How to Write a Feature Article to Increase Profits

When you write articles you bring some old writing sins to the table. Overlooked, these writing bad habits will stop your target audience from reading on and visiting your web site. Before you know how to write a feature article, you need to know how you write bad articles.

Three Writing Sins Used by Beginner and Professional Writers

1. Your copy is slow instead of easy to read because of linking verbs.

If we write like we speak we use too many linking verb sentence constructions. Use your Word grammar checker to check the linking verbs. Aim for 2-4% passive verbs. Many of us start sentences with "There is," "There were." Drop the use of is, was, begins, appears, and have.

2. Your copy ambles along like a slow stream because you use so many -ing verb forms.

To shorten your sentences put your subject at the front of the sentence, followed by an active verb-either in present or past tense to avoid this and other passive constructions. Remember, the standard sentence length contains 15-17 words only. Long sentences are harder to read and slow your reader down.

3. Your copy is full of adverbs.

"Suddenly," he ran out the door." tells and doesn't show the reader the why behind the action. Replace with, "When the tarantula crawled over his foot, he ran out the door." Replace the adverb "very" thin with a one word synonym such as skinny.

Include These Seven Skills in your Next Writing Project

1. Know why your audience reads your articles.

-They want their problem or challenges solved.

-They want your article easy to read.

-They want benefits of your article subject near the beginning.

2. Think shorter sentences rather than longer.

Your audience wants your information fast and easy. Cut your words in half for online copy.

3. Use headlines so your audience can skim to what is important to them.

4. Create clear, concise, compelling copy.

Your audience wants only one main point per article and short paragraphs that focus on one main point each. They won't appreciate pompous words such as "utilize" instead of "use" or jargon.

5. Add punch, but not hype in your articles.

Just a pinch of cayenne will do. A short phrase in CAPS here, an explanation point there! Write to satisfy your audience, not yourself. More conservative businesses such as solo professionals, speakers, and consultants or coaches don't appreciate "Killer Copy."

6. Use bullets and numbers in your article's body.

For example, "Seven Solutions to Conquer Clutter" Your readers can keep track of essential points easier with the short copy after the number. Readers who love to skim for the nuggets will appreciate your bulleted points.

7. Use keywords and keyword phrases in your article's title.

Search engines judge you and rate you by this information, and your readers are attracted by them. Remember what words and phrases do they Google to get to information on your topic? Do some research at Googletrends.

Web coach and "Article Lady" Judy Cullins helps small business and their websites get well known, building client base, and increasing sales conversions.

Please leave a question below so Judy can share more tips and insight with you!