How to Master Article Writing Format: A Practical Guide 101

I know writing an article can be difficult and to transform your content with a well-structured article writing format it's incredibly important to learn the craft of your content first.

And for that, the secret recipe is to find your voice and writing style that deeply engages and truly connects with your readers.

For any kind of digital niche you have, it's really important first to understand the right structure for writing articles.

Do you know, a well-crafted Content Writing strategy not only generates brand visibility but also converts your readers to take action and helps to grow your success levels?

Well according to a recent survey approach, a chunk of some big companies, approximately 75%, are getting their leads from written content.

That means, whether you are a blogger, influencer, or marketer, written content is the most demanded content type in the digital industry.

So we are here to be covering some interesting information — Enjoy Reading!

In this comprehensive guide, I will fill the gap by delving into the basic to advanced format of learning article writing and will discuss one case study of the recommended structure for creating a good content strategy that both engages and educates your target audience.

>> Breaked Down into 4 HIGHLIGHT + My Final Thoughts + FAQs

HIGHLIGHT #1: What is Article Writing? — Basic Format

In general, writing articles means the creation of written content to inform, educate, or entertain readers via different mediums such as online publications, blogs, digital news, and many more.

In my opinion, the ability to craft articles is one of the profound skills that every writer should consider.

As we know good writing needs harmony and simply connecting words up is not just enough. You need to know the proper medium to put together your writing so that it should be insightful as well as visually appealing.

Always Remember,

The aim of your writing should be clear; you need to provide genuine information to your target audience and this approach helps both your readers and you grow together.

Also, sharing my favorite quote with you all !!

“What is the essence of the art of writing? Part One: Have something to say. Part Two: Say it well.”― Edward Abbey

Types of Article Writing — Basic Format

Just take a look at this table and understand the different parts of article writing if you are a beginner article writer.

My favorite one is Narrative Writing as it encourages me to find my voice and writing style in so many directions.

You can find your style too because all you need is the right direction.

So keep reading the coming part of article writing format and I know you will find something better from it.

HIGHLIGHT #2: Article Writing Format (With Case Study) — Advanced Format

With the four article types we have discussed previously, let's now delve into the recommended format for article writing approach.

For that, we are going to break down the structure into small steps along with one Example Practical Study discussion so that we may understand how to create good and engaging content by following a better format of article writing.

Here are:

1. Choose a Topic

To begin the process of writing an article, we need to grasp the art of selecting a topic in a strategic manner.

For that, you need to opt for a topic that genuinely captures your interest and connects with your knowledge.

And if you are a subject-matter expert on that then it would be a bonus point.

This may involve online research, analyzing your competitors' work, reading books or articles, or interacting with experts in the industry.

Tip: If you don't have subject expertise, consider the 80/20 Pareto Rule.

Ensure that your chosen topic makes a balance, which means being focused enough to handle effectively as well as broad enough to hook the reader's interest.

Let's look at the example of Neil Patel's Blog where he targeted “Small Buisnesses” in his Topic choice.

Why did I choose this Example? Because he has subject expertise. Also, he owns a Digital Business too so he has years of experience in that.

2. Outline the Topic

To streamline our writing plan we need a framework which we also called an Outline that would include a Title/Heading, Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

We are discussing step by step:

a) Title or Heading of Topic

A good headline should be simple to understand, emotion-evoking or touch on your personal experiences, and focuses relevant keyword to the primary topic.

To continue with our previous example we know the targeted topic i.e., “Small Businesses” (See previous section picture)

Here we can see that Neil's title intent is clear and focuses on primary keywords as well which will be helpful to the article's visibility in search engines in other ways. Looks Good!

b) Introduction

Imagine you're embarking on a fascinating journey through the world of words, where the introduction acts as your trusty guide.

Just like a skilled storyteller, the introduction acts as a signpost pointing you in the right direction while at the same time speaking your curiosity.

Continuing analyzing Neil's post where you see how he holds the article's essence and reveals why this topic is an absolute must-know.

Important Checklist:

He started his digital business some years ago so he has absolute expertise.

His friendly experiences are reflected in this post and I thoroughly enjoyed his writing flow. Good to go!

Used some Subheadings to break up the article into easily digestible sections.

Super easy Language, not stuffing any fancy words!

Give us a clear idea of what to expect.

Keeps a balance between both his readers and his own perspectives.

c) Body ━ The Key Part of Article Format

Consider the article body section as the powerhouse that follows through all the interesting and valuable pieces of information when you're speaking about your subject.

In this specific part, we don't want to present our readers with a lot of information at once that might trip up our audience.

For that, you need to keep things accessible by dividing material into manageable chunks that are quick to read.

To really capture your readers' attention, sprinkle in some examples of your practical experiences and storytelling techniques.

Now, we don't want our paragraphs to feel like islands disconnected from each other.

That's where transitional words and phrases come in.

They act as bridges, seamlessly linking one paragraph to the next and maintaining a smooth flow throughout the article.

So whether you're introducing a new idea, contrasting two points, or showing a cause-and-effect relationship, these handy tools will keep your readers happily following along.

Another important factor you must consider is wrapping up your article with a compelling call to action that motivates your readers to take a meaningful step related to the topic.

If it aligns with the nature of your article, consider including this gentle nudge toward action.

It could be a suggestion to implement the knowledge they've gained, explore further resources, or even engage in a relevant discussion.

By providing this call to action, you empower your readers to go beyond passive consumption and become active participants in the subject matter.

Now,

Let's see what Neil is doing in his blog post which we have been discussing so far.

You may Read his complete article for a deep understanding.

Some Important Checklists:

He follows a content experience that is informative, engaging, call-to-action, and effortlessly enjoyable. Good to Go!

d) Conclusion

It's time to write a sound conclusion that brings everything together as you reach the end of your article. This concluding section serves as a valuable summary, recapping the key points you've covered throughout the piece.

It's like a gentle reminder, ensuring that your readers leave with a clear understanding of the main takeaways.

But don't stop there!

A great conclusion goes beyond mere repetition.

It offers a touch of finality by providing some closing thoughts on the topic leaving your readers with a parting gift of insightful final thoughts.

We are also wrapping up the last analysis of Patel's article.

3. Peer Feedback

Setting up time for proofreading and peer feedback on your post after you've finished writing article would be a bonus point.

This step is where you polish your work and give it that professional shine.

Begin by meticulously scanning for grammatical errors or pesky typos that may have slipped through the cracks.

Next, shift your focus to the overall flow and clarity of your piece.

Ensure that your ideas are expressed with precision and coherence, allowing your readers to effortlessly follow along.

And note that, your peer feedback helps fill the gaps where you are missing see some perspective from your reader's perspectives.

NOW,

If you are at this point of your read I will highly encourage you to analyze the section completely on your own at least once and let me know in the comments of your important checklist from this case study.

Let's learn together!

HIGHLIGHT #3: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing

Here are some really common mistakes you should consider avoiding when writing an article on any topic.

1. Poor grammar and spelling

Nothing can deter readers quicker than stumbling upon content riddled with grammar and spelling blunders.

Take the time to thoroughly proofread your article, ensuring that it is free of such errors.

Your words deserve to shine brightly without distractions.

2. Lack of clarity

Clear communication is key when it comes to engaging readers.

For that, you need to avoid convoluted sentences or vague explanations that leave your audience scratching their heads. Instead, strive for clarity and simplicity, allowing your ideas to resonate with ease.

Overlooking the target audience: Keep your readers in mind at all times

So make sure to tailor your article accordingly using a tone and style that speaks directly to your intended audience.

3. Excessive Keywords Stuffing

Overusing keywords is bad for your article's health.

I can understand that when it comes to the search visibility factor it is important to use keywords in your content, but it is equally important to understand that overusing keywords will be bad for your article too.

Overloading your content with keywords not only creates an unnatural and forced tone but also has detrimental effects on your search engine rankings.

You need to prioritize using keywords in a natural and strategic manner throughout your article.

By striking a balance, you can maintain a harmonious blend of engaging content for your readers and improved visibility for search engines.

4. Inconsistent article flow and structure

A well-structured article is a pleasure to read.

To do that, ensure a smooth flow by organizing your thoughts logically and using appropriate transitions between paragraphs.

You can guide your readers effortlessly from one idea to the next, creating a seamless reading experience.

5. Lack of originality

In a sea of content, standing out is essential. So avoid providing repetitive information that can be found anywhere else.

The solution to this is to infuse your article with fresh perspectives, unique insights, or personal anecdotes that captivate your readers and make your article resonates with them.

HIGHLIGHT #4: Best Resources for Article Writers

Becoming a proficient article writer requires commitment and regular practice but rest assured, you won't be alone on this path.

I will provide you with some Traditional vs AI writing Resources that will support you every step of the way.

AI Resources

1. ChatGPT
2. Bard
3. Quillbot
4. Japer.ai
5. Inkforall
6. Writesonic ai
7. Copy.ai
8. Articoolo
9. Copysmith
10. And Many More

Traditional Resources

1. Grammarly
2. Hemingway Editor
3. Join Podcasts: Writing Excuses
4. Online Writing Communities: Facebook writing groups, Reddit's r/writing, and Twitter
5. Writing Courses, like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare

My Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, mastering the art of article writing is a game-changer for any writer eager to create exceptional content.

The journey is challenging but don't worry we all are on the same page when staring out!

I hope by following the article writing format outlined in my this comprehensive guide, you'll unlock the power to captivate your readers with your effective writing style approach, and even boost your Search engine optimization game.

Additional FAQs about Article Writing

Here are some most frequently asked questions (from google) about the format of article writing format.

1) What is the structure of an article?

When crafting an article, keep these three components in mind:

One — a captivating introduction where you give the reader a preview of what's to come.

Two — a well-developed body where you'll provide the primary concepts, supported by relevant details and compelling examples.

And,

Last — a satisfying conclusion which serves as a fitting wrap-up to the article.

2) What are the five qualities of a good article?

A good article possesses five essential attributes:

One — Clarity where the information is organized in a logical manner making it accessible to readers.

Two — Relevance addresses topics of interest that resonate with the target audience.

Three — Engagement captivates readers by being interesting, intriguing, or thought-provoking.

Four — Uniqueness adds value and makes the article stand out in a crowded field.

And,

Last — Accuracy where a good article upholds factual integrity and reliability.

3) Which style of writing is better?

The writing style that works best depends on the purpose and audience of your article. There are four traditional writing styles: expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive.

Each style's strategy works according to the aim of your content.

So, when choosing a writing style for your article, consider your purpose and audience, but always remember to prioritize clarity, conciseness, and engagement.

4) How do you make an article interesting?

In order to create an intriguing article, you need to capture the reader's interest right from the start with an attention-grabbing headline and opening.

One effective way to keep them engaged is by employing storytelling techniques and weaving real-life examples they can relate to.

Also, consider opting for simple, straightforward language that everyone can easily understand.

5) Where to Find Work as an Article Writer?

There are many ways to find work as an article writer. Here are some:

• Freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, job boards such as Indeed or Linkedin, and direct outreach to companies or publications are all potential sources of opportunities.
• Additionally, you have the option to publish your work on platforms like Medium, Linkedin Blogpost, Vocal Media, Hubspot, and more.
• Building a network of fellow writers and professionals in your field can also open doors to new possibilities.

6) What makes a bad article?

An article is considered subpar when it exhibits various shortcomings in its execution.

These include:

• Inadequate writing quality, lack of relevance, or inaccuracies.
• A poorly crafted article may lack structure and fail to captivate the reader's attention.
• It might also lean towards being overly promotional or biased, lacking the necessary objectivity.
• May displays errors in grammar and spelling, while also neglecting to provide proper attributions or credible sources.