There are 10 distinct, proven types of articles that are most often used by publishers.

How To

Readers search out articles that provide instruction on how to do something. From how to build a better mousetrap to how to knit a scarf, readers constantly look for how to articles on every subject imaginable. Be clear and concise with your instructions to help your reader be successful.

Present a Problem with a Solution

Look at the questions and challenges your customers bring to you. Describe a problem, maybe it's a unique challenge to your industry. Present that problem in detail, then as an expert in your business, you offer the perfect solution.

Top 10 List

Develop a Top 10, Top 20, or even a Top 7 list. Everyone likes quick, easy to read lists. Lists can inform, raise discussion, educate or entertain. What are the top toddler toys? What are the top challenges your readers face? What are the top most poisonous insects? You name it. It can be a Top 10 List.

Product Review

Your own, original review of a product or service makes a great article. One catch. Don't be self-serving by reviewing your own product. Most publishers like reviews of two or three similar products. Explain what you liked, what you didn't like. Would you purchase the product again or recommend it to a friend? Your review provides valuable background for readers researching a potential product purchase or use.

Checklist

Can you provide a list of items or tasks to help your readers throw a party, publish a book or get better gas mileage? Checklists provide an organized sequence to get your readers to an end goal. Checklists are quick reads and often printed for future reference. And, with your website link and call to action at the bottom of the checklist article, your reader will have your contact information at their fingertips.

Pain Avoidance

Humans would rather avoid pain than to change a habit or process. We always look for ways to make life easier, to keep our money rather than earn more, or have a cleaner house without vacuuming. Write an article to the ease the pain of an unpleasant task.

Pros and Cons

Provide an article that offers the positives and negatives of a product, service, event, idea, opinion or experience. Have you traveled abroad and know the worst and best ways to tour Europe? Can you write an article that provides the pros and cons of using a particular software program? Pros and cons provide two views, allowing your reader to form their own decision or opinion.

Question and Answer

Select frequently asked questions from your own customers. If one person is asking a question, no doubt, you have more readers that need the answer as well. Present the question, and then use your expert status, experience and knowledge to provide the perfect answer.

Expert Opinion

Write and publish articles that build on your industry experience, knowledge and contacts. Are you an accomplished lawn care specialist? And, are you well versed in organic lawns? An article from a lawn specialist on organic lawn treatments would be well received. Because of your experience you can offer opinions that readers respect and establish yourself as an expert.

Principles Of

We are inspired by principles to live by that embrace life and enhance our well-being. The 10 Principles to Living Well or 6 Principles of a Loving Heart or Principles of Friendship, all play to our philosophical and self improvement side.

Why are these the top ten articles publishers want?

Publishers from all over the world search sites article submission sites to find material for their readers. They are allowed to pull a limited number of articles for publication to their sites. That makes publishers extremely selective.

You can search those same sites to see what types of articles are most viewed. But more importantly, look for most published articles in your particular category. Those are the types of articles publishers are picking up. And the types of articles you should be writing for the best chance of publication to promote your website and your expert status.