Whether you write for ezines, your own web site, or article directories, online readers love this free information, and will think of you as the savvy expert. They will then click onto your web site URL to see more. Just be sure to make your information crisp, clean, clear, and concise.

1. Keep your paragraphs short, even a line or two. Online readers will ignore long batches of words in long paragraphs, whether in an ezine or at a web site. This costs the business person or author a lot of sales. Respect readers who want material short and sweet.

2. Write tips in their correct format. Use the "Three-Step Formula." If your tips are inconsistent or unclear you will lose your readers. In the first step, give a command like "Do this." In the second part, say the consequence for not doing it. Or, tell the benefit of doing it. Finally, end with a how to do it, where to find it.

3. Make your article headings compelling. Make headings benefit-driven if possible. To make your article easy to read, you need to use headings. Online readers like numbered points and headings for quick understanding.

4. After your two-three sentence introduction with a hook, get to the point quickly. Long stories, especially with "I" point of view, turn readers off. They want instant gratification. Keep your article conclusion to one or two sentences, perhaps repeating a few benefits.

5. Tell your readers what you want them to do in your article's signature file you include each time you send it out. Without direction you won't get them to visit your web site or order your products.They are waiting for your magic formula to make them richer, healthier, or enjoy great relationships. Always offer something free so you can get them to your site and get their email.

6. Target your article to your most profitable audience. Not everyone will want your information, so include your audience in the title or introduction. When you target your audience, you write more compelling, focused copy that your readers will love. They will reward you by checking out where your book is sold. Or where they can get information about your service.

7. Eliminate all superfluous words such as adjectives and adverbs like "ly" and passive verbs. Because of a lack of effort, novices ruin their work with sentences full of "is" and "was" linking verbs instead of bold verbs. Neither books, nor articles will sell with these writing "slugs."

Keep these seven tips in mind, so that your article will bring your best audience to your service, your web site, and your products.

Judy Cullins