Fill-in-the-Blank Template for DIY Articles

[FernHill]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading on some other threads how agonizing some people find it to write their content. I feel a bit guilty because I find it so easy! But I know that many, many people find it difficult so if that describes you - don't feel like you are alone.

I've prepared a template for anyone who wants to write a do-it-yourself (DIY) article. Please feel free to use this template, amend it and make it your own. I hope it helps, and if it does I will try to find the time to write a few more templates.

A few notes on the template:

1) where it says "keyword phrase" you usually want to use your exact keyword phrase. Of course, sometimes it won't fit properly into the wording of the sentence so you may have to modify it so that it sounds right. As long as you have your exact keyword phrase in the article title, first sentence and final sentence, you'll be in accordance with the 30DC method.

2) I've given four potential article titles. Obviously you choose only one of them.

3) This template has 330 words as is. Once you fill in the blanks you should have a 400 - 600 word article.

FILL-IN-THE BLANK TEMPLATE FOR DIY ARTICLE

Article title: Five Tips for _______ (keyword phrase) Success
Article title: Getting Started in _________ (keyword phrase)
Article title: Time to __________ (keyword phrase)?
Article title: Save Money by ________ (keyword phrase).

If you're __________ (ready, keen, determined) to _________ (keyword phrase e.g. make your own sausages), there are some important things you need to know before you begin. Just follow these five tips for __________ (e.g. (keyword phrase success; getting started in keyword phrase; having fun with keyword phrase; saving money with keyword phrase).

1. A important factor when you start to ___________ (keyword phrase) is making sure that you __________ (tip #1). The reason why this is important is because __________. If you don't ____________ (restate tip), then you run the risk of _________ (what might go wrong).

2. Another important consideration for _________ (keyword phrase) is where you __________ (tip #2, e.g. buy your plans, get your materials, set up your workspace). It's critical that you ____________ (the recommended way to do it, e.g. buy from a reputable supplier; have good ventilation) because ____________ (why it's important). If you make sure that you _________ (the right way to do it), then you'll be fine.

3. You don't have to ___________ (a common misconception that people might have about this activity) in order to _________ (keyword phrase). All you need to do is _________, and make sure that you ___________.

4. Instead of complicating ___________ (keyword phrase) efforts by __________ and _________ (expensive or hard ways to do it e.g. buying a commercial oven; buying expensive business cards), try it this way: ____________ and then _________ (the alternate way e.g. use your home oven; get free cards from Vistaprint). In fact, if you ____________, then you will find that _________.

5. Have you considered ___________ (a novel idea, e.g. setting up a wholesale account at a local supplier; sharing expenses with a neighbour)? It's not as difficult as you might think. What you need to do is ____________.

So if you really want to __________ (keyword phrase), follow these tips to __________ (a benefit e.g. save money on; make money with; enjoy your; please your family with your) __________ (keyword phrase).

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30DC 2006, 2007, 2008

[granite]

@FernHill
Hi -
Thank you so much for doing this. I really appreciated I too struggle with content. I'm new to 30DC this year and new to IM. I have bought quite a bit of IM information and done some research, particularly on article marketing. I signed up for an account at articlemarketer.com (I know I should put commercial stuff in these forums) BUT WAIT. There is a free tool you can download at that site that allows you to drop in words and phrases and a few paragraphs and creates article for you. It has helped me to create structure. The content part I get inspired by news I read. So that's how it works for me.
Thanks again and nice to meet you.
Lisa

[woody70]

2 Great posts, and very useful information for beginners especially, as article writing can be very tasking.

Thanks
Paul

[c.reames]

Thanks for the template FernHill. I have really struggled with the article writing. Your template is a tremendous help.

[FernHill]

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone! I love knowing that it helped.

[1PhillySteve]

Was just getting to log off when i saw your post. OMG what a great idea and a time saver...ought to be a sticky!

Thanks FernHill....1PhillySteve

[vancollins]

Great post. Thanks.

[John Nettleton]

Fernhill, Many thanks!. I am going to give it a try today so fingers crossed.

[FernHill]

Thanks again for the feedback everyone! And good luck

[dougmcisaac]

Thanks for sharing.

Doug