How a Novice Writer Can Produce an Article (With Just Free Tools)
I. Overview
One of the best ways to help people, share your knowledge, and establish your internet profile is to write articles. Articles can reach a worldwide audience, regardless of your goals—informing, inspiring, or solving problems. Using only free resources and helpful guidance, this tutorial takes you through every stage, from selecting a topic to publishing and making money.
II. Picking a Subject
Start by identifying your skills or passions: What do you enjoy or are you aware of?
Start by identifying your areas of expertise or interest: what do you have a strong interest in or knowledge about?
Look at the patterns: Search Google Trends, Quora, Medium, or Reddit for popular subjects.
Recognise your readers: For whom are you writing? What interests and needs do they have?
III. Investigation and Idea Generation
Do extensive research: Look for already published articles and discussions on Quora, Medium, Reddit, and Google.
Determine any gaps: What hasn't been discussed or could be clarified?
Make use of Google Trends: Visit Google Trends. Put your topic here. Examine interest trends and associated questions.
Try the free keyword tools AnswerThePublic and Ubersuggest.
Verify facts and reference sources: Always double-check data and use reliable resources.
IV. Formulating a Plan
Why create an outline? maintains the organisation and focus of your writing.
Organisation:
Headline: Craft an attention-grabbing headline.
Use a question, a fact, or a tale to pique the reader's interest in the introduction.
Body: Divide the major ideas into discrete parts.
Provide a summary and a call to action at the end.
Transitions: To easily lead readers, use expressions like "Next," "For example," or "In addition."
An example of an outline:
Headline: 7 Steps to Writing Your First Article
Introduction: The article's contents and the importance of writing
Selecting a Subject
Investigation and Idea Generation
Structure and Outline
Draughting
Proofreading and Editing
Earnings and Publication
Final thoughts
V. Draft Writing
Make use of brief sentences and straightforward language.
Use the active voice when writing.
A clear topic sentence should be used to begin each paragraph.
Make use of lists, bullet points, and headings.
Include statistics, anecdotes, or examples.
Steer clear of or clarify jargon.
For interest, change up the phrase form.
Write in an atmosphere free from distractions, like FocusWriter.
Establish writing routines and goals. Make an effort to write frequently.
Bad vs. Good Illustration (Overview):
Bad: "It's good to write articles. You're capable. This post will explain how. Well done."
Good: "Have you ever wondered how bloggers begin their careers? Using solely free resources, this guide will walk you through the process of selecting a topic, conducting research, writing, and publishing your first article."
For instance:
Bad headline: "Writing Tips"
Good headline: "How to Write Your First Article in 7 Easy Steps (Free Tools Included)"
Sample Paragraph:
"Getting started is a challenge for many novice authors. Choosing a topic, for instance, can be intimidating. However, you may find out what people are interested in and get ideas for your next article by using free resources like Reddit and Google Trends."
VI. Proofreading and Editing
Before editing, take a short rest.
Read your article out loud to identify any problematic phrases.
Make use of free tools: Write & Improve, QuillBot Free, Grammarly Free.
Verify the following:
Punctuation, grammar, and spelling
Clearly defined structure and flow
Brief sentences
Transitions that make sense
Continual tone
Checklist for proofreading:
Are there any grammatical or spelling mistakes?
Are topic sentences used at the beginning of paragraphs?
Do transitions go smoothly?
Is there proof to back up every claim?
Get feedback by asking friends, using automatic feedback programs, or participating in online groups like Reddit's r/DestructiveReaders.
Respond constructively to criticism: Make use of feedback to improve your abilities.
VII. Accessibility, Visuals, and Formatting
Formatting: Make use of consistent headings, clear fonts, and appropriate space.
Visuals:
Get free photos from Pexels, Pixabay, or Unsplash.
Add descriptions to your photographs, such as "A student using a planner. (Image: Unsplash)".
For accessibility, include informative alt text.
Accessibility: Make use of legible typefaces, vivid contrasts, and informative image captions.
A mock-up:
An article that is properly designed includes a bold, unambiguous headline at the top, an attention-grabbing introduction, headings to divide the sections, brief paragraphs, bullet points for lists, and pertinent photos with alt text and captions.
VIII. Basics of SEO
SEO: What is it?
Your post will appear in Google searches with the use of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).
SEO on-page:
Incorporating keywords into the article's title, headings, and body.
Including alt text and meta descriptions for pictures.
Ensuring that your post is well-structured and easy to read.
SEO off-page:
Obtaining backlinks, or links from other websites, to your post.
Posting your article in forums or social media.
Example of a visual keyword:
Let’s say the topic of your article is "study tips for college students."
Keyword: college student study advice
Related keywords: student productivity, college focus techniques, and optimal study habits
Free Resources:
Ubersuggest
AnswerThePublic
Google Trends
IX. Publication and Profit
Platforms:
Medium.com: Apply for the Partner Program, use photos and tags.
Write useful, classic, or "evergreen" articles for HubPages.com.
Vocal.media: Spread the word about your link.
Blogger.com: After increasing traffic, link to Google AdSense.
Steemit & Publish0x: Involve the public.
Substack: Create an email list and provide newsletters for free or a fee.
Observe the submission requirements.
Monitor your progress:
Views, reads, or comments are displayed on most platforms. To find what works, look at the statistics.
Portfolio:
Keep your greatest pieces to present to potential employers or clients.
Have patience:
Consistent and high-quality earnings increase.
X. Revision, Growth, and Feedback
Ask for input from automated tools, internet forums, or peers.
Rewrite: Don't be scared to make changes to certain parts.
Read widely to get knowledge from excellent writers and publications.
Practice: To get better, write on a regular basis.
Take criticism well and use it to your advantage.
XI. Summary
You develop your ability to write articles with practice.
You may produce content that educates, motivates, and generates revenue by selecting pertinent subjects, conducting in-depth research, organising your thoughts, writing clearly, editing meticulously, formatting for ease of reading, optimising for search engines, and releasing on the appropriate channels.
Use communities and free tools to get help.
Get started now—your opinion counts!
Checklist for Quick Reference
Pick a subject that both you and your audience are interested in.
Use free resources to conduct research and generate ideas.
Your article's structure and flow should be outlined.
Use the active voice and few paragraphs to write clearly.
Use free tools and feedback to edit and proofread.
Format to make it accessible and readable.
Include alt text and images.
Use fundamental SEO.
You may monitor your development and publish on free platforms.
Get feedback, practise, and never stop learning.