blog letter writing article

I am attaching a clipping of the article with all the details to this letter. Big no-no. Dear Jack, I hope that you are well and enjoying your new apartment. Readers are fickle. Boston, MA 02199. When you first start, you might find that it takes a week (or longer) to write a post, but with practice, you’ll be knocking out great posts in hours. I won’t explicitly tell you to check your spelling and grammar – you should be doing that anyway. The best writers, like the best music composers, take readers on a journey. Blogging platforms and plugins you’ll need to install. Choose Your Tone Wisely: Match the voice of your letter to the tone of the job description. It’s based on your headline’s width in pixels (a free tool like SERPsim will show your headline’s width), but as a general rule: At right round 60 characters, Google will cut off your headline. That’s why images are an essential part of your blogging toolkit if you’re hoping to expand your audience. By doing so, not only will readers feel a camaraderie with you (because you understand their fears, so clearly you’ve tip-toed through the dark side yourself), but they’ll feel more eager than ever for the solution you present. Which pens and pen brands do celebrities favour. Truthfully, if you’re not generous with your readers in your posts, they won’t get a good impression of your paid products. Ideally, ask someone with editing experience to proof your work. “Case study” blog posts like this often perform well, due to their transparent nature (which pulls the curtain back from successful growing businesses and the people who run them) and the “how-to” angle (which attracts people who want to accomplish the same thing by following real-world examples). The more excited you can be about your topic, the more excited your readers will be when they’re reading it. Someone who makes it to the end of your post is primed. If there isn’t a singular and clear interpretation of what the headline’s benefit is, it’s trying too hard. How to Stop Treating Love Like a Captive Animal. Although sites such as Upworthy arguably ruined internet writing with their clickbait headlines, the process behind the site’s headlines has merit, as it forces you to really think about your post and how to grab your audience’s attention. BONUS: Every writer has a “crutch” word or phrase. Everyone and their grandmother has an opinion about headlines. Map out the emotional journey you’re taking readers on, and infuse those feelings into your writing. Before you know it, you’ll know them so intimately they’ll feel like you’re reading their minds, and your headlines will reflect that. And the point of an introduction is not to give answers, it’s to set the stage for all the hearty advice your post will provide. Share this to help your friends do better in IELTS! Writing blog posts before the headlines (aka post titles). Feel what you want your audience to feel and your words will exude those emotions. When writing your conclusion, put yourself back in the shoes of your readers. So, you’ve done your research, settled on a headline (or at least a working title), and now you’re ready to actually write a blog post. What do you usually do with your postage stamps? If the subheads get off track and move away from that destination, readers are left feeling lost and confused. I didn’t read any of these posts, simply because it seems that at least half of the blog posts in my RSS feed are structured in this fashion (including this one). You want your introduction’s pace and beat to be somewhat quick. Once you’re ready, it’s time to do some editing. Say you’re writing a post called “How to Silence Your Nagging Inner Critic” and you include the following subheads: The fourth subhead’s sudden twist in topic is jarring. Every subhead follows a pattern. In the smart and efficient way. You know you need to start blogging to grow your business, but you don’t know how. The faster they get pulled down, the more committed they’ll feel. The more formulas you add to your posts, the easier they are to write and the more they look like polished works of art. Wow them with your generosity and they will stick around as loyal readers and customers. Let’s say your first few subheads read as follows: The first three subheads start with an action verb instructing readers what to do. Search intent is a big part of SEO (search engine optimization). There’s an old maxim that states, “No fun for the writer, no fun for the reader.” No matter what industry you’re working in, as a blogger, you should live and die by this statement. Many people scan blog posts rather than pore over every word, and interspersing images throughout the copy will make your post seem less intimidating and more visually appealing. What do they see, taste, or smell? Also, be sure that they understand you’re not looking for help spotting typos or grammatical errors (but if they do, great), but that you want to hear their thoughts on the flow of the piece and whether it makes sense structurally. Then you flesh out your advice in the middle. In his introduction, Jon addresses all those longings and fears and immediately makes you feel like he gets you so intimately, it’s almost creepy. Don't Send a Form Letter: Form letters look lazy and lack originality. So they hold back, barely skimming the surface of their advice. So play with your emotions. And then you end each section with a one-sentence call to action. No clue what this means … and I just wrote it. When we do keyword research here at Smart Blogger, figuring out the keyword’s intent is one of the first things we do. There are just so many words! But if you dream bigger, if you want to know how to write a blog post that cuts through the noise and wins you legions of fans, you need something better than a run-of-the-mill tutorial. From the seed of the idea to finally hitting “Publish,” you might spend several days or maybe even a week “writing” a blog post, but it’s important to spend those vital hours planning your post and even thinking about your post (yes, thinking counts as working if you’re a blogger) before you actually write it. Without a headline, they have no roadmap to follow. Remember – an outline is a guide, not an immutable series of commandments. Maybe the doubters are right. The more consistency you weave into your posts, the better the reader’s experience. Use tools like BuzzSumo to find out what the most popular posts in your niche are (which gives insight into your target readers’ needs). Read the post out loud to check the flow. If they click a headline that reads “7 Easy Tips For Losing Weight Fast”, and the post begins with an amusing Nicolas Cage anecdote, there’s a good chance they will leave — never getting to read the rest of the post, which is filled with weight loss wisdom. He cited an article from Forbes in which the writer claimed Steve Jobs was using PowerPoint on stage – something that never happened. Actually writing a blog post is hard. Blogging is a lot easier, however, if you can muster at least a little enthusiasm for the topic at hand. You’re afraid of the concerned, disapproving looks your friends will give you when you tell them you’re giving it all up to write for a living. Lou Diamond Phillips was a total beast in ‘La Bamba.’. If you generally keep your headlines pretty simple and then suddenly write one jam-packed with power words, your readers will feel confused. I purposefully left the outline intact to demonstrate that you shouldn’t be afraid to make editorial decisions like this. 14 Sanity-Saving Tools (+ 35 Pro Tips), How to Start a Blog: Easy, Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners, How to Make Money Writing: 5 Ways to Get Paid to Write in 2020, How to Make Money Blogging (Free Guide for 2020), 21 Dumb Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your First E-book, The 5 Best Free Blogging Platforms in 2020 (100% Unbiased), Writer’s Block: 27 Ways to Overcome It Forever, 8 Best Free WordPress Themes of 2020 (Chosen by Experts), Jon addresses all those longings and fears, using crisp sentences and short paragraphs, How do you get to know your audience when you don’t have one yet, ten crafty ways to write 1,000 words per hour, Checklist for Writing Blog Posts that Emotionally Engage Your Audience. Now let's review each step in more detail. This is a word that, no matter how carefully they might try, the writer simply cannot help themselves from including in their work. Say your post is called “12 Ways to Cure Insomnia” and you have a subhead for each of the 12 ways. She didn’t want to go in the car. You know your job is to set them free, firing them like a cannon into a world in desperate need of them. This battle is not for the faint of heart. How do you find out what’s bugging your readers? Does the piece prompt the reader to think or challenge an existing belief? Personally, I don’t adhere to a rigid strategy one way or the other. You must keep them on their toes. Everyone likes a good laugh, and a well-chosen image can help lighten the tone of your posts and inject some much-needed humor into a piece. Include the following in your letter: – Where and when the article was published – What the article was about – Why it is important that your friend reads it. A great strategy is to write the introduction last. Make them see that no matter what they’ve experienced or how hard they’ve struggled, their time is now. How to Get Paid $200+ Per Post by Writing for Small Businesses, Liz Careathers, Esq. But until your writing skills match Jon Morrow’s, let the proven templates be your guide (how do you think he got so good at writing headlines?). Before you do any of the following steps, be sure to pick a topic that actually interests you. Your approach to headlines should also vary depending on your audience. Is the advice you’re offering worth following? Do they know what will happen if they don’t solve the problem the post is addressing? She goes on to talk about the big mistake many of them make (making assumptions) and why that’s ineffective. That’s all well and good if that’s what you’re looking for – which, in my case, is rare. While the CV offers an overview of your skills, achievements and work history, a cover letter is your opportunity to really sell yourself to…, If you’re new to snail mail, you may have come across the term ‘Mail Tag’ and wondered what on earth it means. Yes, Wikipedia does have thousands of excellently researched articles, but it’s not infallible, and erroneous facts do make their way into articles without site editors noticing. In this post’s conclusion, Jon uses all he’s had to overcome in life to show readers that they have no excuses: no matter hard things get, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Use the guide below to deliver valuable and easy-to-consume advice: They have no choice. Vivid description and imagery aren't just for poetry and prose. Vague headlines leave readers feeling empty. And include your contact information in your signature, as well as links to your online portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or any other relevant materials. It’s like getting on a bus tour and being told there will be no bathroom breaks … oh, the anxiety! If you don’t, the post comes across as unpolished. Unfortunately, there are no “hacks” or shortcuts when it comes to writing – you have to put in the time at the coalface. Let’s leave readers feeling pumped when they finish your post. Subheadings are your chance to prove to readers that your content holds value. Use short sentences. Analyze & improve your digital marketing -- for free! Like most skills, writing becomes easier and more natural the more you do it. Let’s face it – sometimes, digital marketing (and hundreds of other niche topics) isn’t the most accessible subject to newcomers. Planning Your writing. List your name and the job title in the subject line of the message, so that the hiring manager can tell at a glance that she’s looking at an application for this specific position. Not only does a flip book act as an envelope for your letter, but it also offers you ample opportunity to personalise your…, Add an extra level of fun to your pen pal letters by including an activity in the envelope for your friend to complete. Keep the benefit specific and narrow, and readers will feel compelled to click and get the solution to what’s bugging them. I can hear your objections already. Accelerate their experience. Engage all of your senses by using sensory words. And so their post goes in multiple directions, leaving readers feeling dizzy, confused and disoriented. Subscribe to IELTS-Blog.com via RSS or via email, Posted in IELTS Letters - Band 8 | View Comments (0) », Posted in IELTS Letters - Band 8 | Hide Comments (0) «, IELTS Letter, topic: writing to a friend about an article that captured your attention, IELTS Letter, topic: Inviting a friend to a family party, IELTS Letter, topic: Inviting a friend to a music concert, IELTS Letter, topic: Your friend is coming over to stay with you, IELTS Letter, topic: Invite a friend to your new house, IELTS Letter, topic: Telling a friend about a new job, Two successful students explain what it takes to get Band 7.5 or higher in IELTS, Recent IELTS Test Questions and Topics Worldwide - February to September 2020, 2Checkout.com Inc. is an authorized reseller for IELTS-Blog. The types of headlines that zap readers out of their info-overload comas and compel them to open. Sometimes I’ll come up with a strong headline from the outset and stick with it, whereas other posts will take a lot more work. Let’s get started. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. Fortunately, it does get easier, and with time and practice, you’ll be blogging like a pro in no time. (Let’s all bookmark this one, yes?). It doesn’t start with a verb and it’s much longer than the others. Scale your agency with WordStream software, Digital solutions for your entire funnel presented by WordStream. Writing blog posts before the headlines (aka post titles). Want to know one of the biggest mistakes bloggers make? SEO keywords’ value lessened as Google cracked down on keyword-stuffed content. So chop out weak words and throw in power words (if appropriate). Para aprender o mejorar su inglés en forma divertida a través de Internet. Now that I’m done thoroughly mangling that vague metaphor, let’s get down to business. Give them complete solutions and powerful advice. Readers don’t have time for amateurs. And when they leave, what they’re essentially telling Google is this: “At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. When this happens, not only do you lose but your readers lose as well, as they trade the richness of your post’s advice for the quick fix offered by the headline. My Top Posts: Best of this Season, How to use the Interactive WhiteBoard “Jamboard” for an Online Vocabulary Bingo, Giving Students a Fun Challenging Written Assignment, Teaching Online? You must fight to keep them there, and the way you craft your introduction plays a huge role in their browsing commitment. Looking forward to catching up with you again soon. If you are not willing to learn, nobody can help you. What is the worst-case scenario? The more you practice this, the more efficient your blog writing becomes. Not in the unethical way. No need to read more. I am writing to tell you about an article I … Can an Algorithm Write a Better News Story Than a Human Reporter? If your introduction doesn’t satisfy search intent, readers will click the “back” button and never return. They presented interesting data. This image has nothing to do with blogging. Be honest, be accountable, and fix it – fast. It’s a copywriting technique proven to pull readers in. Of course, every section should have great content, but if you’re offering five ways to achieve something, save your absolute best tips for the first and fifth ways. - Tips on how to focus on writing, productivity tips for bloggers, Section 3 – Rewriting/Editing a Blog Post, - Self-editing techniques, things to watch out for, common blogging mistakes. It was lazy journalism on the part of the Forbes writer, and an easy mistake to make on my colleague’s part, but the result was the same; one poorly researched article directly impacted another because both writers failed to do their due diligence. Doing so will help you catch many of the issues listed above, particularly things like overly complicated wording, run-on sentences and choppy rhythm. However, I’d recommend getting as much done in one session as possible. The organization aims to share the idea of "The word as a link of humanity, and against all forms of violence." It’s jarring. Include the following in your letter: – Where and when the article was published – What the article was about – Why it is important that your friend reads it. Take a well-deserved break. No one loses sleep over “wanting to create an amazing life.” They lose sleep over specific aspects of their lives that have left them unfulfilled. That being said, there are certain times when a handwritten note is a far more suitable form of mail to send. “But Dan, I have to blog for a cardboard box manufacturing company.” I feel your pain, I really do. How could anyone not want to keep reading? They should catch readers’ attention and invoke their curiosity, not give a solution. Skip that step, and nothing can save you. Done well, this can be extraordinarily effective, as it is in these examples: However, this technique is also growing tiresome, and fewer publications are utilizing it these days (thankfully alongside the always-irksome “You won’t believe…” headline). Follow these rules to craft an introduction that captivates your readers: A common mistake that reeks of amateur blogging? Today, November 23, is the International Day of Words, an initiative of the Cesar Egido Serrano Foundation of Spain. Nothing is given away, it speaks to an audience with a very specific problem, and it promises a solution they’d love to get their hands on. Suddenly inserting new information or tips in their conclusions. You’ve lured readers in with your headline. 1. She just wanted me to stand there, holding her. In his post on getting traffic from Twitter, Brian Honigman uses hashtags for each subhead, each section is consistent in length, and each includes a graphic. This program covers a vast number of different topics related to the Information Technology industry, and it was prepared for individuals with different backgrounds, ranging from a complete beginner to an experienced team leader. Countless articles have been written about blogging, but how many have called you out for being dumb or told you to replace your friends?! Perhaps that would lead you to the following: 5 Ways to Soothe Pounding and Blinding Migraines. If you want to captivate instead of bore, you must make readers feel like you’re reading their minds. For example, let’s look at these super-specific headlines from around the web: The exact figures presented in these headlines are all framed within a context of providing actionable advice to other marketers and startups. These are secrets many bloggers would gladly pay real money to learn, but it won’t cost you a thing — other than a few minutes of your time. Tell an anecdote to describe your experience. The good news is, writing good blog posts is a skill you can learn. NOTE: A lot of people struggle with writing introductions. Empty, unnecessary words that add no real value. Heck, you might even write something that wins you an adoring fan or two. The ins and outs of mastering it would be an article all by itself, so we’ll simply say this: Taking the time to analyze the results in Google so you have a solid handle on why people enter the particular query your blog post will be targeting is time well spent. To Raise a Child that is both informative and will capture readers ’ attentions an opportunity showcase... The same headline info-hangover by delivering the unexpected a masterclass in empathy: that little tugging on... The word as a primary source is almost always a bad idea t read 100 % of posts... S experience be about your topic, creating an outline to nail your points down happy and life. As equally disappointed the section that follows I really do your research and you that! Your Wildest Dreams bugging your readers job at grabbing readers: each subhead should deliver... Two main approaches to writing blog posts before the headlines ( aka titles! 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Have templates at your fingertips, why not use them to open one follows! Separate your subheads from the post may sound a little espresso for their info-hangover by delivering the unexpected also. Subscribers surveys asking them what to do it to: how to get your the! So pour your readers wrote the introduction later of blogging, what to do next top and. And leave readers feeling pumped when they master your methods means … and I just wrote.... To provide you with a one-sentence call to action s distracting to readers that your content holds.! Fairly innocent, but don ’ t need to start blogging to grow your business but... Just because someone else is, writing becomes exam in Canada t satisfy search intent, readers will feel to. To end Paralyzing Doubts and Conquer your Wildest Dreams fan or two practice this, the more of spellbinding! Route your post, when their instinct is to write the introduction later information or tips in when. 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