The structure of the article may seem to be the least important of all the facets of article writing. Actually, the structure, or the appearance, of the article is extremely important. Remember that old adage that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Never is it truer than with article publishing. If the article has a shoddy appearance, trust levels plummet. This article will help sidestep that trap.
Break Up Text
Many poorly written articles are seen on the Internet, written in one large block of text. What a put-off to anyone who tries to read it! The reader immediately views the author as lazy and careless. An article should be pleasing to the reader’s eye, which means it’s easy to follow. Each paragraph should be only long enough to relate one complete thought – five to seven sentences at the most.
Use Subheads
In addition to short paragraphs, each paragraph should have a subhead. Why is this important? It’s because those who browse the Internet are “scanners.” They have a very short attention span. The finger always hovers over the mouse to move quickly. Subheads work to pique the curiosity of that reader who is scanning down the article. The subhead could be what makes that reader stop and take a closer look.
Size or Length
Those who are new to article marketing may have no idea about the length of a good article. The answer is a short article is about 300 words; a long article is between 800 and 1000 words. The most common length is around 500 words. All computer word processor programs have a “word count” tool. If the article is too short, it may look as though it were written by a novice.
If it’s too long, it may never be read to the end. (It’s at the end where the reader will see and follow the link to the writer’s website.) Correct length is very important in the structure of an article.
Compelling Title and Introduction
As has been mentioned, website visitors browse and move about with the click of a mouse. The title should catch a visitor’s attention, and the introduction should present a problem or dilemma that needs solving. Be assured, that reader is looking for information and for answers. The keywords placed within the article are how that individual was directed to the article. Now the keywords help to present the case for the problem that needs to be solved.
Logical Flow
For those who are unaccustomed to putting thoughts down on paper, this part may be a little tricky. It can be compared to giving someone directions or instructions. How awkward to begin at the conclusion of the directions and move to the beginning. Allow the article’s information to flow from one point in a logical progression to the next. The conclusion should give the reader just enough of the solution to the problem to want to learn even more. They will then click on the link(s) provided in the resource box.
Correct and pleasing article structure speaks volumes to a site visitor. It can actually make or break the beginning of an online business relationship.
So true. People need to wake up stop putting out crap! People don’t understand that people skim they don’t read the whole article (most of the time). You have to use headings and bullet points. I try to keep them 500 words or so. Maybe a two parter. But as long as you keep their attention you’ll be fine.
Great points Garen. Thank you for taking the time to comment… Happy Holidays
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…Your Go To List of Outsourcing Resources!
I would say that this is helpful. I too thought that it didn’t matter as much, until I started looking at more successful bloggers. I even noticed that by going back to my previously written articles, and made minor adjustments and noticed a reader improvmement rate. Thank you for your tips… as a new blogger, I certainly need them
Connie Omari recently posted…Who Cares What Other People Think?
You’re very welcome Connie, glad you found my post useful! Thank you for taking the time to comment
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…The Easiest Ways To Consistently Get Your Content Retweeted, Liked, and +1’d
I enjoyed reading this Kevin. As a web designer I am always concerned about the layout and structure of a website. After reading this I see that it is important to have structure in your article also.
Larry James recently posted…Does Your Website Make Use Of A Simple Call To Action?
Hi there Larry… glad you enjoyed my post and thank you for taking the time to comment
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Hi Kevin!
Thanks for the reminders to just come back to basics. I remember in basic essay writing we were always taught to tell the reader in the intro what you’re going to be telling them, then tell them in 3-5 paragraphs (each with one main point), and then in the conclusion tell them what you just told them. We always laughed, but I won decathalons and essay contests throughout school with that format. Your point about Logical Flow was always the most important, at least in my experience.
More people could benefit from learning –and sticking with!– the basics.
Delena Silverfox recently posted…For Writers, By Writers | How to Use a Frickin’ Comma
Hi Kevin,
Well I totally agree with you that an article should have a logical flow of the information presented. I think it’s best to write on a single topic in an article and not jump from one thing to another.
Great tips Kevin, thanks for sharing this.Cheers.
~Philip
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