Yawn! Exciting Ways to Wake Up Your Keyword Articles

Okay….I can’t deny it any longer. Sometimes, writing content just plain sucks. There are still better perks to being a web content writer than any other job I’ve ever had, so I can’t complain too much. But there are times when I’d rather not have to think of a way to work in “auto loan rates” into an article.

Thanks to some changes at Google several months ago, article keyword restrictions aren’t quite as hard to deal with as they used to be. There’s no more stuffing “hardwood floor patterns” into an article 8 times. It can be tricky though to try to make articles sparkle when the topics are so dry.

So I’ve developed a few tricks to make those articles more readable, and prevent myself from falling asleep while writing them.

Combine topics to create a fresh angle

Instead of just writing a general how to article, try to spice it up by focusing on a specific aspect of the “how to” process and combining it with a problem that is commonly experienced. Instead of “How to Install Hardwood Floors” write “How to Install Hardwood Floors and Save Your Back.” You could include tips for installation as well as back-saving work tips, like lift with your legs, etc.

Add action steps for your reader

If you’ve just written an article on overcoming stress, you can help the reader by giving them some action steps at the end of your article. This works well for self improvement and home improvement articles. Adding action steps helps the reader feel empowered and driven, and they’ll appreciate your writing more.

Write an outline

It’s easy to ramble when you don’t have an outline in place. A confusing topic can be even more confusing if you jump from point to point. Even with short 300 word articles, it’s important to sketch out a quick outline. Even if it’s as simple as “Intro, Point 1, Point 2, Conclusion” it will help guide your writing and make it pop. (Obviously you’d use real points instead of just writing Point 1…etc.)

Share a personal story

If it’s relevant or possible, share a personal story about the article topic. When the reader can relate to the article, they pay closer attention to the advice or the recommendation. You could create a character to help drive the article, or use someone as an example. Sometimes people don’t understand a topic until they see how it can play out in a real world example.

Some keyword articles are joys to write. I could write about Internet marketing and parenting all day, and sometimes I do! But writing others is like pulling teeth. Hopefully, these little tricks will help you coast through your next list of keywords.

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December 10, 2007 | Filed Under Web Writing Basics 

Comments

8 Responses to “Yawn! Exciting Ways to Wake Up Your Keyword Articles”

  1. Blondie Writes (3 comments.) on December 10th, 2007 11:22 pm

    Thank you for the info. Unfortunately for me, most of my clients want no first person speaking, so I try to put an example in without it becoming about me.

  2. courtknee on December 10th, 2007 11:29 pm

    True! Most of mine want second person (you) rather than first. So I’ll create an example to help the reader relate. It’s not always appropriate to use the “I” but it’s nice when you get to.

  3. GhostwriterAnon (1 comments.) on December 11th, 2007 12:01 am

    Thanks Courtknee.

    Over the last week I have been discovering more article and general writing tactics to hone my own skills and this post is just the icing on the cake!

    (By the way your Content Chef is included in those discoveries - brilliant.)

  4. LS (23 comments.) on December 11th, 2007 5:57 am

    I do the outline thing too. I can’t imagine putting multiple articles together without one.

  5. Jeremy Lim (1 comments.) on December 13th, 2007 9:05 pm

    Great post!

    I’m a huge fan of personal anecdotes. I feel it’s the strongest way to build rapport. The whole backbone of this web 2.0 thing is supposed to be authenticity and transparency. Baring your soul does this pretty well, I imagine.

    Of course, this isn’t appropriate for everything. In school, we were always taught to put an emphasis on “you” rather than “I” and “we”. This definitely holds a lot of truth. Why would a reader want to read something about you, instead of them?

    This doesn’t mean you should cram as many yous in there as possible at the cost of the piece. Balance is good.

    I find it’s great to open up with a benefit, a you statement, and then as a testimonial, give your story.

  6. Courtney on December 13th, 2007 9:55 pm

    Thanks for visiting Jeremy and the great comment! You’re right….the emphasis should always be on the “you.” People are definitely self interested and the more you talk about “you” the more they listen.

  7. SEO ROI (1 comments.) on December 17th, 2007 2:20 am

    That is one awesome piece. And I like how you took your own advice, sharing action steps and resolving a common problem people get writing these things. Had to Sphinn this! (Funny, cuz a friend of mine is the submitter, and I just noticed that going to Sphinn it. http://sphinn.com/story/19004)

  8. Web Content Thursdays: Bits and Pieces from Around the Internet on January 3rd, 2008 2:43 pm

    […] Another find from my holiday websurfing - a great post on how to write better keyword articles over at Web Writing Info. Check out Yawn! Exciting Ways to Wake Up Your Keyword Articles. […]

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