Like every other skill, preparing written articles that engage and hold the reader’s attention gets easier with practice. There are various ways to build this ability, and by following a few simple steps, you will be able to write pieces that are an enjoyable read.
It begins with good research
This is a vital step in the writing process, as your knowledge of an area will shine through. Determine what audience you are speaking to, including their literacy and knowledge levels, and choose your words for them. This will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the knowledge base of your target group.
Prepare the structure of your piece
Many writers find it beneficial to get their thoughts down first, then start organizing them into their first draft. At this stage, the goal is to capture and organize your ideas, with a clear and engaging beginning that flows into the subsequent paragraphs. The individuals reading the item can follow the stream of information to a logical conclusion that leaves them feeling satisfied or even calls on them to learn more.
Do not worry about keyword placement while you do so. This will come further along in the process.
Explore keyword insertion possibilities
Once you are satisfied with your first draft, it will be time to give some consideration to keyword placement. As you edit your piece, find places to insert them so that the writing flows naturally and they feel like part of the article.
The inside scoop on keywords
You may be wondering what a keyword is, and the answer is not as complicated as it may sound. Keywords are what people commonly type in when looking for information on a particular subject. For instance, a piece written about growing sunflowers might use keywords such as “fertilizing sunflowers” or “grow sunflowers.” There are online tools that are helpful if you’re feeling stuck, such as Google Keyword Planner.
Swap in some synonyms
A skill that can be very useful for you to hone is choosing synonyms and word variations, as this will help to make an item more interesting to read. Most writers know what it is like to be stuck searching for the right word, so getting in some practice in this area can really pay off.
More is not always merrier
As keywords help a search engine find a written piece online, it may be tempting to include as many as possible, but this can turn out to be a mistake. It may trigger penalties by the browser, having the opposite effect to what is intended. Those in modern use can detect context and do not require exact matching. This is one of the areas where knowing how to choose synonyms can really come in handy.
Word placement matters
Now that you have a better understanding of what keywords are and why they matter, you should give some consideration to their placement. It is often advised that they be placed in high-value spots within the piece. These include the title as well as the introduction and the subject matter headings. This tends to be a more successful approach than scattering them randomly, resulting in better flow.
Reading out loud may really pay off
An insider’s tip for new and experienced writers alike is to read what you’ve written out loud. Some choose to do this as they go along, others wait until they are finished, and some do both. This will allow you to “experience” your words the way the reader will, helping you find areas that can use a few tweaks.
Avoid overthinking
Knowing when your work is done is another valuable item for your toolbox. Overthinking can actually do more harm than good and often leads to frustration.
With some practice, you can craft articles that are a pleasure to read. When you feel you are ready, submit your request to join the team at Words of Worth and put your talents to work for you.