Writing Articles That Sell

Article writing for web content is one of the hottest things in the virtual world these days. That's great news for freelance writers. Writing articles is a great place for new writers to start turning their talent into dollars. Writing articles that sell, though, isn't always easy. Here are some tips that may help.

Write what you know. That project about indoor plumbing may sound lucrative, but if you're someone who prefers crafts or pets, stay away from topics you know nothing about. Your lack of expertise will show up in your writing. Take writing jobs you feel confident writing about for better material. Your clients will be impressed as well.

Research and increase your knowledge. There are thousands of freelance writing opportunities out there on a vast range of topics. I've already said to write about what you know, but learn how to research what you don't and accumulate more expertise. To be a great freelance writer, you need to be an expert researcher. Get educated and learn new things about hot topics in demand. Don't just skim the surface to get an idea. Delve deep and become an expert.

Never paraphrase or rewrite material. This is the worst type of behavior a freelance writer can have. Paraphrasing or rewriting is barely a cut above copying someone else's work and pasting into your article. Have some pride and integrity. If you're going to be a professional writer, you shouldn't be earning money off of someone else's hard work and efforts. Learn about a subject until you know everything about it. Then write.

Don't be picky. Don't turn up your nose at writing about patio heaters or horse manure. These topics may be boring to you, but they could be very important to a client. Get excited with the client. Never give the client the impression you're doing him or her a favor by writing on a topic you don't enjoy. The client is doing you a favor by choosing your services over the thousands of other freelance writers out there.

Avoid fluff and filler. Clients hate this. Filling up a page with useless wording to have a longer page of text hurts your business. Eliminate anything that doesn't give value to the article. Phrasing such as, 'You will know that,' or, 'You should,' or, 'You might like to,' are useless and just boost word count for nothing.

Use action phrasing and assertive language. Be positive and proactive and let that show in what you write. Don't write, 'You will know that effective writing may be a good way to try to make some money.' That's weak. Instead, write, 'Effective writing is a good way to make money.'

Stay informative and be concise. Self-indulgent language and flowery prose is best saved for fiction works. Remember who the target audience is for articles. Most of the time, these are individuals seeking advice, help, or information. Articles should provide that to readers. How imaginative and creative you can be when you write has no place in the web content article market.

Edit, edit, edit. Check your work over until you're sure there aren't any typos, punctuation errors, or grammar problems. Word-processing software such as Microsoft word has great features to cut out weak writing and mistakes. Don't rely on a software program to correct a skill you should know by heart. Editing software isn't perfect, but your article needs to be.

Set it aside and read it another day. Many beginning writers slam down 500 words and send out the article without setting it aside. Always wait at least 12 hours before submitting anything. Read your work over again. Does the text still make sense? Did you write in the emotional mood that you were feeling when you first wrote the article?

Read your article out loud. Something may look fantastic in black and white, but verbalize it and you may find that nothing makes sense. Reading aloud catches plenty of strange or awkward phrasing, short sentences, or their counterparts, run-on sentences.

Be proud. You're a professional writer. That's a cool job and not one everyone can do! Have confidence in your skills and talent. Self-confidence and pride shows through in your writing and in communication with clients. You're doing something you love and earning money. Show that you enjoy your job and want to do the best you can.
Copyright James Chartrand 2007