How to Write Articles

Writing an article seems simple on the surface, but there are actually several steps you need to take before you can call it complete and ready to publish online. Follow these tips, and soon you’ll be writing articles that readers love to consume!

5 things you need before writing

Before you can write articles, you need a few things. The first of these is a good grasp of your topic. You’ll also need an idea for what type of information you’re looking for, and how it should be presented. For example, do you need facts and statistics? Maybe you want some expert opinions. Or maybe there’s something more creative in mind.

The article structure

While there’s no strict formula for writing an effective piece of content, it does have a similar architecture to a house—that is, it has a beginning, middle and end. Start by laying out your ideas on paper or in a digital document; think about how each topic is going to flow into another and try sketching out your structure (and sub-headings) at a very early stage.

The different types of content

Whether you have your own website or are posting content on a company’s website, there are many different types of articles you can write. You might be asked to review a product, provide tips and strategies related to a particular business process, or explain how something works.

Where to find inspiration for your articles

One of your biggest challenges as a freelance writer will be coming up with ideas for content. You may want to sit in a quiet room and stare at a blank wall until inspiration strikes—but let’s face it, that isn’t very practical. Instead, you should set yourself up for success by brainstorming content ideas early and often. And yes, if necessary, you can always buy content if you find yourself stuck!

How to know what topics work best for your audience

When you’re first starting out, it’s best to write about topics that you feel comfortable writing about. Start off by reading a lot of relevant articles on your topic, if possible (hint: check out other blogs in your niche). This will help you get an idea of what works and what doesn’t—both for you and for your readers. When you feel confident with one or two topics, start researching keywords related to those topics and brainstorming potential titles or headline ideas.

When you’re ready, start with a list post!

List posts are quick and simple—especially when you only have a few points. When it comes to list posts, less is always more. If you can boil down your content into 3-5 key points and a catchy title, then you’re good to go! It’s also important that your lists don’t ramble—each item should be detailed enough for your readers but not so much that they get lost in excessive details.

Everything else

Part of why I’m not concerned about including so many soft skills in a portfolio is because you never know where your career may take you. If you become a manager and need to hire someone for a similar role, it will be easier for you if your team members see that yes, you can write a great resume or conduct a successful interview, but what really sets you apart are your communication skills.