8 Ways to Create Your Article in Less Than 30 Minutes
By Tony Miller, Grapevine Editor
Let's face it, most of you have passion but do not consider yourself writers. You are an expert, enthusiast, supporter or fan of something whether it is your business, hobby, cause, organization or whatever and you know you should be writing articles on Tallahassee Grapevine to share the information with your community but you just don't know where to start or cannot find the time.
Here are some tips I have come up with to help you write the article in less than 30 minutes.
1. Keep a list of topics
When inspiration strikes, WRITE IT DOWN in a notebook, or scrap paper, or record it on your phone. When you sit down to write, one of the hardest things is to come up with a topic to write about. You end up getting off topics and writing about other topics. You can save time by keeping this list and then STICKING with one specific topic at a time. There will be plenty of time to focus on other topics in future articles.
2. Let your ideas incubate
Now that you have a list of topics, they are in the back burner of your brain. While you are driving in your car, or laying in bed, let them gestate and little by little you will write the article in your head. Now when you finally sit down, it will already be there!
3. Edit in your Head
Your article does not need to be an epic novel. Try to keep it 300 to 500 words. Now that you have been thinking about your article, you probably have too much information. Narrow it down to what is important. Don't be redundant. Some bits of info don't need their own paragraph. You can even keep ideas for future articles.
4. Use Bullet Points
If you read my other article on Creating Great Headlines, you will remember that a list is a great way to get across the information. If you are an auto repair shop, you might write an article called "5 Things to Check Before the Big Car Trip" and you can literally just create a list of 5 things and expand upon them. It is easier for the reader to follow and comprehend. Look at the article you are reading right now!
5. Keep It Short
Make every word count, don't ramble. When a reader opens your article, they don't want to be overwhelmed or they will say "That is long, I will have to come back later" and they never come back. Make it inviting by keeping it under 500 words with lots of white space or graphics on the page.
6. Come Back Later
If you are stuck, don't force it. It will turn out horrible and you will just have to come back to edit it later, anyway. Save the article on your computer and work on something else for awhile. Inspiration will strike again and you will already have the article halfway done.
7. Never Save a Good Idea
If inspiration strikes, write it NOW! If you have a topic that is a good idea that you know you can knock out an article quickly, the Write It Now! Even if the topic is for Christmas and it is May - Write it and save it for later!
8. Write Ahead of Schedule
Do you have some time to write and feel inspired? Then write several articles at once. If you want to post an article on the Grapevine once a week, then write a month out. Save them and schedule them. Write it down on your appointment schedule to be sure to post such and such article on the certain date. When the date comes, It's Already Written!
Another Hint for #8 is to think of the seasons / holidays / et cetera coming up. If you are a plumber and you want to give hints and tips for surviving the winter but it is July, then write the article and save it to post in December!
Check out My Other Articles on Content Marketing HERE.
Tony Miller is head writer & editor for Grapevine Marketing: The rising star of Tallahassee Marketing Firms and Tallahassee Advertising Agencies. Grapevine Marketing specializes in Content Marketing using their interactive, online magazine TallahasseeGrapevine.com.
Their slogan is "We don't sell ads, we build relationships" and that is true. Most Ad Firms try to complicate things and impress you with big words and jargon to scare you into hiring them. We specialize in affordable marketing plans for Tallahassee Small Businesses. And we will talk to you in a way you can understand. My favorite slogan is "We Don't Just Consult, We Do!"
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