    Be yourself, Speak from experience, and don't misrepresent yourself as something / someone you're not ..

    I hate writing articles too - Sometimes, I'll reado other people's articles and study their prose, flow etc.. it helps me alot

    Pratice, Practice, Pratice

    Rev
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  • Profile picture of the author K_tir
    Why don't you hire someone else to write it for you?

    There are people who do it for $ 5!
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    • Profile picture of the author Partner Guy
      There are plenty of good courses out there on article marketing. Personally, this is something I outsource.

      There are some articles that I do write myself, because there are some things that only I can convey, but for the most part you can hire an article writer for literally pennies on the dollar.

      It's very inexpensive....Good luck!

      Jon McNeil
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  • Profile picture of the author francismatteo
    I learned a lot from this thread. I think the best thing to do is practice, practice and more practice.
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    • Profile picture of the author thosewiseguys
      Learning how to take quality notes will also help your writing. If you can structure an article properly with an introduction, body and conclusion, you can create more interesting content.

      For instance, I recently wrote an article on how sealing your air ducts can save you energy. Here are my notes:

      I. Introduction

      A. Sealing Ducts saves energy
      1. Ducts are used to distribute conditioned air
      throughout house
      2. Typical house - 20% of air moving through system
      is lost due to leaks and badly sealed
      connections.
      3. Results in spending more money on utility bills
      4. By finding leaks and sealing ducts, you can
      make your duct system more efficient and
      therefore save money on utility bills

      II. Repair and Seal Ducts

      A. How to seal ducts
      1. Some ducts are tough to get to
      -concealed in walls and in between floors
      2. Ducts in attics, basements, crawlspaces and
      garages can easily be fixed by sealing leaks
      with duct sealant.

      B. Proper insulation
      1. Proper insulation of ducts can also lead to more
      energy savings
      2. Insulate ducts that run through spaces that get
      hot during the summer and cold during the winter
      -attics
      -garages
      -crawlspaces

      C. New HVAC Equipment
      1. Make sure contractor installs new system
      according to ENERGY STAR quality installation
      guidelines. *LINK*
      2. An ENERGY STAR quality installation will also
      include a thorough inspection of duct system
      -properly seal ducts
      -balancing of ductwork
      3. New system will provide most comfort and
      efficiency

      III. Conclusion

      A. Seal Your Ducts
      1. If your system is performing poorly and your
      utility bills seem too high, you may need your
      ductwork repaired.
      2. The professionals at --------- *LINK*
      specialize in HVAC systems and would love to
      help you out today. Contact them today.

      Once I have finished taking the notes, there is no time wasted wondering how I am going to start writing. My notes guide me through the entire article, making the process fairly painless. Also, I try to take vague notes that just stick to the facts, that way, when I get to that fact's place in the article, I will have forgotten the source of my notes and my own voice can enter into the piece. Also, when I take my notes, I use the tab button so that A, B, C, D are tabbed away from I,II,III and 1,2,3,4, is tabbed away from A,B,C,D. It just didn't come out like that on the post.

      I've definitely learned some good stuff from other posts on this thread. It's interesting to me to see everyone's process.
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      • Profile picture of the author KatyaSenina
        I've already posted in this thread, but have one more suggestion...

        If you're really stuck, find a few articles that you really like and just model these articles.

        Don't copy them word for word, but just model their structure, their writing style etc.

        That's what I do. Hope this helps.
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      • Profile picture of the author garben2011
        Originally Posted by thosewiseguys View Post

        Learning how to take quality notes will also help your writing. If you can structure an article properly with an introduction, body and conclusion, you can create more interesting content.
        I agree completely. Outlining the articles creates a plan that makes the writing process so much easier. I didn't even think about mentioning this. One of the reasons a forum is cool because often when we have done things for a long time we just don't even think about the fact that others may not know these things. But then someone else will come along and mention these oh-so-important things. =)

        Certainly, anyone should create the outlines like you have illustrated in your excellent example. Filling in the details becomes incredibly simple. For me, all of my thought goes into the outline.... the important concepts and points I want to cover. The rest is just details.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacked
    Yea I had the same dilemna, I'm good at it but I take my time when I write. I ended up just outsouring it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Murlu
    Having wrote more articles than I could possibly mention, I've broke my own writing down to two major factors:

    1. Outlining an article prior to writing
    2. Writing the article as if I were talking to a friend

    I generally ALWAYS write my articles with some kind of outline prior to ever penning down the "meat" of the content. I create the headers much like a book. Doing the headers first will let you stay on topic within each section - once you complete each you'll feel a nice boost in energy (little psychological factors at work here).

    I also try to write as if I were talking to a friend - I generally think "bar talk". I keep it conversational so that I'm able to write without interruptions and so it sounds like someone is talking to the reader rather than compiling a list of facts and stringing them together.

    In all, just keep writing.

    I was absolute crap when I first started. It took me forever but over time, with enough practice, I began to hit my stride and now I'm able to write a massive amount of articles each day.

    Best of luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Ehanson
      If you're have trouble writing articles I would suggest breaking the article up in three tips. Have an introduction, the body (your 3 tips) and the conclusion. Reword the introduction and include your presell. Have the article flow into your bio so you can pre-sell effectively.

      I would also second speaking to someone like you're speaking one on one to the reader in a personal, conversational tone. Think of your article like explaining something to a friend. You want to make your article high quality content which will not only enable you to sell more of what you're promoting but also set you apart from many article marketers.

      That's just the way I write but it works for me. You might need to find your niche and unique style to enjoy article marketing more.
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  • Profile picture of the author wendymay1
    The more you read the more knowledge you gain to put your articles in your own writing style.
    I beleive also the more practice you get in writing, writing and writing. Your expertise becomes even greater. Welcome to the Internet Marketing world.

    Article Writing Tips I have read from Liz Toomey: Article Writing-Super Secrets.

    1. Dont make the Article writing style harder than it really is.

    2. Dont get too stressed over your topic

    3. Dont make your articles too long or too short. 300 to 500 words is sufficient. People like quality written content.
    4. Dont submit your article once you have finished. Leave it for awhile and then come back. Also ask for constructive criticism. Its a trmendous learning factor to allow others to go over your length and style. There are many senior Warriors in this forum who can help.
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  • Profile picture of the author seeyou
    use the search engine to search for articles relating to your topic you are about to write on. This will really help you.
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  • Profile picture of the author BobbyFreiler
    Hey man all I can say is "do you plan on writing forever?" I say that because you will get to a certain point in your business when you shouldn't be focusing on the monotonus tasks you can outsource to a professional, and focus on bigger returns for your business, i.e. marketing. It's cool if you're just starting out, but if the concern is finding a good content writer don't let it be, because you'll eventually find one (check out Textbroker - I found my article writer and she turned into my seo specialist doing article marketing, keyword research, backlinking, press releases, and everything in between). Let it be a learning curve, but a good one, because eventually if you plan on scaling your business to incredible heights you're not going to be writing articles forever. Just give this some thought that's all Vulk.

    Bobby Freiler
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  • Profile picture of the author Happy_Balance
    Back-breaking hard work is tough. :p
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