Whether you’re new to blogging or a seasoned pro, the writing process is an ever-evolving skill.
We’ve written more than our fair share of blogs, and we’ve come up with eight tips we wish we’d known when we started this blogging journey.
1. Mix up your writing style and structure.
Do you find yourself consistently writing “how to” posts, without much variety?
Switch things up and try writing about a personal experience. The variety will delight your readers and also keep you from falling victim to writer’s block.
2. Cut out the fluff.
Forget about word count — especially if it means sacrificing on the quality of your post.
Don’t waste your reader’s time or yours with “fluffy” sentences. Keep it short and concise. Get your point across and get on with it.
3. Skip the clichés.
Okay, a few are okay, now and then. They add a bit of humor and lightheartedness but avoid relying too heavily on buzzwords.
Overuse of certain words or phrases begins to dilute their meaning and devalue your message. If you’re not sure if it’s a cliché, err on the side of caution and try to come up with a fresh perspective or wording.
4. Create a sensory experience.
Business writing can still be creative! Tap into your reader’s sense by using adjective and phrase relating to sight, sound, touch, etc. Here are a few examples:
- Auditory: “10 Sizzling Tips For Writing Better Headlines”
- Visual: “How to Combat A Lag In Sales”
- Touch: “Are you snatching your reader’s attention?
5. One thought per sentence.
You should be able to convey even the most complex idea in simple terms. If you find yourself drowning in excessive commas and semi-colons, you’re likely confusing your reader AND yourself.
Your reader won’t be impressed by your elaborate writing style if they can’t understand your message.
6. Vary your word choice.
Avoid using the same word over and over again. Thesaurus.com is your friend! Just be sure the word you’re using still makes sense in the context of your sentence.
In the process, you may also find you’re repeating the same idea over and over again.
7. Write in bursts and give yourself a break.
Writing doesn’t always come easily and sometimes you simply don’t want to do it. Set a timer and commit to writing for 20-30 minutes followed by a 5-10 minute break.
In that short window, you’ll be surprised how much you can get done when you know you’ll be rewarded with a quick break! Eliminate the pressure of getting everything done in one single burst.
8. Know when to let go.
Your writing should benefit your readers, not your ego. If an idea, sentence, paragraph, doesn’t serve a valuable purpose to your reader, ditch it — regardless of how eloquently you’ve written it!
Still not ready to start blogging? We can help!
Not to toot our own horn, but we’re pretty great when it comes to blogging. Schedule a FREE Business Booster Call and let’s talk about your blog.
