Seven Article Writing Mistakes You Need to Avoid
How many times have you read an article, either on line or in print and thought, What a well written article that was ? If you're like me, it's probably not very often. Well written articles are what we expect to see; they should be the norm. A good one doesn't always get noticed but badly written articles leap from the page and scream their inadequacy at us. Badly written articles are hard to miss and can do untold damage to the writer, the publication or website's reputation. It's imperative then that a writer tries to ensure each article is as good as it can possibly be. Here's a few points to make you think before you write.
Figure out your subject before you start.
There is nothing worse than a rambling article that can't decide what it's trying to say, or worse, fails to get it's point across. Map out the key points of your article beforehand as bullet points. It will help enormously as you go through the writing process, and will help you avoid forgetting some of the important things you know you should mention. You can also sort the points into a logical order and avoid jumping back and forward between subjects. This will also help guide your thought process and the flow of words when you're writing.
Avoid a boring introduction and get to the point.
This is especially important if you're writing an article or content for a website. No one wants to read 500 words of boring introduction and background before you get to the point. If you have to provide background, and sometimes it is necessary, why not give a teaser near the top of the article and mention the things that you know the reader wants to hear. This just might encourage them to stick with you and read the whole thing.
Be consistent.
Often in an article, we are constructing or articulating an argument of some kind; an opinion that we want others to understand. Make sure that you don't contradict yourself as you write. The process of writing down your thoughts will inevitably inspire new thoughts and opinions. While many of these will add to the value or impact of the article, make sure they don't undermine the point you are trying to get across. You don't want the reader left wondering just what you're on about.
Use paragraphs.
No one wants to have an neurological episode looking at a massive block of text on the screen, or even on the page. The use of paragraphs is especially important when writing for the internet as many people find reading from a screen difficult. Huge blocks of text make this worse and your readers will just switch off, or worse, go somewhere else.
If the article you're writing is quite long, why not try using some headings and sub-headings to cut the article down into sections that your reader can jump straight to if they so desire. If it's a web page, make full use of hypertext linking to get them there.
Proofread the article and check your spelling.
Content and articles for printed publications generally are subjected to quite a few checks and edits in the publishing process, but this is not always the case with articles written for internet web sites. The number 1 cardinal mistake made when writing web articles is not proofreading and editing them thoroughly.
You'd be amazed how many people write things and never read it before they deliver or publish it, especially on line. The rise of blogging as a pastime and as a career, combined with the immediacy of web publishing, means that you need to consciously take the time and effort to proofread your work BEFORE you put it out there.
Understand the limitations of automated spell-checking software. Spell-checkers are great but they won't spot homophonic mistakes for example. Similarly, grammar checkers are great provided you understand what they're doing.
Be inclusive, not abusive.
If, like millions of other article writers, you're writing your article to promote yourself, a website or even a product, you'll want to avoid alienating potential customers. Remember that everyone is a potential advocate of your story, opinion or product and be careful what you say or what opinions you express.
Pick a Title to Attract Readers
No matter how good or informative your article is, if your title is unappealling, you'll struggle to get people to read it. Make sure you find a title that will entice your reader to open the article rather than skim straight past it. Take a look at Article Writing - How to Choose an Article Title That is Effective for a few pointers on how to choose your article title.