you in rankings since you'll likely be rated down for not sticking to the title description.

Additionally, there is a strong possibility your article will be flagged and it will be deleted for being off topic. Off topic articles are not permitted in Helium titles. It is best to search out the site and see if there is an existing title to the subject you've written about, or request a title be created. You can do this through your "My Helium" page and select "Suggest a Title" in the left hand column of the page.

*No white space

While not leaving white space isn't a technical violation, it won't do your article very good. Good web writing entails leaving enough white space to make your article readable. One long paragraph does poorly in ratings, and even web readers will be likely to pass your article over in favor of reading a more reader-friendly article on the topic.

*Rants

Rants also do poorly in ratings. If you have something you need to sound off about, try and write it from a professional perspective; there are ways you can vent out and write about your strong feelings on a topic without subjecting raters and readers to rants.

*Use filler

If you have difficulty meeting the minimum word count of 400 words, don't fill your article with filler. Articles that "fill in" space through use of random characters, letters and spaces to fill up to meet the 400 words will be flagged.

While low ratings are a disappointment, there is a silver lining underneath that bottom feeder rank number. The silver lining is the leapfrog option which allows writers to rework, correct and refine their work in hopes of making strong improvements. If you find you've accidentally broken rules or if you want to recreate your work to be the best it can be, try a leapfrog.

It is a good idea to read through Helium's user agreement and thoroughly understand the how to's of writing for Helium prior to submitting your first article. Another good resource is to follow Helium's blog which is chock full of tips.

Writing on Helium.com can be fun, lucrative and help you strengthen your skills as a writer. If you understand the do's and don'ts of writing for Helium, you'll be much more successful when writing for the site.

Learn more about this author, Leigh Goessl.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about Helium don'ts: How not to write for Helium.com?
We want to hear your view. Write now!