A Non-Writer's Guide to Better Writing Skills
Julie Johnson Novara
Freelance B2B Copywriter & Content Creator | Content Strategist | Education Content Specialist | Agency Partner | Direct Client Solutions
5 Tips to Up Your Content Creation Game
In a marketplace where we’ve crowned content king and turned modern consumers into content guzzlers, it’s impossible for business owners to get by without a web presence. And not just a presence, but a consistently updated one that provides relevant information in a professional package.
So what if you’re a business owner who’s never liked writing? Or you like it but don’t have the time or the confidence to do it yourself. How are you supposed to succeed in a content-driven marketplace?
One obvious answer is to outsource. Hire someone you trust to do your writing for you. Finding that someone is a topic for another article, but what if that’s not your first choice?
Another option is to take a brave step and commit to bettering your own writing skills. For those of you feeling courageous, here are five tips to help you move your content creation skills to the next level.
1. Write actively.
Make your words come alive to your readers. One of the best ways to bring words to life is to choose strong verbs.
2. Vary the sentence structures.
Instead of this: We’re here to serve you. We’ve been in business for more than 25 years, and we have the products you need to thrive at home, work, and play.
Try this: In business for 25 years, we’re here to serve you with the products you need to thrive at home, work, and play.
3. Create a smoother flow with transition words and links.
Links are another key to keeping your audience engaged. You know the concepts you want to communicate and the ways they fit together. In fact, they fit like a glove in your mind.
But… your audience is NOT reading your mind.
They’re reading your words, and you have to tell them (with your words!) how all the ideas connect.
4. Paint the reader a picture.
When you give readers an image—detailed with words—you’re more likely to capture their attention and keep it.
5. Remember less can be more.
The truth is less isn’t always more. There are times when writers leave out important details, and readers find themselves in the dark, trying to figure out a passage’s meaning.
So don’t leave out so much that your audience feels stuck, but do cut to the chase.
Non-writers, if you’ll take these five tips to heart, you’ll be on your way to bettering your writing skills today.
Read the full article, which was first published at johnsonwriter.com.