Writing day!

Run through your list and find another topic you’d like to speak about. If you’ve come up with some new ideas since you made that list, feel free to add them -- that’s what the list is for!

IMPORTANT: This time, do not publish your article on your blog after you are done. Keep it as a saved document and we will revisit it in a couple of days when we are ready to pitch your article to third party publications. Many won’t accept an already-published article.

Third party publications?

Yes, that means we are going to try to get this article placed somewhere besides your blog. It might be an authoritative industry publication, your company blog, or something else entirely.

This is killer for your brand -- you’ll become a published author on a credible external blog -- and the article (or your author page) will have a chance to rank independently in search results.

So, try to write about something that would have broad appeal in your industry. Something that would fit in well with prominent niche blogs in your industry.

Here are your assignment goals:

At least 500 words (aim for longer if you can)
An engaging style that matches your brand
At least one interesting image
An engaging headline
Try to link back to previous articles if appropriate

Tips

Need help finding free images? You can always use the Creative Commons filter when searching on Google, or just use this free image resource.
Read your work over OUT LOUD as if you’re speaking to your target audience. You’ll be surprised at the things that sounded fine in your mind but sound weird as hell when you speak it out loud.
Make sure you cite sources when appropriate. All you need to do is hyperlink to the site when you would typically footnote.

NOTE: Again, do not publish this article yet. Many third-party publications won't accept already-published content and we don't want to ruin your chances.