Sunday, April 19, 2020

The Big List of 25+ Business Writing Tips

Drafting business copy can be challenging. When you’re trying to develop content that helps sell products or gets more customers to sign up for your services, you need to be persuasive, informative and entertaining. Whether you’re new to the business writing world or a seasoned veteran, this isn’t always easy. However, there are a few tips business writers can follow to improve their content and see more conversions. Let’s check out 25 business writing tips you can use to start writing better copy. Planning 1. Get to know your target audience, including what their fears, problems and needs are. 2. Before you begin writing, understand the purpose of what you’re about to create. 3. Put the proper planning into each new piece of content. Mapping out an outline will save you time in the long run. 4. Try mapping out complex ideas before you begin writing. Connecting points, thoughts, and important details before you start your first draft can save time and make the process easier. Process 5. Write a rough first draft to help get your ideas flowing. You can always perfect your content later. 6. If you’re struggling to come up with your introduction, skip it. Start with your first main point and come back to your introduction after you’ve finished. 7. Write the headings of your articles first. This will give you an outline to follow, helping you stay on topic. 8. Use the Pomodoro Method to help you stay focused. Set a timer for about 20 minutes. During that time, only focus on writing your copy. When the timer is done, take a short break. Keep repeating this process until your content is complete. 9. Remember to take it one step at a time. Don’t try to edit before your first draft is completed and don’t start writing until your outline is finished. Focus on the process and slow down when necessary! 10. Structure your post for scan-ability. Focus on bite-sized chunks of content that are easily absorbed and use subheadings and bullets to add clarity. Copywriting 11. Use language that flows naturally. While you may be writing for a business, you still want your reader to enjoy engaging with your content! 12. Include different headings to help your readers understand which information is the most important. Indicatinga hierarchy can help your reader identify which content connects. 13. Don’t try to impress your readers by using extensive vocabulary. It is more important that you get your ideas across clearly and efficiently. 14. If a short, simple word will explain your thought just as well as a long one, always use the simpler word instead. 15. Create emotion within your copy. Although your content is for a business audience, you still want your readers to connect and engage with it on a personal and emotional level. Editing 16. Don’t smother your verbs. Adding unnecessary words around your verbs can cause confusion and inconsistency. 17. Be direct about what you need. Avoid using verbs that don’t precisely describe the outcome you’re hoping to receive. 18. Avoid the passive voice. 19. Craft your copy with the end reader in mind. This may mean adjusting verbs, terms, or lingo that you use to fit the needs of that particular individual. 20. Avoid jargon and buzzwords. These terms tend to come and go, so don’t make a habit of using them in your writing. 21. Don’t be afraid of a one-sentence paragraph. 22. Have multiple editors read through your content. Check your copy once yourself, then hand the project off for an additional proofread. 23. Edit your content for more than just grammar and spelling. Make sure your copy meets the needs of your customers, accurately provides them with new information, and that you’re providing that information in the best way possible. 24. Read 25 Tips for Editing Your First Draft Bonus 25. Listen to your audience’s feedback. The better you understand their expectations, the more likely you are to provide them with high-quality content. 26. Check out the Content Writer’s Guide to Grammar, Punctuation and Structure 27. Hire one of our expert copywriters. Constant Content takes the hassle out of finding, hiring and managing freelance writers. You’ll be surprised just how easy content creation can be.