4 components for writing educational articles while engaging in content marketing
For all the online editors and content creators out there, in what ways do you structure content?
I’m not referring to blog sources or types, like Amanda MacArthur discussed in our recent Blogging for Editors webinar. Those were sources to help the process of creating content – I am referring to the actual outline you use while plotting out your content.
For content to be relevant in our market, it has to be factual, logical, actionable and interesting to the reader. This goes for any market that focuses on an educational process that shares valid facts and hard evidence.
Back to my original inquiry – in what ways do you structure content? I’d venture to say that there isn’t a single correct answer to this. The styles some writers have would never work for other writers and their audiences may not find it of interest either.
However, I’d like to present a method that can be used while you’re persuading your audience members into realizing the information you’re sharing is top-notch. Doing so will help build and retain an audience while actively engaging in the process of content marketing.
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4 components of article writing for content marketing
Length – When it comes to writing online articles, you do not want to bore your audience and you want to be able to supply a lot of content to stay in good standing with search engines. Some of the articles that receive the most attention from readers are between 500 and 700 words. This length makes for an easy read, is long enough to be ranked in Google’s search and doesn’t take the writer too long to create – which allows for more articles to be created.
Introduction – Use your lead to catch the attention of your readers. Make a connection to your audience by expressing your desire to help provide information on whatever taxing issue you are writing about. Present the topic and let your audience know what they are in store for within the rest of the article.
Content – For your content, there are a few aspects to focus on. First, when you provide statistics, include evidence as to where the facts are coming from. This will help build more credibility. Second, address both sides of an issue if there is an opposing viewpoint. Doing so will make you look less bias and more interested in the truth. Lastly, if you are focusing on selling a product, make sure the alignment between your content and the value of the product itself is clear to the reader.
Conclusion – Wrap up the article with a brief summary, a correlation to the aligned product or a community building opportunity. Ask the readers about their opinions and attempt to get a response from them. It may also be a good place to ask your audience to share the content among like-minded individuals.
The strategy of content marketing is in depth, but if you want to get the most straight-forward, succinct version of it, join us for Content Marketing Made Simple on March 22nd.
