Format And Steps To Writing Good Article With Ease
Writing is an art and most of us are capable of coming up with excellent write-ups. However, what makes a few people superior to us in terms of coming up with write-ups that are a class apart? There are different types of writings. Comic, political, educational, advertisements, judgment, essays, letters, blogs, plays, poems so on and so forth. Every writing denotes a niche.
Key Guidelines for an informative and engaging article for different types of publication, critique, and academics
Every writer has his/her calling if every writer could write a Shakespearean drama, I guess Shakesphere would not have been a legend.
Years ago, when people relied on theater and musicals for entertainment, there emerged a different clan of writers who were engaged in writing comedy, romance, and thrillers. With the progress in lifestyle and innovations, peoples’ needs changed along with their mode of entertainment. Slowly theater was replaced by television and cinema.
Similarly, the requirements of the people in terms of what they read are different from what it was previously. Just a decade ago before the digital revolution, the masses were wholly dependent on newspapers, magazines, and television for acquiring knowledge as well as for entertainment. All this seems to have changed overnight and suddenly irrespective of age and gender, today’s world is dependent on digital media.
And digital media is dependent on content. There are lakhs of people who write content to ensure the longevity of a website. Nevertheless, only a handful manage to outshine the others. Why does this happen? And if you would check, a few write-ups are excellent but, they fail to show up on the first page of google as they do not follow the format and SEO techniques.
Let’s concentrate on one of the most widely used content to fill up the pages of a website. They are the articles. Articles help build a connection with the reader and add value to the service or product showcased on the website. Ultimately helps in SEO ranking. Let’s take a look at the ways and steps involved in writing good articles of any type.
Let us take a look at the different types of articles. Though there are many types of articles we would take a look at the most popular type of articles and steps involved for good article writing.
The popular articles include feature articles, editorial articles, news articles, sports articles, articles for publication, and informative articles. Let us take a look at the definition as well as the basic steps involved in writing each of them.
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What is a feature article? Steps involved in writing a feature article.
A feature article is a factual piece of writing that concentrates on a specific subject. These articles are found in newspapers and news sites. They are facts and figures with backup proofs to support the claim.
Steps involved in writing a feature article
Step 1: Research and plan: feature articles are based on facts. Hence, proper research and planning are a must before going head-on with the write-up.
Step 2: Title or heading: a catchy heading is a must to grab the attention of the reader.
Step 3: Introduction: Have a flashy and informative introduction as the first few sentences would decide if the reader would be hooked or would lose interest.
Step 4: Body paragraphs: plan your paragraphs concerning the importance of the events. Most important or relevant to the least.
Step 5: Conclusion: Always end your article with a conclusion. A well-supported conclusion is a must for an article. It leaves an impression.
Step 6: Proofread: This is like the thumb rule. Never submit your article without proofreading.
What is editorial writing? the steps involved in editorial writing.
An editorial writing is a piece of writing that is written by a senior member of the editorial or the chief editor. This is usually unsigned.
The steps in editorial writing
Step 1: Research and plan: Since editorials are opinion-based, research for an idea that would keep your audience captivated. Research thoroughly as it will need a backup for the opinions projected. And a plan will ensure a good flow of organized ideas.
Step 2: Title or heading: a catchy heading is a must to grab the attention of the reader.
Step 3: Introduction: Have a flashy and informative introduction that captures the reader’s attention
Step 4: Body: an editorial should be short and accurate along with being well organized with a good flow of thoughts.
Step 5: Conclusion: Always end your editorial with a conclusion with constructive criticism.
Step 6: Proofread: This is like the thumb rule. Never submit your editorial without proofreading.
What is a news article? Steps in writing news article
A news article addresses current events of any general topic or specific topic which is published in a newspaper or a magazine.
Step 1: Decide the news: many events take place in a day, however; one needs to decide which one would make it to the stands. After all audience view is what is targeted. Round off on the one which affects the reader. People tend to read the ones they can relate to or the ones which emotionally move them.
Step 2: Title or heading: a catchy heading is a must to grab the attention of the reader.
Step 3: Introduction: the key news should be written as the introduction paragraph
Step 4: Body paragraphs: speak about the rest of the story
Step 5: Conclusion: always summarize the story.
Step 6: Proofread: This is like the thumb rule. Never submit your news article without proofreading.
What is an article for publication? Steps in writing an article for publication
An article for publication is the one that is written to be published on the internet or in print to cater to a large audience.
Steps in writing an article for publication
Step 1: Research and plan: feature articles are based on facts. Hence, proper research and planning id a must before going head-on with the write-up.
Step 2: Title or heading: a catchy heading is a must to grab the attention of the reader.
Step 3: Introduction: Have a flashy and informative introduction as the first few sentences would decide if the reader would be hooked or would lose interest.
Step 4: Body paragraphs: plan your paragraphs concerning the importance of the events. Most important or relevant to the least.
Step 5: Conclusion: Always end your article with a conclusion. A well-supported conclusion is a must for an article. It leaves an impression.
Step 6: Proofread: This is like the thumb rule. Never submit your article without proofreading.
What is an informative article? steps in writing an informative article
An informative article provides the reader with the details of a given subject without being judgmental.
Steps in writing an informative article
Step 1: Select a topic of choice which would keep the readers captivated.
Step 2: Research and plan: In-depth research would be necessary to write an informative article as it would have to be supported with facts and figures.
Step 3: Title or heading: a catchy heading is a must to grab the attention of the reader.
Step 4: Introduction: Have a flashy and informative introduction to draw the attention of the readers and keep them interested.
Step 5: Body paragraphs: plan your paragraphs and ensure smooth flow of thoughts from one paragraph to the other
Step 6: Conclusion: Always end your article with a conclusion. Make it as catchy as possible to leave your mark.
Step 7: Proofread: This is like the thumb rule. Never submit your article without proofreading.
What is a sports article? steps in writing a sports article.
A sports article relates to a piece of writing that concentrates on the topics related to sports.
Steps in writing a sports article,
step 1: Research: research and find a story that would keep the fans fascinated.
Step 2: Headline: Use a snappy headline to grab the reader’s attention.
Step 3: Introduction: use direct quotes from the game.
Step 4: Body paragraphs: Give statistics and refrain from clichés.
Step 6: conclusion: conclude by summarizing the game.
Step 7: Proofread: This is like the thumb rule. Never submit your article without proofreading.
Now that we know the basic steps involved in writing various types of articles. Let’s take a look at the reasons why article writing should be taken seriously.
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5. BENEFITS OF WRITING ARTICLES:
Boosts visibility:
A good content-rich unique article increases the visibility of your write-up, in turn, increasing the credibility of your business.
The backlinks used would help draw a targeted audience.
The keywords used in the article would help your website to be more visible to the audience targeting the said keyword.
Aids SEO ranking:
Experts have come up with the findings that longer articles help rank higher in search engine rankings.
Longer and unique content is always preferred by the search engines for ranking.
Fresh new contents always rank higher than old amended ones. Hence, the more you write merrier the search engines get.
Helps readers understand better:
Every article aims at educating its readers about a particular subject. A good article would not only give you information but also would lead to various links which further grips the reader’s attention.
When the target audience reads the article, they are left with a lot of information about the subject that they were previously unaware of.
An article provides information to the audience about what you do, what the business does. So, when the interested audience is busy gathering information, the sales team accumulates information about their preferred products and services.
So, this way the sales team is getting all the leads that they require while the reader is acquiring knowledge about his interests.
Improves connection with clients:
If relevant content establishes a warm connection with the client then the reason for engaging in the said content by the client increases drastically.
Likewise, good content always solves the problem of a client or a reader who has come looking for answers. Definitely, well-written content could strike a relationship with the reader provided he is getting what he needs in turn increasing the connection with the content and the website.
Furthermore, an emotional chord whips magic on the relationship with the client.
Now that the importance of an article is established let’s look into the different kinds of articles that are written these days.
The kind of articles depends on the genre of the subject. Different kinds of articles are written for different purposes. An article written for academics or business information is different from that of a creative one.
An article written for media or sales or editorials is different from the ones that are used to tell a fictional story.
Let’s look at the different kinds of articles
Articles are broadly classified into 4 broad categories namely, descriptive, expository, argumentative, and narrative. Let’s see how each one differs from the other.
1. DESCRIPTIVE ARTICLES:
This type of writing is very personal and independent. It used a very descriptive language that tingles all the sense organs stimulating a visual of the narrative. This particular style is used while writing poetry, diary, journal, love letters, and screenplays.
Poetry precipitates the imagination of a poet. The words are chosen and streamlined as per their meaning, essence, and cadence.
The following involves writing descriptive articles.
Diary entry: A diary entry involves a personal narrative of incidences that takes place over a period of time. Which might include the events of a person’s life and the emotions attached to it.
Love letters: These are an expression of a deep emotion called love which is drafted and presented. These short or long descriptive explore the feelings of a person and pour them into a letter.
Screenplays: Screenplays include the narration of expressions, actions, maneuvers, and dialogues. It’s a description of a movie, television soaps, or video game.
2. EXPOSITORY ARTICLE:
This type of article explains a particular subject to the audience. It is usually not an opinion-based piece of writing, it includes facts, data, and explanation while describing a process or information on a particular subject sequentially. This piece of writing is presented to the reader to impart information.
The following involves writing expository articles
Academic textbooks: These writings are a result of prolonged research by experts a long-form of publication. It contains an assortment of content for a particular field of study. Textbooks per se aren’t articles however, they are a compilation of various articles pertaining to a particular subject.
How-to books and articles: The how-to books and articles give out the details about operating a device or the steps involved in setting up a product or it could give detailed information about following certain steps to get a particular result.
Cookbooks: these books are reference books containing recipes. These books are organized in different ways. At times alphabetically, sorted by course of the menu or cooking methodology, etc. it’s a book with detailed information and procedure relating to different cuisine. It could be a compilation of traditional food or modern food or a blend of both.
News-story: this piece of writing talks about ongoing events that affect the world. Current events are filled with facts and news from either a particular region or globally. It focuses mainly on events that affect human beings.
They are straightforward stories based on true life incidents focusing on one individual or a group of them.
Business writing: it is a conscious piece of writing that manifests useful information about a company to its readers in a very straightforward manner. It is a documented communication set professionally.
Technical writing: this is a type of writing that requires one to draft software, hardware manuals, or instructional manuals. It makes more complex subjects easier to understand.
Scientific writing: This type of technical writing involves communicating scientific information to other researchers. It discloses facts, data and methodology, and description without any assumptions. Exact figures and data passed.
3 ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING:
In an argumentative article, the writer expresses opinions with valid justifications and reasoning. The writer tries to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s opinion. It persuades the reader to accept the writer’s idea and act on it.
Argumentative articles are used in the following type of writings
Opinion columns: This type of writing is mostly found in many periodicals. They are also featured in newspapers, magazines, and blogs which outline the writer’s point of view.
Editorial pieces: This is written by the main editor or senior staff to pass information or merely entertain its audience. It is often unsigned.
Advertisement and commercials: It is a marketing strategy to promote the sale of a product. It is done to attract consumers and woo them into buying products and services. These commercials use tactics and descriptive words to persuade a customer to buy intended goods and services.
Product reviews: This type of writing involves the feedback of the consumer regarding a particular product they have used, which in turn could affect the intention of other customers.
Sales presentations: It is a presentation made with the intent of closing a sale. It is a planned strategy with a captivating story that leads to the customer going for the product.
Speeches: These are written to communicate to people about an event or happenings of the past. These manuscripts are written with the intent of passing knowledge and influencing the audience by a learned speaker.
Recommendation letters: This piece of writing involves recommending or referring an individual for jobs or admission in college or university by the previous employer, teacher, coach, or client who appraise the qualities, work ethic, and character. This document can influence the future employer or college administrator’s decision for employing or grant admission to the said educational institution.
4. NARRATIVE WRITING:
This type of writing is used to narrate a story allowing the writer to explore his imagination and get creative. These narratives could be either taken from real-life incidents or could be imaginative. These writings have an opening a body and a closure.
This type of writing is mostly used in
Novels: This piece of writing is published as a book. It is pretty long with complex matters written with immense creativity. The events are connected and written as prose.
Short stories: are creative and compelling write-ups that engage a reader to complete the prose in one sitting.
Poetry: it is a piece of literature that plays with words and tempo. Poet uses vocabulary that induces curiosity and invokes excitement in the reader.
Memoirs: It is a piece of writing that involves the past experiences of a celebrity like a famous personality. It is wholly based on past experiences. They are factual information.
Biographies: these are writing about a person’s life. Every aspect and incident of an individual’s life. It is extremely detailed.
The segregation of the kind of articles gives the writer an idea about the way an article should be written and the purpose behind the way it is being written.
FAQs
1. Will a content writing course cover freelance writing opportunities?
Yes, content writing courses provide detailed insights into the freelance writing sector. IIM SKILLS offers advanced knowledge on how to get freelance clients, how to apply Google My business to get the desired clients, and how to close deals confidently. .
2. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a content writing training program?
Content writing is a domain which anyone with an interest in writing can explore and excel at. hence, there are no prerequisites to joining any content writing course. However, it is recommended that you have the basic knowledge of the language you are going to be writing in. Also, having a speedy internet connection is desirable since the courses are practical oriented and require the use of computers.
3. What practical exercises or assignments can I expect in a content writing course?
Practical exercises include keyword research, market research, understanding the demands of your niche. the next assignments include writing blog posts, articles, social media posts, LinkedIn posts, and website content.
Conclusion
We have taken an in-depth tour of the world of article writing. It is one of the most important ways of increasing traffic to a website however, there are different types of content like video content, audio content, written content, and visual content. Video content includes movies, soaps, advertisements, small video clips by bloggers, and the likes of these. Likewise, audio content includes podcasts, music, audiobooks, voice search, audio advertisements, and audio marketing. written content includes articles, blogs, e-books, white papers, success stories, case studies, product content, guides, testimonials, FAQs, manuals, brochures, etc. visual content uses images to convey information to the reader.
Every content is important and follows a unique format and adheres to the steps for good article writing. Coming up with unique content by sticking to the format and following the best practices would result in content SEO-friendly content.
