There are many intelligent people writing articles on the Internet these days. So many, in fact, that we writers must be especially persuasive to reach people using the search engines and developing our "brand", which should convince people that we are worth reading in the future.

Competition is a good thing because it brings out our best.

One mistake I've seen made and something I work to prevent in my own writing is failing to consider the reader and his or her ego. It is one thing to lay out a list-type article to provide information. It is another thing entirely to sell the reader on your viewpoint, but push the reader away by berating him or her because you, the writer, believe you are smarter for having the information.

If you are trying to persuade your reader that you are correct, you should say "this is my view and this is why I believe it." Contrast that with "this is my view and you are an idiot if you don't think exactly as me". You can be the most 100% correct writer on the planet, you will lose your credibility with your reader and he or she will look elsewhere for the information.

Writers are providing a service to the reader.

Think about a restaurant you really enjoy. You may like it because the food is good, the servers are friendly and answer your food preparation questions accurately, and everyone treats you with respect. Now, if that same cook decided to cook the food how "he" liked it only, if the server brought you food "he" thought you should order, and everyone had a surly attitude, like you were wasting their time, would you go back to that restaurant? No, you'd probably walk right out and take your business elsewhere. Further, you'd probably tell your friends about the lousy service and even write a letter to the manager of the restaurant or chain.

When you write, if you neglect your reader and "tell" them what they should believe, calling them "stupid" or "idiot" if they don't heed your recommendations, you should not expect them to read any further and you really run the risk of destroying your brand's credibility.

There are readers whose articles I will read because they have credibility with me and there are those whose articles I ignore as soon as I see who wrote them. Think about it.

Someone searching for information on the Internet doesn't necessarily need you or your article, but you really need that person if you want to succeed as a writer.

I'm not saying I am always perfect in this regard, but I have seen my success as a writer hinge on my ability to consider the reader. Yes, rants and political articles (but I repeat myself) have their place, but many people would rather be led to believe something without having their intelligence or wisdom questioned for having a different viewpoint.