We have all written articles, essays and assignments throughout our schooling years, yet, no matter how many times we’ve done it, article writing still proves to be a task that many of us dread and avoid like the plague. Even though we know that writing articles for free article submissions is a necessary and effective way to market a business, there are still many of us who will find other ways to put off this task.

To simplify what appears to be a rather daunting task for many, you can begin by creating an outline first. Having an outline for your article helps you focus and it also allows you to split up an arduous task into more easily managed steps. Not only does it make the task at hand easier but it also improves the flow of your article. An outline is simply a design or blueprint for your article. It breaks down your article into an introduction, the body and a conclusion.

Here are 5 steps for planning and writing an article:

1. Begin by brainstorming and jotting down ideas and sentences you want to include in your article in point form. Think about what you could include that would attract the interest of your readers. Allocate a time slot by which you should complete your brainstorming session and all the necessary research for your article.

2. Review your ideas and notes to gain familiarity with your subject so that when it is time to put your article together, it will be easier for you.

3. Plan your sub headings, a good opening line and all the arguments for and against your stance. This forms the skeleton for your article.

4. Add the meat to your article and connect your paragraphs under your sub headings. This forms the body of your article. Your introduction should bring your reader’s attention to the core ideas of your article, while your conclusion wraps up by summarising the points you are trying to convey in your article. This is your first draft so don’t be afraid to write whatever you feel you would like to add. When you edit your article later, you will be able to cut out the parts that don’t add value to the big picture you are creating.

5. Reread and edit what you have written down. Always refer to your outline so that you don’t drift away from the key focus of your article. Often, in the frenzy of writing, it is easy to get caught in the moment and go off tangent. Your outline serves to keep your article and points on track.

Follow these steps and the task of writing articles will not seem as daunting. It will also help you write more effectively and stay on topic.