How To Write Articles On The Internet

The best stories stand the test of time. You want material people can read again in a year and still consider it as fresh as it is today.

When I say “best” I mean in terms of making money or increasing readership.

Even if you don’t post a date at the top, what you say in the piece tells us when it was written. That pregnant actress will have her baby and move out of the lime light in a year and that senator who is having a spicy affair will soon be old news.

Look for articles that will hold readers interest for the long haul. If you have stories that draw an audience everyday of every year you will make more money.

When telling about famous people add ones that are iconic in memory so you have some work that even though vintage is still interesting enough to get noticed. Be sure to add your own flair so it isn’t the same stories anyone can find in other periodicals or websites.

Articles that have staying power:

Health- (Even though advances in medicine happen on a regular basis it doesn’t change frequently so you would be safe until the next break through.

Relationships- the coupling of two people is an ever popular subject and everyone wants advice on getting that special someone.

Religion or Spiritual Beliefs- This will appeal to a certain group but can turn off other readers so beware when writing them. Everyone has their opinion and think their way is the only way. Astrology, Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Shinto, Taoism, Wiccan, and many others; the list is huge.

Pets- Cats and dogs are the most popular and always a hot topic to talk about.

Gardening- This could be under hobbies but has a large enough audience it can be in its own category. There will always be people growing flowers and vegetables. During the winter months your readership can fall off but even then some keep thoughts of the next spring in mind and will still read.

Emotional Well Being- These are stories more of a psychological nature, such as depression, anxiety, and how we deal with everyday life.

Home- Whether it’s getting grass stains out of junior’s uniform or reupholstering your sofa, anything to do with where we live and making life easier will always attract readers. Everyone nests to some degree.

Cooking- This one could have been placed under home but it is big enough to be in a category on it’s own. Basic recipes have staying power but as you know over time some foods become bigger news than others either because we should avoid them or they suddenly become the new hot food everyone must eat.

Family/Raising Children- Kids are a puzzle many parents are trying to figure out so these articles are always popular with people who have offspring.

Travel- These stories are popular with anyone who is thinking about taking a trip. If you talk about hotels or restaurants beware that businesses change hands and close down. Even that little café that has been there for 50 years may not be around next month so keep up on these things. Prices change so if you add them make sure you update as needed.

Hobbies- Even though these come and go over time depending on what is popular there will always be someone out there who is into the same creative outlet there just might not be as many readers when it's no longer hot. For instance, in the 70’s Macramé was a hit; in the 80’s quilting was popular but not so much anymore. The problem with a craft losing interest is that it’s harder to find supplies so even if you love ceramics and want to get others excited about it, if it’s difficult to locate materials you might lose their attention.

Field and Stream-This is anything organic that you find in the great outdoors such as rocks, reptiles or archeology.

Sports- General discussions are always popular. Beware writing articles on particular athletes or current scores or games.

Holidays- If you don’t include trendy decorations and gifts that will be out of style in a year or so. These articles will only be interesting during the season. Christmas is a longer period of time and people tend to get in the mood three to four months prior to the event so expect traffic to that story a quarter of the year. Most other holidays aren’t as popular and will only be hot for about a month.

Automotive- Maintaining our vehicles will always be noteworthy. You can even write stories about makes and models just be sure you don't date your work. People drive cars for years to come so even if you do a piece on cars coming out today they will still be around for a while.

Topics that change frequently:

I hesitate to tell you to avoid these issues because there is a need and many of us do enjoy reading them they just have to be updated on a regular basis and as a writer it will take more of your time than the above subjects.

Fashion- Styles change every year and what you wrote about two years a go will soon be outdated. A few things will stay around for a few years but if you follow the trends you know what I mean.

Politics- This is a fast changing arena and although popular, writers must keep abreast of new information. Even after politicians leave their post some remain in the spotlight for a while. There are the outrageous people who even though they never get voted in keep trying and somehow stay under the microscope for a few years.

Celebrities- Depending on whom you choose to discuss, some are popular/unpopular longer than others. I say unpopular because there are those we all seem to love to hate.

News Events- This can be from Hurricane Katrina to the latest serial killer. Depending on how big the situation was it can remain in focus for quite some time but as you know after a while they lose momentum. You can write in past tense and sometimes keep readers even after the dust has settled but it’s a gamble.

Photography- Equipment changes so quickly just look at cameras in the 80's compared to what we use today.

Electronics- Computers, cell phones, MP3 players and whatever those geniuses are inventing we don't even know about yet. This department changes constantly.

Economics- This is a roller coaster constantly going up and down.

Reviews and Product Recommendations- What's hot today may be cold tomorrow.

The beauty of writing online is that you can edit your work even after it’s published allowing you to keep your stories current so if you do write from the second group you can sometimes go back and update depending on your title.