01 Sep 10 How to Take Frequent Breaks Without Losing on Article Quality

In the last article, we talked why it is important for a write to finish one article in one sitting. I supplied quite a handful of reasons to support my claim. While writing that piece, at the back of my mind I had this feeling that there are times when a writer cannot just sit and write. He is bound to get distracted. What to do in such situations? And then I came with something that will help all of us leave our half-finished articles to attend other matters at hand. Let’s see how we can do that.

Prepare a structure for the article

Before you begin writing, you should create a structure of the article. When you undertake this exercise what you are basically doing is creating a skeleton which you will later fill with flesh, blood, and muscles. The structure of an article provides it a basic framework that will later be developed in a full grown article.

Divided the contents in subheadings

Once you know how your final article will look like, you need to divide your articles into sections and sub-sections using headings and subheadings for better readability. To break an article into sections and subsections apply the rule of thumb given below. The rule of thumb is: always put the important ideas into headings of an article, so that people know what individual paragraphs will talk about, and what the article, as a whole, is about.

Write down main points

Now it is time to add some flesh to the structure you have created so far. Under each headings and subheadings, write 2 or 3 bullet points that summarize the central idea of each paragraph, and which add up to make the complete paragraph.

That is it. You are done. Now only the filling up step is left, which could be done anytime, even after one or more breaks.

As said, the final step in the process is to write content beneath headings and subheadings using the main points (bullet points) that you have listed. By following this guide, you will be able to write good quality articles even when you take frequent breaks.

Tags: Back Of My Mind, Bound, Break, Bullet Points, Central Idea, Exercise, Flesh Blood, Frequent Breaks, Handful, Headings And Subheadings, Muscles, Paragraph, Paragraphs, People, Readability, Rule Of Thumb, Skeleton

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21 Aug 10 Why Brevity is Important in Direct Response Copywriting?

Speaking less and communicating more is considered gold in every walk of life then why is it not consider that much sacrosanct in direct marketing copy writing, particularly in online direct marketing copywriting? And why it is not followed by almost all of the online marketers and copywriters? I know there are some exceptions, but exceptions do not make a rule, do they?

How much should one write?

This is an important question to ask. And the answer to this lies in the understanding of your consumer mental makeup because customer in every category has different expectation from the stuff they find during the research. You need to find for yourself how much your customers are going to read.

Provide them less

Do not give your customer everything she wants. Create a craving for more information by providing only what she needs at the moment is one way to keep your prospects coming back for more. Do not just go over and spill all you know on the face of the audience, your audience may not be ready for that. He may never wanted to get all those information in one go.

Do not outstay your welcome

As there is an entry door, there is an exit door as well, and a smart person knows that, and he uses both doors at appropriate time. He understands that no matter how smart, cool, entertaining, or “fun to be with” guest is, people get bored if he does not leave at the appropriate time.

You should learn to do the same with your words. You need to teach them how to leave and at what point. Your words and the wisdom you are sharing with your audience should not outstay the welcome.

Take, talk, and talk, and people will die of boredom

This happens in a party, it happens at home, and it happens in copywriting as well. People cannot stand a constant chatter — not unless you are the most hilarious or knowledgeable guy in the whole universe who knows one thing and everything — therefore, you need to learn to keep your paragraph shorter, and paragraph way shorter, which should culminate in making the whole piece an inch shorter than customer wants.

Always remember, the only way to keep your customers engaged is to keep them craving for more. This could only happen if you know how much to speak and when to speak.

Tags: Audience, Boredom, Brevity, Constant Chatter, Direct Marketing, Direct Response, doors, Exceptions, Expectation, Gold, Mental Makeup, Online Marketers, Online Marketing, Paragraph, People, Prospects, Response Copywriting, Smart Person, Universe, Wisdom

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24 May 10 How to Write an Effective Cover Letter?

A cover letter accompanies resume to be mailed to the employer. It shouldn’t duplicate the resume, but complement it. It should be factual, informative, data oriented yet personal. Cover letter is your first opportunity to impress the recruiter, thus, writing an effective cover letter is of great importance. Writing a cover letter for the purpose of job often seems like a tedious task. But if certain steps and tips are followed it’s quite an easy. There are mainly 3 types of cover letters – the application letter (in response to a known job vacancy), prospecting letter (enquiring about prospective vacancy) and networking letter (requesting information and assistance in job search).

An ideal cover letter has 4 parts –

Salutation

Letter should address the person you wish to communicate with. This person may hire you. Spell the full name correctly.

Opening

Opening paragraph of the letter is very important, as it’s the first step to appeal to the reader. If you are applying in response to an advertisement, mention that.

Body

This is the most descriptive part of the letter. It should reflect your educational qualification as per your resume, your job experience. You have to sell yourself in most attractive package in this part.

Closing

End has to be interesting, humble and effective. At the end, request for an interview/appointment. Leave a thank note. Use standard complimentary notes like – ‘Sincerely yours’ or ‘Your faithfully’. Leave some space for your signature and below that type your full name.

How to craft the letter?

Customize the cover letter, as per the employer. Do research concerning the employer before writing the letter. Specifically relate your skills and aptitude with the job you are applying for.
Mention the source, from where you came to know about the given position. Don’t forget to mention title of the position you are applying for.
Mention reasons of your interest in the organization. To write in detail, do your homework about the company, its success stories, recent projects, and upcoming projects.
Only display relevant skills and experience. Don’t include unrelated ones.
Emphasize on your matching educational qualification, abilities, strengths, and achievements.

Remember certain important points while writing

Be brief and hit on the point
Don’t make mistake
Use word processor and spell check
Avoid clumsy fonts and colors

Don’t let the chances of casting a good impression go waste with a poor cover letter. Follow the guidelines and craft a brief effective cover letter. Attach it with your CV and send across. Cross your fingers and wait for the interview call. Good luck!

Tags: Advertisement, Application Letter, Aptitude, Attractive Package, Cover Letters, Educational Qualification, Enquiring, Informative Data, Interview Appointment, Job Letter, Job Search, Job Vacancy, Networking Information, Networking Letter, Paragraph, Recruiter, Salutation Letter, Signature, Tedious Task, Writing A Cover Letter

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