Five Strategies for Crafting Engaging Articles

Writing articles doesn't have to be a complex task. It's not a science or an art form, but a conversation where you share your thoughts with readers. There's no need to complicate the writing process with unnecessary advice. Here are five simple strategies that can make the writing and reading of your articles easier and more enjoyable.

Establish a Clear Purpose

When you sit down to write an article, it's always helpful to have a clear idea or point you want to share with your readers. This not only makes the writing process smoother but also results in a more engaging read. Some writers struggle because they focus more on generating traffic than on conveying a clear message or sharing an idea. Writing with a clear purpose in mind can save you from staring at a blank computer screen.

Be Concise and Direct

State your intentions clearly in the opening paragraph. If readers can't quickly grasp what your content is about, they may simply leave the page. Be direct and concise, saving the detailed explanations for later in the content. Suspense may work in novels, but in articles, clarity is key.

Use Simple Language

Avoid showing off your extensive vocabulary when writing articles. Your goal should be to make your content easily understandable. Edit out any complex words that can be replaced with simpler, shorter alternatives.

Keep Sentences and Paragraphs Short

Large blocks of text can be off-putting for readers who typically scan articles when they first land on a page. Long paragraphs can make them hesitant to dive into the content. Moreover, cramming sentences together in long paragraphs can strain the eyes. Create plenty of space for readers to rest their eyes by keeping paragraphs short and margins narrow.

Avoid Word Padding

Review your work and eliminate any unnecessary words. Be mindful of areas where you may be repeating a point or delivering the same point in a different way. If these instances are not needed or intended, edit them out. Stay focused on your subject and avoid drifting onto unrelated tangents.

The best writing advice aims to keep the process simple. When writing an article, all you need to consider is what you want to say and how you want to say it. Once you've completed the article, let it sit for a while, then go back and refine it to make it easier to read. The five strategies outlined above serve as a guideline for making both the writing and reading of the article easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

For more writing tips, check out Purdue University's Online Writing Lab or Grammarly's blog.