13 Proven Writing Hacks to Better Your Writing Skills
Sure, wanting to be a better writer and improve your writing skills is partially practice. But there are a few writing hacks you can add to your arsenal today to instantly improve your prose, and even help you write faster!
Create and Use Blog Templates
There is no need to constantly re-create the wheel; you can easily create and use blog post templates to create the perfect blog post every time.
Blog post writing is different than copywriting, email marketing or sales copy; you’ll want your posts to be formatted and structured a specific way so that it moves the reader along and so that the post is easily scannable.
Get it right with this Perfect Blog Post Template. You can also create templates in WordPress using the Gutenberg blocks.
You could create a different template for different blog post types.
For example, a How-to or Tutorial post may be structured differently than a List post. Either way, creating and using a blog post template is one writing hack that will help you write those blog posts faster and not make you stop and think about formatting every single time.
Learn to Free-Write
Yes, you don’t want to write junk. But sometimes, we just have to let go, free-write and see what happens.
Close your tabs, shut down all distractions, turn off all notifications until you get in the zone. Then, just let the words flow. You can always go back and clean things up later.
Free writing can be a great way to get a lot of content down quickly since you’re NOT editing or being hypercritical.
You can even set a timer with a word count goal and see how fast you can get there. The goal here is to get it out of your head quickly, not to have it be perfect.
Embrace the Outline
A lot of us cringe at the idea of an outline; it sounds and feels structured while writing should be creative and “free”.
But that’s totally not the case; even the most magical pieces of writing can benefit by having an outline to them, which is really just a roadmap of where your content is going.
Think of an outline as a simple skeleton; you’ll add all of the beauty on top of it but having this simple framework can not only help you write faster, but better.
Don’t think this tip is just for beginner bloggers either; even the most experienced of writers can benefit by using outlines.
Batch Your Blog Posts
One of the most obvious writing hacks is to simply batch your blog post writing. Between research, outlines, sourcing photos, editing, etc. there’s a lot involved in writing blog posts that isn’t even about actually writing.
To help you get into the zone and be more efficient, batch like-tasks together. You can learn more about how to batch your blog posts in this post linked below.
RELATED: How to Batch Your Blog Posts
Get Out of Your Head
If you got to this post looking for writing hacks to save you, chances are you’re in your own head a bit and overthinking everything.
Make your goal to just write and realize that the magic happens in the editing process. It’s o.k. If while you’re writing you feel like it’s garbage, just keep going.
Need some help with this? Try listening to a meditation or visualization exercise to get you in the right mindset. It might sound a little woo-woo, but it works.
Set the Mood
Some people swear by writing music, others just can’t stand it. Personally, I think it helps if I’ve got background music without lyrics (so you don’t accidentally start writing what you are singing!).
Music can have a great effect on your writing, and your mood, too. If you’re wanting to sound excited in your post, listen to some exciting music!
RELATED: 30 Easy Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills
Stop the Exclamation Point Abuse
There is no need for that many exclamation points–no one is that excited. When you’re combing through your copy during the editing phase, ask yourself if the exclamation point is really necessary and if it’s not, take it out!
Record Your Blog Posts
Not in a place where you can write or still trying to find your writing voice? Record yourself talking your posts out loud! The great part about this is you can do this anywhere; while you’re driving, on a walk or out and about.
You can use a transcription service like Temi to then transcribe your blog post for you.
RELATED: How to Find Your Writing Voice
Keep it Simple
The most powerful writing is simple, short and to the point. Your sentences shouldn’t be overpacked with ideas or fluff. And they shouldn’t be too long either.
Keeping it simple has a powerful effect. And, it’s actually easier! So remember when you’re thinking of good writing hacks: less is more.
Don’t Repeat Yourself
A common writing mistake I see with beginner bloggers and writers is the desire to over explain. Say it once, say it well, and you won’t need to repeat yourself to drive the point home.
RELATED: Easy Writing Exercises for Bloggers
Write First, Edit Later
It’s crucial you get your ideas down first before you start the editing process. You can call it a rough draft, a brain dump or whatever you like, but it’s crucial you focus on just writing and make the editing process a completely separate event.
Get in Your Reader’s Head
How well do you know your ideal client? Does she swear? Does she text with emojis and LOLs? Is she a wine or beer girl? Is she a girl boss? Is she a he?
Really understanding who you are writing to and how she likes to be spoken to will make your audience feel like you truly get her. And everyone relates to someone who they feel understands them.
If you haven’t answered this yet, call up some previous clients and ask questions like what kind of podcasts they listen to, what their favorite magazines are and even what they enjoy watching on Netflix.
There are plenty of ideal audience worksheets out on the internet to get you going, but this should be a decent starting place.
Be Yourself
You’re never going to get good writing done if you’re trying to sound like someone else (unless you’re a professional, of course). Be yourself and write like you talk, people will connect with that.
What are some of your favorite writing hacks? Let me know in the comments below!
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