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June 09, 2015 / 060915
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Just How Fast Can You Write an Article? (8 tips)
By Karen Cioffi
I don't know about you, but I can take a while to write an article,
usually an hour and then some. Even if I have an idea, I still try to
add extra value into the article by doing a bit of research and getting
'social proof' to back up what I'm saying.
For this article I decided to time it, so I can see just how long it
takes me to create a top-notch, error-free (relatively) piece of
content.
In an article over at CopyBlogger.com, the author says he can write an article in 20 minutes. This isn't the first time I've heard this. Some writer/marketers say 20-30 minutes is average for them.
I’m going to use a couple of his tips and some of my own and see how I do.
Tip #1 Keep a list of ideas (and information)
I already do this. And, with information permeating every nook and
cranny of the internet, there’s never a lack of new ideas. That’s how I
came up with this article idea, from the CopyBlogger (CB) piece.
I keep files with links to article on specific topics. When I need to
write an article, I look at my file on the topic I want to write on and
there they are – lots of ideas and lots of information.
Tip #2 Mull it over
The mentioned CB article advises to let your idea incubate for a while,
actually for a few days. The author says doing this allows you to gather
supporting information and other idea prior to sitting and writing.
This one I don’t do, maybe that’s why writing an article takes me longer.
But, on the flip side, I gather supporting information (social proof) as
I’m writing. So, the time I would have spent prior on this element is
done while I’m actually writing.
So, this kind of throws a little monkey wrench into the 20 minute limit.
Should any ‘prior’ time writing new ideas for the piece or gathering
information be included in the ‘writing time? Hmmm.
Tip #3 Use keywords
While you don’t have to go crazy with keywords, they are still very
important. It’s the keywords that the search engines will initially find
and index. And, it’s those keywords that ‘searchers’ will use to find
the information they want/need.
If you have all the pieces together, Google may very well use your article link as the results in a search query.
Tip #4 Use bullet and numbered points
People love list articles. They’re easy to read and quick to scan. This article is a ‘numbered points’ format.
In regard to writing, using numbered points helps you organize your thoughts and content.
This is obviously optional, but they do make for a more reader friendly piece.
Tip #5 – Add graphics
If you look at blogs, you’ll notice that just about every one includes graphics, usually
images, in their posts.
Top converting tools are video and/or animation.
If you can, use them here and there. These content marketing tools are
engaging. People love them. And, it keeps those visitors ‘on your site
longer.’ This is a great SEO element.
Even SlideShare presentations are a great marketing tool.
Okay, adding graphics may add some time to your article. I keep a folder
of blog post images that makes it easy and quick me to find one that
will work. And, if I can’t find something that’s just right, I create a
new one with Logo Creator. It’s really cheap and amazingly easy to use.
Tip #6 Editing time
This is where you do need to take a couple of minutes to proof and edit
your piece. Find something that doesn’t quite work? Take it out. If you
think you can use it at another time, put it into a file for later use.
Check for spelling and such. While the ‘faster than fast’ element of
online marketing may tempt you to forget this step. DON’T SKIP IT.
Your writing is a reflection of you and your skills – make them shine.
And, make super sure the content will be helpful to your readers.
Note: This doesn’t mean you’ll miss a mistake here and there, but hopefully you’ll catch the majority of them.
Tip #7 The article length
The author of the CB article says to keep your posts short – under 500 words.
This is a conflicting theory. There are many writer/marketers who say to give the reader more value with longer pieces.
I’m in the middle. I say write the article as it comes out. This article
is around 900 words. But, if you’re writing for article directories,
like Ezine Articles, then keep it under 500 words.
Sometimes the venue you’ll be publishing on will determine the length of your article.
Tip #8 End it when it’s ended
Once you write and edit the piece, end it. Don’t keep going over it.
This is one of my trouble spots. I’ll keep adding to it or tweaking it
one way or another. This is just a waste of time. Don’t do it.
Time frame
This article took me an hour, maybe a bit more. But, there is additional
time that went into uploading it to my website, adding graphics,
optimizing the post, and adding a CTA. So . . .
Try these seven article writing tips and see how long it takes you to write an article.
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I hope you found this information interesting and helpful. Too advanced, not enough, just right? I’d really love to know, so please leave a comment – good or bad or email me at: karencioffi@ymail.com
P.S. If you liked this article, PLEASE SHARE IT!
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Karen Cioffi, the Article Writing Doctor
Your Content Writing Prescription
Karen Cioffi Professional Writing Services
For Businesses and Individuals
Email: karencioffi [at] ymail [dot] com
I'm an affiliate for some of the products I recommend. I only tell you about products I've checked out.
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