Choose a topic to write about. Know that when writing on a topic you're passionate about, you're more likely to write extensively on the topic without losing interest.
Target your audience. Decide who you're trying to persuade, and plan to write your essay to reach this audience. Your language and way of writing should be based on who you intend to target. For example, writing a persuasive essay to the United States Congress would be much different than writing a persuasive essay to a youth group.
Choose a title that reflects the general idea and point of your essay. For example, if you are writing an essay in support of banning cell phones while driving, your title could be "Talking and Driving: A Path to Disaster."
Create an opening sentence that explains what you're going to be telling your audience. This is where you engage your readers, so choose an interesting and intriguing opening sentence. For example, "According to The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, drivers talking on cell phones have an 18% slower reaction time to brake lights than those who are not on a cell phone."
Provide the reader with four or five different facts to back up your point and purpose. Be sure to include the source of the facts by using phrases like "According to..." or "Studies published in..." Avoid using outdated references or references from unreliable sources. Educational and government websites and figures are the most credible.
End the essay with a strong closing statement, or conclusion, that restates your point and purpose. This will keep the point of the article fresh in your reader's mind.