Short articles can be just as powerful as longer ones (perhaps even more-so!) if they are written in the right way.
Writing shorter articles can get you out of a writing slump, give you a boost of enthusiasm, and help you write more quickly. If you're burnt out on writing or just want to try something new, experiment with writing quality articles with a limited word count.
Follow these guidelines for creating powerful, hard hitting, informative shorter articles:
1- Set a word count goal of 400-600 words.
There is such a thing as a 'too short' article--I would not advise going below 400 words, as that can restrict the number of publishers who are interested in your article.
2- Be very specific about your topic.
You can use a broad overview type of topic (example: "An Introduction To Article Marketing") or a topic that zooms in deep on a topic (example: "How To Write A Short Article").
Determine the focus of your article before writing--with a short article you don't have room to go off on a tangent!
3- Don't give away the store.
Yes, you should provide enough useful info to benefit your reader, but don't feel the need to explain every single detail. The article is like a taster that can whet your reader's appetite for more. The reader should be able to find more in depth helpful info back at your website.
Shorter articles can be hard hitting and informative if written strategically, but they can also look like a bit of useless fluff if they don't contain enough meat.
With all of your articles, your primary focus should be to provide helpful information for your readers. Yes, stick to your word count goals, but be sure to provide valuable information for your reader.
4- Organize your thoughts into an outline.
First, list all of the points you'd like to cover in order, then flesh out your points. Add an introductory and closing paragraph, and do a word count. Trim or add to your article as necessary to meet your word count goal.
5- Edit!
Say exactly what you want to say in as few words as possible. Eliminate redundancies, and only include info that is absolutely necessary in making your points.
Your Assignment:
=> This week focus on writing a shorter article between 400-600 words long.
=> Challenge yourself to write several short articles in one day using the guidelines I've listed here.
