Writing persuasive articles is a skill. Have you ever wondered why people prefer reading books of a few writers?

Or why people follow only a few journalists or report writers and their articles? The answer is very simple. It is because their writing impresses the reader. Persuasive articles attract the masses and hence reading such articles is not only informative but also a pleasure. It does require a lot of practice and skill to master the art of persuasive articles and anyone who has a flair for writing can do so very easily.

Understanding the Term

To understand how to write persuasive articles, one needs to understand the term persuasion properly. As per common perception, the word persuasion would mean that a particular point needs to be presented in such a way that people believe in the article and agree with the writer. There is however difference between persuasion and argument. Persuasive articles need to identify and understand this difference so that focus of the article is not shifted.

Difference between persuasive articles and Argumentative articles

Though both the type of articles are meant to influence the reader, but there is a very slight difference. In the argumentative style, there will be an issue that you want to argue upon. You are required to present your opinion on that issue and argue why your opinion is correct and not the others. In the persuasive articles, you are coaxing the reader to believe that your opinion is right and hence there has to be a lot of passion.

Features of Persuasive Articles

There can be different features that every type of article writing has. Even if you are learning how to write a literature review, you will have to follow particular guidelines. Similarly following are some of the features of persuasive articles:

The article is influential and is always one-sided. There is no confusion of thoughts at any stage and the point to be emphasized is obvious in the concept.

The language will be extremely powerful and influential. The persuasive articles are written in a particular style known as the rhetorical style. The approach is very emotional and passionate. This feature connects to the mind of the reader. Style of writing Persuasive articles

As mentioned before, the rhetorical style is used for writing the persuasive articles. In this traits like exaggeration, repetition or over emphasis on a certain point are used. The words are compiled in a very unusual way and that is what makes this style of writing different from the others. For e.g. this is bad, absolutely bad or horrible bad. The questions that are used in such persuasive articles are also the kinds in which the answer is in the question itself. Basically they are close ended questions.

Preparing to write Persuasive articles

Persuasive articles are not like SEO writing or professional letter and hence require a different kind of preparation. Every writer whether it is a web copywriter or a creative writer, wants their article to influence the reader. For this enough research and preparation is required. Following are some of the tips that will prepare you to write persuasive articles:

First and foremost, the writer needs to be convinced about the issue. There are definitely areas where one may not agree but still need to write. In such a case it is important that you convince your mind on the issue at least for the duration you are writing. Only if the writer believes in the particular argument or issue, then the point will come across through the persuasive articles. As a writer, you will need to take sufficient time. One can never rush with persuasive articles. Though persuasive articles do not require extensive research but deep thought on the point or issue to be presented is required. Hence the writer needs to relax and think well. Prepare your mind and then begin writing whatever comes to your mind and is associated with the issue. It is extremely important that you read the article again. It is best to write on topics you are aware of. This will automatically add the convincing factor to the persuasive articles.

Layout of Persuasive Articles

Why do most people prefer to buy articles or use the unique article wizard? The reason is because the writers who write articles professionally have over the years mastered the art of influencing the audience and conveying their point in the most convincing manner. With the help of a few guidelines and by understanding the layout, you too can begin writing persuasive articles. Following guidelines may help you begin well:

Just like every other article you will write in paragraph form. The first paragraph has to be like an attention monger. You need to create the impact write from your first sentence. The first paragraph must ideally be an introduction but a very impressive one. You need to convey the point without the direct mention of it. The next part will include coming to the point but not being very specific. You can present your opinion on the issue or topic in a subtle manner and give the most important reason for doing so at this stage. The way you conclude the initial stage or first or second paragraph of your article should keep the reader yearning for more. The next paragraph will have all the examples or instances or evidences that support your opinion or view on the topic. The paragraph that follows will have all the contradictions or oppositions to the views that you are presenting. The next paragraph of persuasive articles is trying to create a tandem between both the above paragraphs. In this particular paragraph, you will try and make the contradictions into positive points by giving favorable reasoning. The last paragraph again has to be very strong. It has to imprint your views on the mind of the reader. You can mention all the positive points in brief and keep the most exaggerated or rhetorical question or sentence for the last line of the persuasive articles. One of the most important tips by the writers store is Do not forget to proof read persuasive articles that you have written before submitting it. Persuasive Articles Change Minds and Move Mountains: The Power of Persuasive Articles

Many men have doubted the powers of persuasion, and even more have taken advantage of its powers. If there's anything that can move mountains, it's persuasion. Over the years, man has learned to play with the human mind in ways that would benefit him and would entice people to listen to what he has to say. However, persuasion is neither science nor math. There are no equations or formulas that would give you the perfect persuasive articles. Like art, persuasion is more fluid and dynamic, involving not only the writer (or speaker), but the audience as well. The key to success doesn't only depend on skill or charisma, but in knowing what the audience wants (in other words, how to tickle their fancy). The Psychology of Persuasion Some might consider persuasion as a manipulation of the mind. However, unlike manipulation, persuasion doesn't involve controlling another by unfair means. Persuasion works similar to planting an idea on someone's mind. The person is the one who chooses to believe in your persuasive articles, and your job is simply to lay out the facts. From a psychological perspective, persuasion takes one of two routes. The central route involves a lot of thinking, with the person focusing on your argument. This produces more enduring effects as opposed to the peripheral route, where incidental cues (e.g. speaker's attractiveness, article's font type) play a major role. For persuasive articles, there are less incidental cues, and the reader has more time to process what the articles say. For this reason, targeting the central route is more effective for persuasive articles. The peripheral route is more effective when the speaker talks rapidly and when the listener finds the message irrelevant. The Elements of Persuasion Whether persuasive articles or speeches are involved, these elements are essential as they form the basic building blocks. These elements are the following: the communicator (who writes the persuasive articles), the message content, the means (channel of communication), and the audience. Writing good persuasive articles involves taking each of these elements into account and using them as means of improving your article. Tips for improvement will be further discussed in the next section. Tips for Writing Great Persuasive Articles Persuasive articles range from those trying to sell a certain product or service, to those trying to advocate a certain argument. Here are a few tips that will help you make great persuasive articles: 1. Brainstorm If you still don't have a topic to write about, take time to think about it. You need a solid foundation on which you can base the rest of the article on. Before making a claim, make sure that you understand enough of your view. Read up and research not only about your view, but opposing views as well. 2. Identify the main topic.

Working around a main topic allows you to have an easier and more efficient time constructing good persuasive articles. It helps if the topic at hand is a personal issue, but if it isn't, act as if it is. Not only will it help you come up with good arguments, but it will also make you more determined in coming up with a good article. 3. Identify your audience. It's essential in all persuasive articles to take into account who the readers will be. Are you targeting an audience that's undecided or totally against your viewpoint? As mentioned, manipulating the elements of persuasion is a bit limited for persuasive articles. Again, assume that your reader is a thinker - remember that thinking makes strong messages effective, but discredits weak messages. 4. Start strong. After your title, the first paragraph or your introduction is the next 'make it or break it' point. Contrary to popular belief, starting with a question isn't good practice. Instead, start with another attentiongrabber that provides a general statement of what your whole argument is about. Make your thesis statement clear but concise. Adding a bit of controversy will certainly catch your reader's attention. 5. Divide your article into short paragraphs. As with any other type of article, too long paragraphs might bore the reader. Start with a new paragraph for every supporting statement as this will allow the reader to think more clearly and grasp the concepts better. Make sure that the last sentence of each paragraph allows for a smooth transition to the next statement. 6. Acknowledge your opposition. Many writers make the mistake of praising their viewpoint too much. Addressing the opposing view allows the reader to weigh his options, and puts you in a better light. This way, the reader will not think that you're biased and this will make you more credible. 7. Present good evidence. Good supporting statements are the basic building blocks of persuasive articles. Good evidence may mean the difference between accepting an idea or rejecting it. 8. Reason versus Emotion Again, this is a psychological aspect of persuasion. For persuasive articles, focus on appealing to reason. Emotion is aroused by factors such as food, music and photos, and is perhaps more useful in persuasive speeches. 9. Primacy vs. Recency

Usually, statements mentioned first are most persuasive. However, later statement may be more persuasive if it immediately precedes the decision. This illustrates the need for a strong introduction and conclusion. 10. End strong and proofread. Make a great conclusive paragraph that summarizes your viewpoint and supporting statements. Make sure to proofread the entire article. You can also ask others to read your article and ask them to comment. Advantages of Persuasive Articles As mentioned in the previous sections, persuasive articles are used to advocate a specific viewpoint or to advertise a certain product or service. The better persuasive articles you have, the more people are pushed into action. Remember that your goal is not only to entice people to read your articles, but to move them, whether literally or figuratively. This is how the world's many religions work, and look where they stand today. Persuasive articles are no different. Thomas Caryle, a British historian, once said "Not brute force but only faith and persuasion are the kings of this world". Considering that faith works through persuasion, persuasive articles are definitely more than enough to move mountains. The method used to write persuasive articles is different than any other form of writing. Using the written word to get someone to take a specific action or thing a specific way can be a challenge. However, by using persuasive article, the entire flow from reading to purchase can be on rails. In other words, each section of the article will flow into the next and eventually to a checkout page. There are four sections to every well written persuasive article; this article will discuss each of the four. Section One In the first section you have to introduce yourself and what you are going to be writing about. Ultimately, if you are selling a product, you want to introduce the product and let the reader know why you are an expert on the product. In fact, it may be better to let the reader know that you are an expert on whatever the product does to make your life easier. In other words, it is better to be an industry exert rather than a product expert. All persuasive articles must have a section where you let the reader know that you have the experience and the expertise to recommend a product or service. Section Two In the second section, it is best to lay out what the problem is that is being addressed by the product. This is not the sales portion of the document and you can probably get away with never even mentioning the product. You may want to talk about the pain that is caused by X, and how you looked high and low for a product that can fix the problem.

So far we have identified you as an expert, and connected with the reader of a problem that we are both having or in your case used to have. This is the art of persuasive articles and these two sections are arguably the most important of the entire document. In just two short sections the reader is beginning to trust you as an authority and connect with you over the common problem. Section Three A lot of you may be looking to close the deal, but not yet! In this section it is time to discuss how you solved the problem. You can now drop the name of the product that fixed your problem. However, this is still not the time for sales. Talk about how your life is easier now because of the product, or how you are so glad that you dont have that problem anymore thanks to the product. At this point you are just giving advice from an expert to a novice. This is the real hook in the persuasive article, once they get to this point they are looking forward to hearing about the solution. Here is where you give it to them. Section Four Now it is time to close the deal. However, I find it best to still avoid the hard sell. Instead, go with something like you have to look around for the product, but you found it here. Or, it may be best to discuss what one retailer has over another. You put in the time to do the research so your reader doesnt have to. I know a lot of people format their persuasive articles differently and tend to put something that is actionable in each section. To me this looks too sales oriented and often may turn people off. By using this approach the reader is making their own decision and they will never feel like you are trying to trick them. In other words, less equals more. Persuasive Articles Summary To summarize the content you create should have a flow where each section get the reader one step closer to solving their problem. In the last section, and only the last section, you can end with the closer. By the time they are done reading the article, they should be ready to buy. If not, they are certainly ready to leave your content and you are going to provide them with a very convenient link to do so. This alone will up your conversions and ultimately earn you more money. If nothing else, try to write some of your persuasive articles using this format, you may be surprised by the outcome.

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