Ever made coffee and knew it would taste terrible before taking the first sip? Writing articles can feel the same way. Sometimes you just know something’s off, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.
After publishing hundreds of articles (and yes, watching many of them flop), I’ve identified the sneaky culprits that murder your content before it has a chance to shine.
Here’s what’s probably killing your articles — and how to fix it.
1. Your Introduction Is Playing It Safe
You know that awkward moment when someone tells a joke and nobody laughs? That’s what a weak introduction feels like.
I see writers start with:
- “In this article, we’ll explore…”
- “Today I want to talk about…”
- “Let me share my thoughts on…”
Stop. Just stop.
Your introduction should feel like jumping into a cold pool — shocking, refreshing, and impossible to ignore. Instead of politely knocking on your reader’s door, kick it down with:
- A controversial statement
- A mind-bending question
- A story that hooks them instantly
2. Your Headlines Are Wearing Pajamas
Your headline is like your article’s outfit for a first date. Right now, it might be showing up in sweatpants.
These headlines are staying home tonight:
- “My Writing Journey”
- “Thoughts on Productivity”
- “How to Be Better at Work”
Give your headlines some swagger:
- “I Wrote 100 Headlines Before Breakfast — Here’s What I Learned”
- “The Productivity Hack That Got Me Fired (And Why I’m Grateful)”
- “Your Work Habits Are From 1954 — Here’s How to Update Them”
3. Your Formatting Is Claustrophobic
Ever tried reading a book in a packed elevator? That’s how readers feel when they see your wall of text.
Your content needs to breathe. Give it space:
- Break paragraphs after 2–3 lines
- Use bullet points like this one
- Add subheadings every 3–4 paragraphs
- Bold your key points
- Throw in some italic emphasis
Think of white space as oxygen for your words. The more breathing room, the longer readers stick around.
4. Your Content Is Swimming in the Shallow End
We’ve all read those articles:
- “Write every day”
- “Drink more water”
- “Be more productive”
Thanks, Captain Obvious.
Your readers aren’t here for fortune cookie wisdom. They want:
- Real stories about real failures
- Specific strategies they can use today
- Fresh perspectives on old problems
- Actionable steps, not vague advice
Don’t tell them to “write better” — show them how you turned a 10-view article into a 10,000-view banger.
5. Your Voice Sounds Like a Business Email
“Furthermore, it should be noted that optimal results can be achieved through implementation of the following strategies…”
Did you fall asleep yet? Because I nearly did writing that.
Your article isn’t a corporate memo. It’s a conversation. Write like you’re chatting with a smart friend over coffee:
- Use contractions
- Throw in some personality
- Ask questions
- Share your opinions
- Be human
The Emergency Fix-It Guide
If your article is showing these symptoms, here’s your rescue plan:
- Headline CPR
- Add numbers (“5 Ways” is better than “Ways”)
- Promise a specific benefit
- Make it impossible not to click
2. Introduction Revival
- Delete your first paragraph (it’s probably warm-up fluff)
- Start with your strongest point
- Add a hook that creates curiosity
3. Format Facelift
- Break long paragraphs into thirds
- Add subheadings every 300 words
- Use bullet points for lists
- Bold key takeaways
4. Content Deepening
- Add personal stories
- Include specific examples
- Share actual results
- Give step-by-step instructions
5. Voice Authentication
- Read it out loud
- If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, rewrite it
- Add your personality
The Truth About Great Articles
Here’s the thing — writing isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. Your article doesn’t need to be the best thing ever written. It needs to be authentic, useful, and engaging.
Before you hit publish, ask yourself:
- Would this help someone?
- Would I enjoy reading this?
- Does it sound like me?
If you’re nodding, you’re ready to go. If not, you know what to fix.
Remember: Every great writer started with terrible articles. The difference is they learned to spot the killers before they struck.
What will you fix in your next article?