How to write compelling articles

Introduction

To be a content writer takes more effort than being an excellent wordsmith. SEO content writing is an art that has to be crafted very carefully and thoughtfully. Writing compelling articles forces the reader to stay on a web page and seek more information. A compelling article is the type of content that sounds very interesting, engaging and has a high appeal for a reader. To be able to deliver high quality content your articles should be way above average in quality. This article talks about writing compelling articles that will attract visitors to a particular website.

The technique of writing

Every article has an aim and meaning that has to be delivered in the right fashion. The purpose of the article plays an important role in the way it is written. As a writer first understand the purpose for the article, is it a blog where you require visitors to comment, is it an informative article, or is it a technical paper and so on. Based on the purpose you have to craft the article and make it sound interesting. If you’re going to write an article that is simply engaging without grasping the purpose of then you are missing on a huge component. It is a fact that SEO content writing is always aimed at the targeted audience and we all know what they want to read. However your aim should be at delivering in a fashion that addresses how they want to read.

Compelling articles have the power to motivate the readers and seek for more. Using various techniques like call-to-action, questioning, puzzling and answering prove useful in creating quality content for the right audience.

Appeal to the audience emotion

SEO content writing should cater to the taste of the audience. A writer should write what the audience wants t hear and not what they feel like writing. Think about yourself as a reader and understand what you would like to read on the internet. Humans are driven by emotions including you, like fear, hope, flattery and desire. These are some of the top appeals that take place while we are reading content. Use these to your advantage and create content that can kindle these emotions. Readers are always searching for niche content that can provide value to their search. Add a bit of spark to your content by using emotional statements in these categories.

Usage of right words at the right place

The right words at the right place can make a huge difference to your content. They may not necessarily be keywords and they can be engaging words as well. Through the usage of words you should let your audience know that you are talking to them directly. Power words are very simple words that we use in our everyday life. Words like ‘you’, your’, and ‘we’ directly address the reader. Writing in the first person is always preferred in SEO content writing. Look at this example:

• One must always follow a healthy diet regime to be fit’

Vs

• You must follow a healthy diet to stay fit’

Using the questioning technique

The idea of writing engaging content is to have the readers participate in the blog or create a conversation. As a subject matter expert of the article you’re writing you know what questions to expect. Stay ahead of the readers by asking the questions that they are likely to ask. Using this kind of precision technique can give you a great deal of success as a writer. Asking questions that start with ‘what if’ clearly get the readers thinking. Also you need to answer those questions and not leave your readers scouring for answers. Answering potential questions can be a way to have your readers coming back to your blog. You also create trust and credibility for the readers.

Repeat important points

Many people say that repeating the subject is boring and takes the interest out of the reader. This is not true and in fact readers forget what they read unless they get into a habit. Begin your sentences with a sentiment and also end it in the same fashion. This creates a huge impact on the reader’s mind and they will take something back from what they read. In order to create an impact on your reader, use their inquisitiveness as a tool. Ask them questions that relate to the subject and have them engaged in the article.

Keep it short and simple

You may have heard this term several times before and may sound clichéd but it is very important as well. Keeping content short and simple makes it readable. Make your content verbose and deliver something that is derivative instead. For a reader, their mind processes information in smaller chinks. Long winding sentences can take away the interest from the main subject. They are overwhelming to read and a lazy reader would never even attempt to look at it. Your writing style should be succinct and not necessarily brusque. A concise paragraph is much better than a highly informative paragraph. Provide your readers with valuable form of feedback, information and opinions. Expert opinions and using newer jargons to create an impact is a great way to start writing. The modern day reader is bored of hearing or reading the same type of words. Using newer jargons also keeps them wondering and they look for more.

Conclusion

There are billions of users logged on to the internet at any given point in time and information is floating around in masses. The web is nothing but huge volumes of information and have you ever wondered where the tiny speck of content that you create will figure out? In order to be effective as a SEO content writer, you article should use the right keywords, use high quality language and aim at the popular subjects. Use the above tips to create a niche article for your client. Remember that as a content writer you can turn a simple inanimate website into a success story on the internet.

Prachi Kulkarni is a founder of Lekh Solutions - a leading content writing services provider company.