Sometimes however, I have to shake my head in disbelief at the quality of the work.  No, thats a lie.  The majority get assigned to the trash bin.  But instead of deleting today’s contribution,  I thought Iwould turn it into a test case on what to do if you like to fail.

Here is the article title I recieved -

Why BaByliss Nano Titanium Flat Irons is Good

First, lets chat about the obvious mistake.  Should you use a plural followed by “is”?  Which reads better – Why BaBliss Nano Titanium Flat Irons Is Good … or Why BaBliss Nano Titanium Flat Irons Are Good.

Now English is a language that will let you take many liberties in form and structure.  I know my article here will be packed with them.  But the title is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE in an article.  Get it wrong and your tutor will start warming up the FAIL pen.

What else can you pick up in the title?  I read it and thought – “was the author stoned when he wrote this?”.  Where are the catchy benefits to get me to read?  How about -

Hit 10 Yards Further With BaByliss Nano Titanium Flat Irons

Can BaByliss Nano Titanium Irons Improve Your Game?

After reading the title my mouse pointer was hovering over the delete button as I continued into the first paragraph.  Here it is -

“A flat iron, alternatively known as hair straightener and straightening iron, has come a long way since its start during the late 1800s. In fact, flat irons have now developed the concept of hair styling, and they are more than just a tool to make straight your hair and can be used to test a spectrum of hair styles such as curling, flipping, and creating waves. However, the good functioning of a flat iron depends upon the type of material used for the making of its plates. Best part of the top end flat irons are made from resources such as ceramic and tourmaline. Now there is an advance for ceramic and tourmaline flat irons in the form of Titanium Flat Irons.”

Why does this fail?  Think about it for a second.

Is the article about golfing products or hair straighteners?  I am not too sure as it lacks direction.  The words just aimlessly wander the page.  If the title is the slap in the face to get attention, then the first paragraph sets the scene.  As a reader I want to know what the article is about.  And importantly, what entices me to read the other 4 or 5 paragraphs.  The biggest mistake here is the hero of the article (titanium flat irons) is the last point to be mentioned in the article.  Make it the first.  Grab your readers and let them know what journey they are signing up for.  Sure, create intruige.  But don’t leave it until all your readers have left to do it.

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