Running a business, there is inevitably an area we don’t particularly like. For me, it’s accounting (that’s
# 1. Read more
Sounds odd, doesn’t it? But reading is one of the best ways to improve your own writing. If you pay attention to what attracted you to a particular blog post, for example, you can emulate that in your own writing. Maybe there was a blog post that had a killer title you couldn’t resist clicking on. The next time you write your own post, spend more time coming up with a deliciously enticing title that will encourage people to click on it.
Or maybe you really liked how a blog post was short and to the point. Contrary to all those long English essays you wrote in college, blog posts are more successful with the following features:
- Short, scannable paragraphs
- Subheaders to break up the content
- Bulleted or numbered lists
- Fewer words
You can also pay attention to style. Are you drawn to an informal, conversational tone (like mine) or do you like a more businesslike and formal style? These are all components you can play around with in your own writing. Latch on to whatever comes naturally to you once you sit down at your computer.
# 2. Write more
The more you write, the better you become. And not everything has to be about your company or industry. You could start a personal blog and talk about the things you’re passionate about outside of work. You could write (even handwrite! gasp!) in a paper journal. You could write letters to family members. The more you get into practicing the art of writing, the more confident you become.
There are even accountability tools available online that can encourage you to write more, such as 750 Words or NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month in November; maybe a bit aspirational for a first start!), so if you have trouble focusing on writing, you can get some encouragement by setting goals.
# 3. Learn more
You’re not alone in your journey to be a better writer. There are tons of amazing (free and otherwise) resources available to every level of writer online. Here are some of my favorites:
I’ve been writing most of my life, and I still learn a great deal from resources like these. You can read blog posts, magazine articles, books, and ebooks about different styles of writing, tips to write more productively, and how to use succinct language to attract more readers.
As a business owner, you know that communication is key for your success. If you can’t afford to outsource the writing, step up your game and improve your own skills. You’ll be glad you did.
Images: ”Student reading a book and writing the notes /Shutterstock.com“
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