Write Your Own Content: Even if You Don't Think You're a Good Writer
Writing for your online business doesn't require a college degree or any real writing experience. If you failed miserably in English class, don't worry. We're talking about a whole different ballgame here. Forget just about everything your English teacher told you.
Although, generally speaking good grammar and spelling is must...you can break a few rules now and then when you're using content to promote your website. The key to writing good content is to be informative and writing as though you're simply speaking directly to your reader. Be conversational. Make them feel like you're a friend they can trust and take advice from. Formal and stuffy writing rarely accomplishes this.
Here are some writing for the Internet tips:
- Use short and simple sentences: This should be a relief if don't feel you can write complicated essays. There's no reason to get complicated to try to impress your readers. In fact, the average person doesn't have a very high reading level, so keeping it simple makes it easier.
- Use short and simple paragraphs: Long paragraphs are ovewhelming and create eye fatigue. Someone who comes to a page with long scrolling paragraphs will ask themselves, "Is this worth reading?" Don't make your user think...make your writing inviting and keep it in nice bite-sized chunks.
- Use plenty of headlines and sub-headlines: Online readers are scanners. Use headlines and subheadlines to help your reader skim for the information that will draw them into your content.
If You're Not Sure What to Write About:
We all face writers block. The following tips will help you generate content ideas. They will also come in handy if you intend to hire someone else to write the content for you.
1. Keep a notebook: Keep it with you at all times where you can jot down your " what to write about " ideas as soon as they come to you. Or if you prefer to keep notes on your PDA or cell phone, keep that handy.
2. Invite your readers to submit questions to you: This is an easy way to find something to write about and is excellent for building a relationship with your readers.
3. Write a book or product review that would be helpful to your readers: Give the features and benefits of the product. Talk about the positive and potential negative aspects and give a recommendation on who this product might be most suitable for.
4. Case Studies: Write about how you helped solve a problem for a client or for yourself that shows your expertise in your subject area.
5. Interviews: Interview someone that would be of interest to your reader.
6. Look at articles you’ve written previously: Can you expand on some of the ideas and tips you’ve already developed?
7. Write a top 10 list: For example, “Top 10 Ways to Be a Better Parent” or “Top 10 homemade Easter Gifts”...and hey, if you don't have enough ideas, just make it a "Top 5" list.
8. Read other articles in your market for ideas: Search Google, websites that you frequent, read blogs - they're perfect for generating ideas.
9. Check the news: Current events related to your market can generate some great ideas. You can discuss these stories.
10. Say It First: If you speak better than you write, record yourself talking and transcribe what you said into an article. You can also purchase software that will type what you say on your computer.
11. Conduct Keyword Research: There are research tools like WordTracker that allow you to find out what kind of information your market is searching for. Here is a WordTracker tutorial.
Above all, don't fear getting your words out there. You chose your business for a reason and you certainly have some information to share. Still, if you think you need help with your writing, here are two viable options:
Read those tutorials for more help in generating content. Once you have your content together, read these content distribution tips.
