Writing for the Internet > Writing and Copywriting > Tutorial Step 4: Copy Mistakes to Avoid

Writing and Copywriting Tutorial - Step 4: Article Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Writing articles for free article web sites, newsletters, print, and relevant websites is a great way to drive traffic to your business web site. However, if it isn’t done correctly, you run the risk of turning people, and potential customers away. The following is a list of dos and don’ts when writing articles to market your business or service.

Don’t: Use jargon or tech speak. Each industry has their unique own language. However, people new to the industry will not be familiar with the language. Use jargon and you run the risk of alienating prospects before they’ve even had the opportunity to see what you have to offer. Additionally, articles that are written using words that people are unfamiliar with may make you seem condescending and I’m sure that isn’t how you want your potential customers to feel.

Do: Write your article like you were speaking to someone you just met at a social outing. Someone who has no idea who you are and what you do. Assume that person is of average intelligence and write in a conversational, friendly tone.

Do: Take the length of your article into consideration. The length of your article can also be a critical point. When writing for the internet, an article that is too short runs the risk of being dismissed by readers and potential customers. An article that is too long overwhelms. Most people, while they spend a good amount of time at the computer, don’t want to spend too much time reading a single article.

Note: A good rule of thumb for an article on the internet is about 400 - 600 words.

Do: Offer a benefit. When using the free article sites to draw business, don’t forget to include a hook in your article. A hook will encourage people to visit your website for more information. Leave your hook out and you’re simply providing them with information for information’s sake and that probably won’t sell your products or services.

Don’t: Neglect your headline. You will need to make your titles both catchy and able to be found easily by the search engines. For example, here is a title that while it fits the subject matter, is probably not going to get much attention:

What To Not Do When Writing Articles.

This on the other hand works just a little bit better:

Article Writing Mistakes to Avoid.

Do: Keep your content easy on the eyes. Online reading has its own challenges. The more accessible your content, the more likely readers will read the entire article and click through to your website. Keys for accessible content are:

* Bullets and numbered lists
* Bold copy and underlined copy
* Headlines and subheadings.
* White space between paragraphs
* Short paragraphs
* Short sentences

For more information on how to write for the internet, visit http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/writing-internet/internet-writing-rules.html

The last part of our tutorial covers writing for blogs.

> Highly Recommended: Free Ebook by Dr. Ken Evoy – Make Your Words Sell, The Simple Art of Persuasion – Is a must read for anyone who wants more sales from their business.

Next in our tutorial: --> Writing & Copywriting: Blog for Better Business