10 tips for writing 10 tips articles

Posted March 23rd, 2009 by David Hamill

I thought it would be fun to write 10 tips for people who write 10 tips articles. The title is a bit of a joke, but hopefully you’ll find the tips themselves quite useful. So here goes.

1. Stick to what you know

Your post will be a lot more interesting if you actually know the subject you’re writing about. 10 tips posts are often just a poor regurgitation of a number of other blog posts from elsewhere. The lack of knowledge shown by the author can be pretty obvious.

You don’t need to produce revolutionary ideas to justify the post. We all have different skill sets and there are lots of people who don’t know what you know. So write about it.

2. Put the most interesting tips at the top

The tips at the top will get more attention than those lower down the page. So put the most interesting ones first.

Some people will arrive at your post with the sole purpose of commenting on it. They may read a few of your tips and then just scroll down to find your comments form. Others will have a quick look and leave if nothing grabs their interest.

Lead with your most interesting tips and you’re more likely to convert some skimmers into readers.

3. Use short and simple sentences

Write short and simple sentences. Lots of people will be skimming through the article. So the more complex your sentences are, the more likely they are too miss your point.

As well as this, avoid using complex words and sentences in an attempt to add credibility to your argument. If you write like somebody trying to sound clever, you’ll just sound like an idiot.

At the same time though, you don’t want your post to be too dry. So add a few words here and there that communicate your personality.

4. Front-load your paragraphs

Try to make your basic point in the first sentence of the first paragraph of each tip. Then follow your main point with your supporting argument. This is called front-loading.

Some of your readers will only read the first few words of each paragraph. If they can’t tell what you’re trying to say immediately, they might skip past the paragraph entirely.

5. Keep it brief

Be careful not to write too much about each tip. Part of the reason this type of article is popular is because people don’t have time to read a thesis on the subject.

If the subject of the tip is too detailed to get across in a couple of short paragraphs, it’s probably worthy of it’s own blog post. Write a post about that subject first and then link to it when you publish your tips article.

This will let you publish 2 good posts and keep your 10 tips article punchy.

6. Write your tips as sub-headers first

Start by writing the sub-headers for all of your tips. You can then just write the detail underneath each sub-heading.

Sub-headers are navigation. They help people navigate through the page by finding the points that interest them. So your reader should be able to understand the tip just by reading the sub-header.

Provide descriptive sub-headings instead of clever ones and people are more likely to read on to get more detail.

7. Use bold text to help people skim

Bold text can help you to support your argument quickly and effectively. With the tip itself as your sub-header, you can embolden a few words that sum up your reasoning. So the gist of your tip can be understood at a glance. This helps people skim through your article.

But remember, bold text works because it contrasts with normal text. If you use it too much, there’s no contrast and it doesn’t work.

8. Leave it to rest for a while, then edit it

Let your post rest for a while before coming back to it. You’ll notice bits you’re not happy with. You’ll also notice your vanity sentences. These sentences exist because you liked writing them, rather than because they’re useful.

After a day or two you’ll notice these vanity sentences and realise they’re unnecessary.

9. Don’t put tips in just to make up the numbers

If you’ve only got 7 tips, don’t rummage around the web for 3 more, just to reach 10. You’re likely to weaken the credibility of your post.

A single lame tip can leave your reader with the impression that you’re not a reliable source. When they get this impression, they are less likely to share your article with others.

10. Er…don’t eat yellow snow

OK, you got me. I don’t have a tenth one.

Enjoy this post?

If so, you can read some of my other blog posts. They aren’t numbered, but they’re full of good advice. Here’s a few suggestions:

• Twitter, Tweetdeck and simplicity
• Learn to like the Back button
• Writing numbers

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Tags: web writing