what are the basic rules of content writing?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by shekharriyat, Apr 2, 2009.

  1. #1
    I just want to know the basic guidelines of content writing. like font stle and size really matters ??? and other things also.
     
    shekharriyat, Apr 2, 2009 IP
  2. Lakshmi SEO

    Lakshmi SEO Well-Known Member

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    #2
    format and all based on the requirement of client.Some expect Seo articles, which must be keywords rich and proper appearance of key words.Some expect essay and research paper for which the writer should have the knowledge of APA,MLA,chicago and some more style of writing. Yes Font and size matters.
     
    Lakshmi SEO, Apr 2, 2009 IP
  3. danzig

    danzig Peon

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    #3
    I would say:

    Mention the keywords a few times but don't overdo it.
    Write in a nice readable font.
    Break up blocks of text into small readable chunks.
    Have a good headline to hook the reader and also put sub headings at the start of new paragraphs - all adds to an easier read.
     
    danzig, Apr 2, 2009 IP
  4. CreativeElement

    CreativeElement Peon

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    #4
    Nice amount of keywords, not to big of a font, use of paragraphs, and a good headline. This is what I aim for and I know a lot of others do to.
     
    CreativeElement, Apr 2, 2009 IP
  5. SuccessGuru

    SuccessGuru Active Member

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    #5
    Brilliant Headline, Quality Content, Images Included, and so on..
     
    SuccessGuru, May 6, 2009 IP
  6. coolamazer

    coolamazer Peon

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    #6
    Go over to copyblogger.com. I guess that is the best authoritative site to get quality information on how to write articles. 3 cheers to brian
     
    coolamazer, May 6, 2009 IP
  7. aphrodite

    aphrodite Peon

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    #7
    You can visit Triond's WritingHood. The site has so many tips on writing and content production. Yes, the right keywords have to be used in the article a few times for search engine optimization.
     
    aphrodite, May 6, 2009 IP
  8. peejaydee

    peejaydee Peon

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    #8
    In terms of content, that should really be prescribed by your customer. Stick to your brief and you can't go wrong. If it's web page content you're producing, then the format you produce it in is irrelevant as the style and format of the eventual web page will dictate font, size, layout etc. I would try to be as format-neutral as possible. Try using notepad believe it or not. It's far from perfect but your customer will not have any cut and paste issues later as they probably will have if you use MS Word.
    If you're not writing web page content, ask your customer for a copy of their style guide. If they don't have one, opportunity knocks - offer to write one for them!
     
    peejaydee, May 7, 2009 IP
  9. Morphineadaicted

    Morphineadaicted Peon

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    #9
    Good title, quality of the content and good grammar and also moderate length in my words...
     
    Morphineadaicted, May 9, 2009 IP
  10. givankumar

    givankumar Peon

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    #10
    A quality content with a medium length and good grammar skills are the tips in my words for content writing..
     
    givankumar, May 10, 2009 IP
  11. Reprobate

    Reprobate Guest

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    #11
    Font style and size is about presentation rather than being a basic rule for content writing.

    Keeping with the presentation part, you might also want to consider column width.

    But getting back to content writing... learn how to be a good writer. How to effectively communicate whatever the point is you're trying to make. There are lots of good books about writing styles. And I'd stick to the ones that AREN'T about writing online. First learn the real basics of writing. And then grow from there.
     
    Reprobate, May 19, 2009 IP
  12. @phang

    @phang Active Member

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    #12
    Good quality, well-researched content backed up by a linguistic flair and strong grammar. These should be the cornerstones of any brief from a customer.
     
    @phang, May 19, 2009 IP
  13. the writer

    the writer Well-Known Member

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    #13
    I'm going to go slightly different, but not too much. I don't think the font type of size matters all that much because people are going to change it for their needs anyway. However, if they can't read it because it's too small, that won't help.

    Also, I don't think they care overly much about titles either, although if they ask for it that's a different thing. I'm often asked just to write articles about an overall topic, and then I supply them with a bunch of articles on that topic. I'm bad with titles, by the way. :)

    As to the rest, everyone's pretty much got it right. Getting those keywords in a few times is a big deal, although sometimes, while writing, you'll either notice you've popped the keywords in a bunch of times or only once, so balance is the key. If you're using your keyword a bunch of times, finding ways to turn it into keyword phrases might help.

    Spacing is something I've had to learn in writing for others. I'm used to paragraphs containing the same theme, since that's how I was taught to write over 30 years ago, but these days, readers seem to need a bit more white space, so that particular rule of grammar has been modified.

    After that, getting the information correct and writing with a little bit of personality will carry you a long way.

    I hope that helps.
     
    the writer, May 21, 2009 IP
  14. dannyrich

    dannyrich Peon

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    #14
    Even i agree with the fact that the font n its size doesnt really matters much,wat matters is that writing shud be unique n shud use simple but catchy language....dats it u shud remember these small pts.
     
    dannyrich, May 22, 2009 IP
  15. Reprobate

    Reprobate Guest

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    #15
    I guess now would be a good time to point out that spelling should also be put high on the priority list.
     
    Reprobate, May 24, 2009 IP
  16. rogerrnicholas

    rogerrnicholas Peon

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    #16
    If you want to become a good writer. It's also important to make your book as memorable as possible. It is necessary and most important to revise the content. If you post it without reading it and then finding mistakes and correcting it again and again is not going to prove beneficial to you. You make a uniqe presentation of An Article.
     
    rogerrnicholas, Jun 23, 2009 IP
  17. Kat Fuschillo

    Kat Fuschillo Peon

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    #17
    Check out ezinearticles.
    That will give you a good idea on the content style and the design ideas of your article layout.

    Don't try to use complicated terms and phrases - write to a beginners level, so everyone understands what you're saying.

    Your title is key - so make sure it's eye catching and makes people want to read your article.

    I hope this helps.

    Kat Fuschillo
     
    Kat Fuschillo, Jun 23, 2009 IP
  18. vistasad

    vistasad Peon

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    #18
    Actually when you look at it if you follow the rules outlined above you will be writing quite well. I feel like reiterating the white space between lines that definitely helps in reading.
     
    vistasad, Jun 24, 2009 IP
  19. sarah_harvey

    sarah_harvey Active Member

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    #19
    Normal font size: 12
    Good font: Arial/ Times New Roman/ Verdana

    Font depends on what you do though. I am a big fan of Arial because it looks neater than Times New Roman :p

    Start with 'Intro' -> Body-> Climax-> End!

    How hard can that be.

    Don't worry about other things. Follow with a dash of thoughtfulness and stir it with some creativity and you have a winner!
     
    sarah_harvey, Jun 29, 2009 IP
  20. mariner7

    mariner7 Peon

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    #20
    To capture and lead the reader's imagination.

    To offer an effective solution to their problem(s)

    To lead them through the entire process with finesse, so that they take their credit card out of their wallet and make a purchase.
     
    mariner7, Aug 10, 2009 IP