How to write and publish your first article
7 steps to writing and publishing your first article
The first step is often the hardest, but when you take more steps you will achieve your goals. In the last issue, I helped you to understand how you can find content ideas for free.
Today, I will help you to write your first article, and publish it yourself. I deeply apologize that I have been silent for a while. I have been working on restructuring the newsletter to serve you better.
With that being said, let's get on with the topic for today.
What is an Article, and why should you border to write one?
An Article is a type of long-form content writing where you talk and share your idea about a particular subject matter. Companies leverage articles to explain their products to their customers. Also, they share product releases, and FAQs with their customers using the article form of content writing.
It is advisable to write problem-solving and people-focused articles. A problem-solving article is a type of article that solves a problem for a reader. Solving a problem could be answering a question, explaining a process, etc. A people-focused article is a type of article where the writer writes with an audience in mind.
The main parts of an article are; the introduction, the body of the article, and the conclusion. The introduction is where you tell your reader what you're going to talk about, and what they should expect from your article.
The body of the article is where you talk about everything you said you will talk about. You must deliver what you promised to deliver. If you can, over-deliver, but don't under-deliver.
The conclusion is where you reiterate your points in the conclusion of your article. You remind your reader why your ideas are valid and important. Also, you include your call to action here.
Call to action means what you what your reader to do after reading your article. Do you want them to share, like, comment, subscribe to your email list, or do all? Then, let them know that.
Writing is not a walk in the Park. Why should you care to write and publish an article? Here are two reasons that show how important article writing is.
To share your ideas, and change your world.
You want to be the next Nelson Mandela, yeah? Consider publishing your ideas online.
To establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Article writing helps to position you and your brands as experts in the field.
7 steps you should take to write and publish your first article.
Get an idea of what you want to write about.
Articles are the results of developed thoughts and ideas.
2. Research to find out if it's relevant.
The key to getting people to reading your article is relevance. If it's relevant, people will read it. It is relevant when it helps people to solve a problem or reach a goal.
3. Draft an outline
An outline is a breakdown of the sub-topics of your article.
List the topics you plan to cover and the order they will go in your article. This will guard you against deviating. You will move from A to Z rather than in an illogical way that will confuse your readers.
4. Plan to write
You may not be free to research and finish your first draft in a day. You can break down the steps and write about one sub-topic per day.
5. Start writing
Follow your plan and start writing.
6. Edit and Edit
Check for redundancy, errors, wordiness, and the like. Good writing is clear and concise. You can utilize Artificial Intelligence tools. You can also share your draft with a friend who can help you to spot the errors you missed.
7. Choose a platform where you will publish your article.
There are so many free publishing platforms. Gone are the days when it was just WordPress. Today, you have so many platforms to experiment with.
Research. Find the one that suits you and your niche most. Create an account. Then, copy and paste your draft. Look at it again if you want to.
Hit publish!
Congratulations 🎉, your article is ready to be read and shared.
Finally, use Google Docs or any writing software to write the draft of your article. There is no option to save drafts on some publishing platforms. You will lose your work when there is a glitch. You don't want to be a victim of this.
Feel free to ask questions if you have any.
ANNOUNCEMENTS📢
Change of name- I am rebranding this newsletter to Ama's Letters. Like before, it's all about content writing, just a little tweaking here and there. You will get my notes, industry updates, curated links of weekly helpful resources, and stories to keep you ahead in your game.
You will receive it every Thursday by 8 am WAT.
Happy new month.
March forward, move, be visible, and make a global impact.
See ya next week Thursday, my friend.
-Ama