Article Writing Tips

Writing articles isn't as hard as you may think. If you understand the rules of proper grammar, and you have a word processor or word processing software that includes a spell checker, writing articles becomes quite easy in fact. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Don't make it harder than it really is. This is the first mistake that most new article writers make. Think about what you want to say, then just start writing. Don't worry about spelling or grammar, just write until you have said all that you wanted to say. Editing comes after the information is down on paper - or on your computer screen in a document.

2. Don't get stressed over your topic. You already know what it is that you want to market, it's You! Look at your real estate service from a customers point of view. Visit forums where your customers participate and find out what their questions are.  Have you tried Yahoo Answers yet. Lots of questions in the real estate section. Loan Officers, there is a finance section too. Base your articles on those questions, answering the questions.

3. Don't make your articles too long or too short. Articles should be between 300 and 750 words, with the optimal length between 300 and 500 words. Use the word counter on your word processor, and don't go over or under these words.

4. Do not submit your article the minute you finish it. Put it away and come back to it later. Read it over and make sure that you have said what you wanted to say, and then have someone else read it. Ask for constructive criticism, and really pay attention to what your test reader has to say.

5. You are writing an article, not a sales letter. The article should inform and lead readers to your website. The selling is done at the website. Articles that are obvious sales letters lose the readers respect and damage your credibility.

6. Stay Focused. Make sure your article stays on track. If you find yourself writing away from what you originally intended your article to be about, make a note about the new article idea you have accidentally found, and get back on track with your original plan.

7. Finally, write like you talk. Write like you are talking to a close friend. Don't try to use words that you have to look up in the dictionary. Use your everyday language, and your personality will shine through. Allowing your true personality to shine through in your articles is the first step to building a relationship with your readers.

Bob Gammache has been originating mortgages since 1991 and is the author of a mortgage education website at www.nva-mortgage.com. Bob has also been instrumental in the development of the Internet Dream Machine, a turn key business opportunity useful to many Realtors and Loan Officers trying to survive the housing slump.