Write an article a day – use this simple outline template to write articles online

So many readers wrote to me asking for my simple article writing template mentioned in “5 Ways Posting to Article Banks Can Boost Your Writing” that I decided to flesh it out a bit and run it as another full article. A sincere “Thank you” to all who responded so kindly. It was none other than Abraham Lincoln who said, “Whatever you are, be good.” Writing practice makes perfect. This format helps me do just that. It will also help you practice your writing, a lot.

This is the short and simple template I use to tell me if I have enough information for an online article. It also helps me organize what I have and ensures that I keep up with the flow of the article. By following this format, you will have absolutely no problem writing an article every day once you get the hang of it.

I write this by hand first and if there is enough or almost enough information then I know the article is done. If not, I can research the additional data I need or just discard the idea of that article for a new one. I always have lots of ideas, don’t you? Sometimes working with the article outline template will push your piece or idea in a slightly different direction. That’s fine too, so I just “get on with it”. I sincerely hope that this basic online article summary template will help you generate more writing faster.

TITLE: Write an article title Killer, it will stop them in their tracks.

You must stop the reader cold when they read your headline. Online if you don’t they are gone. Your article won’t even be read, as the lost reader goes deeper into the bowels of the web and into another author’s article just a couple of mouse clicks away or so.

o Put reader benefits into a Hooker Headline

o Use keywords for SEO (search engine optimization)

o Try at least 4-5 different headlines for each article

o Use an online keyword research tool to help narrow down high-frequency, top-ranked keywords

OPENING PARAGRAPH: Write a Killer opening sentence and a first paragraph that grabs them by the throat.

In addition to a Hooker Headline, you’ll need an opening sentence and a Hooker paragraph. One that draws your reader in and gives them reasons to start or continue reading. Based on this paragraph, readers often decide to read the article or not, so make it as strong as you can. You must grab and hold the reader here. Your opening paragraph should be attention-getting, short, and descriptive. Sometimes I even use my first paragraph as the “teaser” description of my article.

MAIN FEATURE PARAGRAPH 1:

Write at least three supporting sentences for each main point of your article. There are usually five to seven main features in an article. However, I often write five to seven supporting sentences for each main feature for a slightly longer, deeper piece. I’ll also add more support for each core feature if there are only three or four in the part. If there are online references or websites you’d like to include, put them in bullet points at the end of the paragraph. You can also include a quote, anecdote, and other reference to build on the main feature if you wish. You can start with an anecdote or quote if you have a strong one to pique readers’ interest.