Your opening paragraph should not only introduce the reader to the subject but also give them a reason to continue reading. It should give them a brief overview of what they can expect to learn from the rest of the article.

Let them know what problem are you going to help them with. Assure them that you have a solution that will save them time, money or trouble. When you are writing your opening paragraph keep in mind that you have to give them a good reason to keep on reading or they may lose interest and look elsewhere.

It is important to establish credibility with the reader. After all why should they listen to you, have you had this problem and if so how did it affect you and your business? When you solved the problem, what benefits did it bring you and how did it make things better?

If you can establish credibility with your reader they will be willing to listen to you and follow your advise. If you lack credibility in their eyes, they may be unwilling to follow your advise and will most likely be uninterested in what you have to offer.

Tell Your story.

Telling a story or sharing your personal experience can be a great way to encourage your reader to keep reading instead of losing interest.

Let the reader know what you have gone through. Give them a reason to empathize with you so that they can see themselves in the same situation. Once you get your reader thinking "he's one of us", you will be perceived as an understanding individual offering a solution and not just an anonymous writer.

Then share with them the solution the problem. Let them know how it worked for you and how it can help them too. Once you have finished your story your article will be complete.

Solutions are almost always a great basis for your articles.

Once you have discovered a problem that relates to the topic that you are planning to write about you can then offer the solution within the content of your article.

If you can give your reader the solution to his or her problem and then explain in detail why your product or service is related to that solution you will grab their attention immediately.

Don't be shy. Let them know exactly how you can help them. Explain to them that you can show them how to fix the problem or avoid having it again in the future. Once you have done a good job of convincing them that you can help them, you will be sure to have a great article.

People like examples.

One of the best ways to get a particular point across to your readers is to give them examples. Let them know how yourself and others have benefited from the information, product or service that you are writing about.

Explain in detail what effect it could have on their lives or businesses if they listen to what you have to say. Be helpful and informative. Try not to hype up your examples to much or they can end up sounding like a sales pitch instead of useful advise.

Next month we will look at reassuring your readers and how to set up a resource box.