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23 1/2 ways to improve your writing
Charlotte Booth • 23 June 2021
How to write better content for your business
You can do all of these, but it's better just to improve what you write and engage people that way,
So, here we have 23 1/2 ways to improve your writing.
Planning
1 - Write what you would like to read.
2 - Answer the questions your clients have.
3 - Treat every piece of writing like a story, a journey the reader can follow.
4 - Research your subject. Write what you know and if you don't know it, look it up.
5 - Be an authority. Ensure your resources are sound (not Wikipedia).
6 - Know your audience, and write to their level.
7 - Read. A lot. The more you read in your area of writing, the more you will learn.
8 - Plan plan plan. Know exactly what you want to write, and how you want to get your views across.
9 - Make sure you have put the time aside to write, and focus.
Writing
10 - Avoid clickbait titles.
11- Start with a powerful, and gripping first line.
12 - Write active sentences - John hit Michael.
13 - Avoid passive sentences - Michael was hit by John.14 - Look up correct apostrophe use. Incorrect use niggles more people than you'd think.
15 - Keep the title/point in mind as you write. Stay on track.
16 - Get to the point without waffling.
17 - Cut the crap. Why use six words when one will do?
18 - Don't use words you don't understand to try to sound clever.
19 - Be you. Write in your own voice not as someone you wish you were.
Checking
20 - Reference any quotes or ideas suggested by someone else.
21 - Proofread. Make sure you read everything at least twice before you hit publish.
22 - Read out loud. By doing this you will catch a couple more typos.23 - The spellchecker is your friend.
The final point, the twenty-third and a half one is to enjoy your writing. If you see it as a chore it will read that way. Write with passion and interest and this will shine through your words and into your readers.
For more guidance on writing for your business you can book a power hour here or enrol on one of my workshops or online courses here.
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