Writing an article is one of those things that just sounds easy.

Many of us have been writing since grade school. So writing an article or blog post MUST be easy, right? Sorry to break it to you friend, but it’s not that simple.

If you’re wondering how to write an article, you are not alone. Many small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketing managers struggle with the same thing. 

That’s why hiring a copywriter is always an option. A copywriter will take the guesswork out of writing to produce consistent content.

But I digress…

I’m here to share how to write an article or blog. Like most activities, the more you practice…the easier it will become.

Here are the steps that I follow every time I write a blog. Regardless of whether it’s for my website or a client’s website, I go through the same simple process each time.

1. Choose a topic

If you don’t have a topic in mind, I challenge you to ask yourself two questions.

What questions do my customers always ask? Or what topic would my customer enjoy?

The key to creating a solid article or blog is to write for your audience. So, it’s important to ONLY write content that they will benefit from. Whether it’s educational or entertaining… choose a topic that will resonate with your ideal customer.

2. Decide a keyword

If you’re writing content for your website, it’s important to choose a keyword. A keyword will make your blog more SEO friendly and ultimately help it rank higher on Google.

There are many wonderful SEO tools available online. But if you’re not in a place to purchase one, don’t worry! Google Keyword Planner is available to research keywords and competition for FREE.

3. Write a headline

To start with, your headline needs to include your keyword. This will help Google understand the topic to appropriately rank it.

To write a headline, I draft one with my chosen keyword. Then, I run it through a free tool called Headline Studio by CoSchedule. This evaluates your headline quality by using factors like length and word type. It’s a great way to easily optimize your title.

4. Outline the content

After you have a topic and a headline, it’s time to outline. This will vary depending on what you’re writing. I usually like to write sub-headlines and include notes on my research topic.

For blogs, I love using numbered lists because they’re not only skimmable but also easy to outline. Did you get that, or were you skimming? 😉

5. Write write write

Time for the fun part- fill in your outline! I use a lot of transitions in my writing. This helps improve readability from an SEO perspective.

Additionally, I write in short paragraphs. Especially on a mobile device, it’s challenging to read bulky paragraphs. 

So write in short sentences and break those paragraphs down!

6. Run copy through Hemmingway and Grammarly

I previously talked about the best writing apps in my blog. And I wasn’t kidding, I use them every time I write.

With the Hemmingway App, you simply copy and paste your content into the app. Then, it uses a highlight feature that shows you if your sentences are too hard to read. Hemingway also provides recommendations on how to simplify your copy. For example, if there are less complex alternatives, it will provide a shorter word or phrase. Last, it strengthens your writing by indicating unnecessary adverbs and passive voice.

Next, run your copy through Grammarly. Grammarly is the mother of all spell checks. It is a cloud-based typing assistant that reviews copy spelling and punctuation. Better yet, it provides feedback on clarity, tone, and engagement.

These two are MUST HAVES if you’re trying to learn how to write an article or blog.

7. Add links and photos

I always add internal and external links when it makes sense in my blogs. As you develop more content for your website, this gets easier. 

This helps your reader navigate your website and get clarity around in-depth topics. It also helps with SEO because it allows Google to understand your website structure.

Additionally, I include photos for each of my blogs or articles. You can find free stock photos online or use one you have.

8. Proofread

Read it to yourself and out loud at least twice. If you have a trusted colleague or friend, have them read it too!

9. Publish

Congrats, you’ve done all the things! You’re ready to publish on your website. I post my blogs on WordPress and add headlines there. Depending on where you host your website, you might not need to do this.

Ready to tackle that article or blog?!

If not, I’m here for you. Reach out if you need a copywriter to write an article, blog post, or other website copy.