Article Marketing: “But I Can’t Write…”

Published February 23, 2010

How do you start writing? One of the things that I hear often from well-meaning folks who want to use low-cost marketing methods is “I’d love to do article marketing. But I can’t write…”

Although this is a task that can be outsourced, it’s much more beneficial to you if you actually break through this wall, because writing is a skill that will be used over and over in your marketing: blogging, emails, press releases, sales letters (for your web site), ads, and of course, article marketing.

And because it’s a skill, it can be learned.

Here is a simple 3-step formula for writing anything.

So, first, do some keyword research. This will give you marvelous ideas.

Here is the difference between writing a novel to be published, and writing an article for marketing purposes; you want to know what people are searching for.

Do a search for “free key-word tools.” Use the tools to find what popular searches are being done. Choose several, and then narrow it down. For instance, you might choose “Social Media Marketing,” then narrow down to one or two types.

Second, ask yourself what problems did you have when you (for instance) started your business? This is a very easy way to narrow down your topics. Then formulate that in “things to do” and “things not to do.”

Now you are ready to begin.

Third, start writing in sections: Articles basically have 4 parts:

1) Title

2) Introduction .

3) Body

4) Close

The Title is important. This is your headline and must entice your audience to continue reading. Keep it simple, and use a question that evokes curiosity, or a statement that strikes a chord. You can also use the “tips” or “how to” title. (“5 Ways To Get Great Traffic Quickly.”)

The Introduction will tell your audience 2 things: what you are going to tell them, and why it’s important. Write this out very simply at first. What is the problem they are having? What is the solution?

The Body is where you actually tell them how to solve the problem. You can easily do this by making a list.

For example, if your title is “5 Ways to Get Great Traffic Quickly,” make out a list, 1 to 5, and simply fill in the blanks.

You can do the same thing with “things not to do,” such as “3 Things to Avoid When Starting an Online Business.” Write down those 3 things. You can combine “things to do” and “things not to do” in the same article, or just use one. Save the other for your second article.

This is a great way to start.

The Close will be a short summary of what you just told your readers, and a call to action. What is it you want your audience to do? Again, don’t over complicate your message, and end on a positive note.

And you’re done.

Here’s a tip: Break it up, and use short paragraphs or it will be too hard to read.

Remember people are busy, and they are skimming, so keep it simple and conversational. This will make it easier for you as well!

Writing is not as hard as most people think…it’s simply a process of breaking it down in steps.

And you don’t have to be a professional to do this. In return for learning this skill, you will get lots of quality, free traffic to your site. Which is your goal, right?

Start writing!

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