There is also a structure I like to follow:
1) The headline - most important. It has to capture attention, summarize the answer to the question 'what's in it for the reader to read my article', and get them to read on.
2) The problem - what problem does this article address and promise to solve?
3) Your creds - why you're qualified to speak about this problem and people should listen to you. Depending on the context it doesn't always have to be there.
4) The meat - of the content, where you deliver the goods on your promised solution.
5) The wrap and call to action - summarizing what you just said, and asking for the next call to action if any.
I find that it's not a hard and fast format, but a useful one to have with the others in your toolbox.
P.S. Read
Copywriting tips for online marketing success from Copyblogger if you don't already, it's a great place for good writing
