The Anatomy of Writing Articles

You need to have a plan before you write/Photo/ sribu.com

There is a lot of work but the laborers are few. Yes, there are many who wear the cap even when it does not suit them. 5 years ago, content creators were original and passionate with their ideas but today it is a rat race where money is the main deal. Writers end up having one-time gigs instead of consistent clients.

It is good to work for money but you need to learn before you earn. This article is just a small collection of how to go about the right way and get yourself a consistent client.

1. Courtesy

How you approach a client determines if you will start a great working relationship. Say Good Morning or any other appropriate salutation. You are not after their money, you are after their trust. For example,

  “Hello Chris, I hope your morning is a good one just contacting you concerning the project.”

2.      Ask questions, suggest ideas

The client has already told you how their morning is and now you are able to gauge their mood. Next thing is to ask questions. Do not make assumptions. Suggest ideas and see if the client is ok with them.

3.        Read the instructions again

Do not peruse through, read and gain an understanding of what is expected of you. What you don’t understand, ask. Most careless writers often make this stupid mistake of saying the phrase below;

“ I am sorry, I thought you meant I was supposed to……..”

The potential client will, on the other hand, be wondering what the hell were you thinking.

When writing I usually go through the instructions twice before starting, 3 or 5 times while writing and then of course one last time before submitting. I just have to be sure and make the client wonder where have I been all this time. Clients hate repeating themselves. They hired you to give them peace of mind.

4.  Launch into the deep

Do not just offer your client shallow done work. Shallow articles are those which are attributed to one or three sources.  They are also articles that sound like a summary. You know when you promise the kids a trip to Disneyland you do exactly that. Unfortunately many so called writers promise Disneyland and take us to the public beach.

No one wants common stuff. You need to go an extra mile. Get your research from authoritative sites, use a unique perspective, be conversational, go beyond Google page 5 if you have to. Stop taking us to the public beach where there is congestion and everyone is spitting and pissing in the water. Give your client a one-way ticket to adventure.

5. Short and precise

Your article should come packaged well. Short paragraphs that explain the point are preferred. Make use of subtitles. The opening paragraph should always make the reader go “hmmm mmm, sounds like me”. Statistics usually come in handy here or simply start by saying  “ Did you know…”. Bullets or numbers ensure everything looks neat. Always conclude, do not leave the reader hanging.

6.  Proofread and edit your work

Go through what you have written. I usually read mine aloud so that my mind does not assume the commas and other errors. Correct what is wrong.

7. Submit your work with a note

Say something like, “ Here is your order. In case you need anything else kindly let me know and I will get back to you. Thank you.”