WRITING FOR PUBLICITY AND PROFIT ON THE WWW by Craig Lock
I sincerely believe that there has never been a better time in
history for we (or is it us?) writers to making a comfortable
living on the internet.
The World Wide Web offers you an opportunity, unique in history,
to speak directly to millions of potential customers. Some
commentators advise that if you want to be listened to, speak to
them "in their language". I only partially agree (but then, I'm
always breaking the rules!)...
When I write articles for "the international market" of the net,
I don't target particular countries and try to adapt my writing
style. I've found that people around the world don't seem to mind
the fact that I may use "funny" words or spelling - small
details, like "s's" instead of "z's", color or colour...as long
as the grammar is reasonably correct. I just try to write in my
"natural style" - one in which I feel comfortable (seeing I was
brought upin South Africa with British English) and suggest you
"foreign" writers do the same.
Incidentally, I put this short note at the end of some of my
articles...
"PS: Dear Americans, please excuse my"strange" British English
spelling. Very Colonial! I just write and use my own style and
spelling - one that I'm accustomed to (sounds funny that ending
]sentence n a "preppie"). I am quite happy for these articles to
be used and distributed by other electronic and other magazines.
If they help others out there in any way, then I'm happy."
To sum up... My advice is just find your "natural style" by
writing as you speak- as practice writing in your "natural style"
breeds confidence. Then submit your articles to ezines and
announcement lists, like Article Announce, Free Content, Free
Ezine Content, The Write Articles, Bill Platt's Free-Reprint
Articles and The PhantomWriters.com and finally Article Publish.
We find this marketing method by far the most effective means of
getting traffic to our various sites (and one thing then leads to
another)...and best of all it costs nothing, but a little time
and effort!
Lately, all our marketing has been done through writing articles
(on internet marketing, writing, money and self help) and
submitting them to the article announcement lists mentioned
before. Often from there they get picked up by ezines with large
readerships - from 10000 ...to even ones with hundreds of
thousands of subscribers. True! These big ezine publishers are
continually looking for new and quality content, particularly
ORIGINAL material that can help others "out there in cyberspace".
My advice is... Write about what you KNOW - your areas of
knowledge and expertise, based on your experiences. We find this
strategy of SHARING relevant and practical information most
effective of all in drawing traffic to our various web sites...
and best of all, it helps others "out there in the vast
void/realm of cyberspace". That is why I write my articles.
Here is my "dime's worth" (see learning "American English" , or
at least your expressions already) on the subject of writing for
an international audience on the world wide web. The Web offers
you an opportunity, unique in history, to speak directly to
millions of potential customers. Some commentators advise that if
you want to be listened to, speak to them "in their language".I
only partially agree (but then, I'm always breaking the rules -
story of my life!).
Here are some other points in writing articles for the www:
Firstly,
Identify your target audience.
Keep your title reasonably short.
Keep your paragraphs short.
Get to the point quickly (enough waffle with maple syrup,
Craig!).
Target your article to your audience with "focussed information".
Never use a big word, when a dimunitive will do.
Use the occasional exclamation mark (!) to get your readers
attention!
Make sure your article flows properly. Re-read and re-read to get
it flowing as best you can - with correct spelling, grammar and
punctuation.
Try to be concise.
Be credible (big word, eh?) at all times. I try to write my
articles in a "conversational style".
Put some thought and effort into your heading (title) - again to
get your reader's immediate attention.
Use bullets in your lay-out - easy to read in point form...but be
extremely security conscious, when "checking in" your articles.
Bang bang! (oops, er sorry - bad taste). Conclude with a
strong message. A message that summarises your article or gets
your reader to take further action
Offer a free report with your article - you can collect a list
of adresses for marketing your products.
Finally, make sure your layout is good (not one of my strong
points!), as this greatly enhances your prospects of getting
published Some prominent article writers say one should write
differently to one's natural style , when writing for the web . I
say , DON'T . Just write what comes naturally...and BE YOURSELF.
Though you may have to be briefer than usual, if you are a
"waffler", like this writer. People want immediate information
online and have limited time usually - it's the instant coffee,
sorry generation.
The internet is such an amazing medium for communication. I've
just submitted this article and it's been published almost
instaneously (big word!) in a few places. So YOU TOO can write
articles on your chosen subject in your internet marketing
efforts.
MORE TRAFFIC = INCREASED SALES
Writers and internet marketers - Grab this moment in history
well.
"Carpe diem" (seize the moment!).
Happy writing and...
Just GO FOR IT
Craig Lock
P.S:
On re-reading this short piece, found I used a lot of "eyes".
Very "ego-centric" (big word). Sorry, but didn't know how to
write it any other way based on my experiences!
Hope this may help you readers "out there in cyberspace".
Craig Lock
http://www.craiglockbooks.com
The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are
available at:
http://www.bridgeniche.com/get-motivated-now/index.html and
http://www.bridgeniche.com/southern-african-experience/index.html
All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE
P.S: Don't worry about the world ending today... it's already
tomorrow in "little" scenic and tranquil New Zealand
More articles on WRITING
Inspiration Flashes: To Collect or Not to Collect That is the Question
Nonsense, Fragments, Made Up Words: Heavenly Bonus
Writing for Publicity and Profit on the WWW
Twenty-Five Tips in Writing Articles for the WWW
How to Use and Write Press Releases as an Internet Marketing Strategy
Sharing Some More Thoughts on Writing Styles
How to Become a Better Writer
What is Copyright and How Does One Protect It
Making a Writer Out of You
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