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How to Write a High Quality ArticleContent really is king, but just any content won't do. It's gotta be good. Many people cannot define exactly what quality is, but they know it when they see it. For writing, the following standards are important: 1. Accurate spelling - they'll forgive an error or two, but an article riddled with spelling errors is annoying to read, and the reader's estimation of your intelligence will not be good! 2. Good Grammar - Now, grammar is often subjective. Online, good grammar means, grammar that does not interfere with easy understanding of what you are saying. 3. Some personality - Be real. Have a sense of humor, show some character, and give people something to identify with. 4. Give it some sparkle - Use humor, make it unique, say something original. A good article gives them something they cannot get just anywhere - even if it says the same basic thing, it will say it in a unique way. 5. Give a conclusion - Don't sit on the fence humming and hawing. Give a decisive opinion and say why you feel that way, or why you decided what you did. 6. Get to the point - Especially online, people don't like to wade through drivel to get to the good stuff. Make your case, and then shut up. Quality is often subjective. What is considered good quality in one arena is considered to be trash in another, so write for your audience. Usually it takes a little practice to be able to churn out articles with any speed, but if it is any help, I can personally assure you that it does get easier. Typing speed will improve, your ability to focus your thoughts and translate them to writing will improve, and your ability to get it down right the first time will improve. You'll hone a writing style, and learn to target your message to the listener. There simply is no substitute for writing fresh, original content yourself though. Your site can be better organized, the pages more neatly targeted, and the information can be more specifically relevant to a particular perspective than it can be when you use other people's writing. Good writing can help you even when you DO use articles by other authors, because you can add unique commentary to keep your site consistent and to keep the feel of a real person live on every page. The same rules apply to commentary as to a full article. Good quality is everything. If you give solid, meaningful content, then people will recognize it, search engines will validate it, and other site owners will perpetuate your effort and help you in your marketing efforts. Written by Laura Wheeler |
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