Write Your First Article
You stare at the blinking cursor on the screen. Blank page. Blank mind. You’ve told yourself for weeks—months even—that you’re finally going to write that article. The one that will introduce you to the world as the voice to listen to, the authority on your subject. But where do you begin?
Here’s the truth: the hardest part is starting. Once you start, you’ll realize writing is less about inspiration and more about daring to put your ideas into words. I know that feeling too well. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, toes gripping the edge, adrenaline rushing through your veins, and then… you jump.
Step 1: Get Comfortable With That Blank Page
When I wrote my first article, the cursor taunted me. Every blink felt like a reminder of what I hadn’t written. But I learned something important: The blank page is not your enemy. It’s your canvas.
Don’t overthink the first sentence. Just get something down. Anything. Write the first thing that comes to mind about the topic you want to address. You can fix it later. The goal is to break the ice, to tear down the wall of perfectionism that keeps you from even starting.
Step 2: Start With One Big Idea
What’s the one thing you want your readers to take away? Not five things, not three. One.
Your article should revolve around this central idea. This focus will make your writing tighter, clearer, and more persuasive. Readers don’t have time for fluff. They’re scrolling, scanning, deciding in seconds whether to stay or click away. Don’t let them wander. Capture their attention with something real, something important. Dare to be bold in your message.
For example, let’s say you’re writing about productivity. Instead of a vague “how to be more productive” piece, start with something like “Why 90% of Your Workday is Wasted (And What to Do About It).” Now you’ve got a strong hook—a promise that you’re going to break the mold and deliver something powerful.
Step 3: Be Human, Be Relatable
Nobody wants to read a dry, robotic article that sounds like it was churned out by a machine. If you want to hook your readers, you’ve got to make them feel like they’re having a conversation with you.
Talk like a human. Use your own voice. Don’t try to sound too academic or fancy unless that’s your natural style. People connect with stories and emotions. The more you can weave in personal experience, the more your readers will stay with you. They need to see you as someone who’s been where they are, someone who understands their pain points and can offer real solutions.
When I wrote my first article, I didn’t pretend to know everything. I wrote about my failures, my doubts, my moments of panic. And that’s what made people care. They saw themselves in my story. They’ll see themselves in yours too.
Step 4: Back It Up With Proof
Bold claims are great, but if you don’t back them up, they fall flat. If you’re writing to be seen as an authority, you need to support your ideas with proof. This could be personal experience, research, data, or examples.
People are skeptical. They’ve been burned by clickbait, false promises, and shallow advice before. Show them you’re different by giving them something they can trust. Say you’re writing about improving communication in relationships. Don’t just say “Be a better listener.” Show them how active listening transformed your last disagreement with a friend or partner. Share research about how listening improves understanding.
The more specific you are, the more credible you become.
Step 5: Keep It Simple and Punchy
This is where you win or lose your readers. Keep it simple. Your article should be easy to read. Cut the jargon. Eliminate long, winding sentences that make your readers feel like they’re lost in a maze. Get to the point, and then get to the next point.
Be daring enough to cut what doesn’t matter. You might love a sentence, but if it doesn’t add value or move your argument forward, cut it. Every word in your article should serve a purpose. This makes your writing not just clear, but also powerful.
Step 6: Leave Them Hungry for More
You’re not just writing for this article—you’re writing for the next one too. When your readers finish, they should want more. How do you do that?
End with a challenge, a question, or a statement that makes them think. Something that lingers in their mind long after they’ve clicked away. Your goal isn’t just to inform them. It’s to make them curious, to spark a desire for more of what you have to say.
Here’s how I ended my first article: “The real question isn’t whether you’ll take action—it’s how much longer you’re willing to wait before you do.”
I threw down the gauntlet. And readers responded. They felt compelled to act, and that’s exactly what you want. Write an ending that pushes them to take the next step—whether it’s applying your advice, leaving a comment, or looking for your next piece.
Now, Go Write That Article
Here’s what you need to know: Writing your first article isn’t supposed to be easy, but it is necessary.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need a fancy vocabulary or a degree in writing. What you need is to take that leap. To sit down, stare at that blank page, and dare to write the words that will define you.
You’re not just writing an article. You’re writing your story, your voice, your authority. So stop waiting. That blinking cursor? It’s your permission to begin. Write the article that will make your readers stop, think, and remember your name.
Now, go do it.
If you like what you just read, clap this story so others can be interested in reading it too. It will also encourage me to keep writing. Don’t forget to follow me to read more from me.
