If you've ever tried to write an article, you have most likely felt engulfed by a blank feeling - not knowing where to start.

...I'll bet you have!

This is one of the major reasons why most people simply don't write articles. They basically don't know where to begin.

If you've been in this position, here's a checklist that should help you do away with some of the most common problems in writing articles so that you can increase your online business up to the next level:

1. Have a definite intention in mind.

Always have a definite purpose in mind before you begin writing. You should be absolutely clear about what you are hoping to accomplish by writing your article. Is it an article that will solve a problem for your customers, attract prospects to build your list, improve the link popularity of your website or make a sale?

2. Identify your target audience.

Before writing an article, carry out research on your target audience. What will your chosen subject do for them? What pain or problem do they face or try to avoid that your article can provide answers to?

3. Develop an in depth plan that stresses the advantages.

Now that you have a reason and an objective, arrange your article so that reading it quickly will immediately show your reader how they will gain from it and what are the most essential purposes.

4. Immediately stop your reader with your title.

Your heading should seize the reader's interest and 'compel' him/her to read your first paragraph. Using your most essential benefit frequently does it. Your title should also include keywords that are highly related to your subject matter.

5. Your article must start with the most significant benefit.

Do not keep your most significant information for the end of your article. You need to present it right away to seize your readers interest and then further increase on this in the subsequent paragraphs.

6. Keep your sentences short and simple.

If possible, stay away from slang that may mystify your readers. In other words, when writing your article and keep it simple so that even a child can figure it out. Using short and simple sentences will permit a smooth, easy read, stopping your reader from getting bored and losing interest.

7. Make your article friendly and personal.

Speak directly to the reader and in a manner you would use in talking face to face with a friend. Use plenty of 'you' and very little "I or me". When reading your article, the reader should feel warmth and understanding, knowing that you have the same problems and goals as he/she does.

8. Spend more time revising than writing.

Besides arranging your article for easy reading, be sure to use spell checking tools or an external editor to thoroughly proofread your writing for grammar and spelling errors.

Remember that the more writing you do, the more effortless it will become. Believe me, there will come a time when writing articles will not seem as complicated as it may seem to you now and you will be disappointed with yourself for not doing it earlier.