Have you decided to start a blog, but don't know how to start writing articles? Do you lack experience in copywriting but still want to deliver high-quality content? Don't worry, this guide will help you plan and write your first blog article successfully. From the topic to the research to your final editing - here you'll learn how to write engaging articles in ten easy steps.
Key insights
- Formulate a clear topic
- Conduct thorough research
- Structure your notes
- Just start writing
- Fine-tune with corrections and images
- Insert useful links
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Formulate your topic
The basis of your article is a precise topic. You should be aware of the scope of your topic. If your topic is too general, it will be difficult to cover specific points. For example: An article about shoes is too broad. Instead, an article about the fiber composition of a particular brand of shoelaces would be more specific and focused. Consider whether your topic is specific enough to be fully covered in one article.
Step 2: Research your topic
To make your article informative, you need to do some research. My insider tip: use Google. Enter your topic in the search bar and open the first 20 results. Read through the content and make a note of everything that seems important to you. These notes will help you to consider different perspectives and starting points when writing.
Step 3: Sort your notes and structure them into individual sections
After you have collected a lot of information, it is important to organize it. Identify the connections and start to create a structure for your article. You can name the sections to increase clarity. Think about what belongs together logically. This will gradually create the basic structure of your article.
Step 4: Start writing now
Now it's time to get serious: just write! Whether it's spelling or grammar - these are minor points at first. Concentrate on getting your thoughts down on paper. Don't let yourself be disturbed or interrupted while writing. This method, also known as writing through, helps you to overcome writer's block.
Step 5: Fill in the gaps now
Once you have a first rough draft, you can quickly see where information is still missing or transitions are necessary. Use the notes you have collected to fill in the gaps in the text. Make sure that the reader can follow the flow of the argument.
Step 6: Formulate your headline and introduction
The first impression counts! Your headline and the introduction to your article are crucial in determining whether readers stay or keep scrolling. A good headline should be useful, urgent, unique and specific. Don't be tempted to make grandiose promises that the article doesn't keep. To get started, I recommend the WF question starter: who, what, why, where, how. This ensures that the reader immediately gets the information they need.
Step 7: Now we come to the finishing touches
Take time to read your text thoroughly and make any necessary adjustments. Check the wording, whether the transitions between sections work and whether the text has a clear thread. Be brutal when shortening - anything superfluous can be removed.
Step 8: Check your text for spelling and grammar
Put the finishing touches to your article by checking it for spelling and grammatical errors. Anyone can get away with minor typos, but an article that is full of mistakes looks unprofessional. Use spell check tools to help you with this too.
Step 9: Add images and videos
To make your article more visually appealing, add images and videos. These are not only eye-catching, but also reinforce the message of your text. If you don't have your own images, make sure you avoid copyrighted content. Portals such as Pixabay offer a variety of license-free photos.
Step 10: Place useful links in your article
Links to your own or external articles expand the information content of your article. Think about where it is possible to link to other articles or cite additional sources. This not only enriches your article, but also shows that you have done your research and gives your blog more credibility.
Summary - step by step to the perfect blog article
To write a successful blog article, start by formulating a precise topic and gathering sound information through research. After structuring and writing the raw text, you then fine-tune, correct and add visual elements and useful links. This makes your blog post not only informative, but also appealing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step in writing a blog article?The first step is to formulate a clear topic.
What is the best way to research my article?Use Google, open the first 20 results and note down important information.
Are spelling and grammar important when writing for the first time?In the beginning it is more important to just write, corrections come later.
How can I add visuals to my article?Add images and videos to break up the text.
Where can I find royalty-free images for my blog?Portals such as Pixabay offer a wide range of royalty-free photos.
