Catering to Your Target Audience
Conveying a specific message in a written article is no easy feat. Audience expectations fall on every point of the information spectrum. One of the biggest mistakes that article writers make is to try to accommodate too many readers. The more general an article becomes in order to meet the interests of a wide readership, the more focus it loses. This leads to an article that oftentimes appeals to no one at all. A small niche audience is always better than no audience at all.
The first step to writing an effective article is to determine who you are trying to reach. Once you pinpoint your audience, you can cater to their interests and needs. Similarly, in deciding your target audience, you must establish why this specific group of people will be interested in what you are writing about. This may require the writer to research the concerns and values of this group of people.
In deciding the issues that are most pertinent to your audience, be attentive to the best methods of communicating with this group. Choosing the type of language and the general structure of your article can be important choices in the process of effectively reaching customers. In the same way your vocabulary may slightly change from a professional setting to a social environment, you will want to consider whether you should use a more serious or casual tone. While an overtly scholarly vocabulary sounds educated to one group, it sounds pretentious to another. Know the general perceptions of your target audience and you will more easily communicate with them.
Upon determining how to convey your message, you must determine what exactly that message is. Have a clear idea of what you are trying to say before you begin writing. Articles that wander from topic to topic with no precise goal tend to lose the interest of readers before they get past the second paragraph. Make a concise point in the initial paragraphs and use the rest of the article to solidify that point.
Providing examples is one of the most effective ways of backing up your message. These examples can include fabricated anecdotal stories or real life events. Writers will oftentimes use highlighted events in the media with which almost any reader will be familiar. If you do choose to utilize stories from real life events, make sure you consult valid sources for accurate information.
Sometimes such an example can serve as an important cohesive element in your article that helps tie everything together. Establishing a slogan or common thread that is referenced throughout the article makes for a more interesting article. Whether it is a real life example you continue to come back to, or a buzz word that is used in multiple forms throughout the article, a repeated concept will help hold your article together.
Another way in which your article gains credibility is through the process of fact checking and editing. You must avoid spelling and grammatical errors in order to appear educated and knowledgeable. In the same way, you will also want to make sure your facts and figures; you may very well be asked to provide solid evidence to support your message.
Such accountability is dependent on both your audience and the places in which your article is published. Some readers will be more attentive than others. Potential publishers are as important to keep in mind when writing as potential readers. The publishers know their audience; you will want to adjust your writing style to appeal to the publishers you are targeting as well as your end reader.
While it takes time to ponder these various considerations related to the writing process, you will find they will help your article achieve a higher level of success. Write directly to your readers and they will hear you. This is the best way to see your articles gain recognition and respect amongst your target audience.
Related Tags: writing articles, article marketing, writing tips, better writing
Jackson Summerford holds court at his blog, Summerford Sums It Up.Find more tips for writers Article Marketer, a wildly popular article distribution service.http://www.articlemarketer.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Beginning of the Cataloging Code
The first significant cataloging code was published in 1841. The realization that cooperation and s - In the Lap of the Gods 24
Life moved on. Lily became well liked by both students and staff because of her cheerful outlook on - In the Lap of the Gods 23
Does fate decide the future? Is it all mapped out for us, predestined, or can we influence what com - Write Your Memoir: How to Write About What Troubles You the Most
Everyone has a story to tell, and unfortunately those stories aren't always pleasant. What makes me - How Crafty Word Order Can Instantly Improve Your Writing
by Philip Yaffe I am usually very reticent about offering writing tips. Unless they are linked to - You Say Grandpa, I Say Deda
I was born with two grandmothers but only one grandfather. In nature's rules of familial supply and - My Russian American Dichotomy
I was a Russian girl and an American teenager. I had no choice about the first but I tried very har - In the Lap of the Gods 22
This is just an explanation for those who have read some of the other Chapters of, "In the Lap of t - Write a Book: 8 Reasons You Should Do it
Studies have shown that 82% of people want to write a book, but few of these actually ever achieve - Book Review: the Book of Common Prayer
Book Review: The Book of Common Prayer, "My carry-with-me copy is this size, and I recommend it for
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Real Estate Investment - Investing In Commercial Properties
As in any other type of investment, its obviously advisable to do your research well so that the pro - Taking Care Of Acne Prone Skin With Proper Skin Care Products
Although acne has been largely associated with teeners and puberty, the condition is not only confin - Do I Really Need Eight Hours Of Sleep Each Night?
What if you were told that there is no definitive answer for why we need to sleep? Your initial reac - How to Improve Your FICO Credit Score
If you didn't know this already, having a good credit score is more important than having a lot of c - 10 Tips for a Magnificent Memory
"Where did I leave my keys?" "What did I come in here for?" "Your glasses are on top of your head!" - Things You Might Like To Know About Card Companies
If you have a regular income and are 18 or over then you may be able to get a credit card. You will - Bad Breath in Babies and Toddlers
If your baby or toddler has had bad breath lately, not to worry. There are plenty of things you can - Starving College Students No More
The majority of today's college students are extremely Internet savvy. In fact, many of those studen - Cosmetic Surgery Financing: How Can You Get It?
Cosmetic surgery, a branch of plastic surgery, can be quite expensive, especially if you are plannin - Article Marketing, Improve Your Ranking With Links
Article Marketing, without a doubt remains the best free formula for attracting website traffic. At