writing tips

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52 ONLINE WRITING TIPS

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Page 1: Writing tips

52ONLINEWRITING TIPS

Page 2: Writing tips

IntroductionIf you run a blog or website you understand the need

for writing regular content.

When it comes to writing online there are a few

differences which you must be aware of. Writing this

type of content is different than writing a novel or non-

fiction book.

Inside this ebook you will find a compilation of 52

writing tips which have been designed to help you

become a better writer.

Page 3: Writing tips

1. Start Writing on a Daily BasisThe more you write the better you will become at writing. So it just makes sense that you want to get into the habit of writing every day.

2. Start Reading on a Daily BasisThe more you read the better you writing ability will be. Plus by reading you will be keeping up to date on current affairs and topics. This can help you generate ideas.

3. Write in a Comfortable PlaceIf you are seriously trying to write a long article or even start a book you need to have a comfortable place to work in.

Writing Tips…

Page 4: Writing tips

4. Write for Your AudienceIt is important to develop a style so that your audience can identify with you. You will want to aim your writing style to meet your ideal audience.

5. Use Complete SentencesYour sentence structure should be complete and concise. If you use an online spelling and grammar checker an incomplete sentence will be referred to as a fragmented sentence.

6. Research Your TopicBefore you sit down and write you want to take the time to research your topic. This is extremely important with web based content. Always keep in mind that internet users are looking for current information and facts.

Writing Tips…

Page 5: Writing tips

7. Use Current Events for Blog PostsIf you want to consistently create good content for your niche then it is imperative that you stay up to date with what is happening in your niche.

8. Create an OutlineIf you find that you often get stuck writing a complete blog post or article have you considered using an outline? This technique allows you to simply fill in the outline, once created, in a step by step process.

9. Use a Mind Mapping ToolA mind mapping tool is great for outlining individual posts and articles as well as for creating a blogging schedule.

Writing Tips…

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10. Write in Short SpurtsUse a kitchen timer or download an online timer to your desktop and then use it. Most writers will agree that it is better to write in short spurts, rather than sit down for hours at one time.

11. Develop Compelling Headlines & TitlesWith any type of writing which is going to be published online you want to take the time to come up with compelling headlines. A good headline will attract your website visitor’s attention immediately, and this will entice them to read the entire article.

12. Short Sentences Work Best for Online ContentWhen writing online content you want to avoid long sentences. It is much better to write your content in short and concise sentences.

Writing Tips…

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13. Use a Friendly Tone of Voice When Writing on

Your BlogConversational and friendly tones work best when writing online content.

14. Write to Attract AttentionWith online content it is important to understand that your website visitor is looking for something. This could be the answer to a particular question or information on a particular subject. In essence they are looking for a solution to a problem.

15. Include Lists and Step by Step TutorialsWhen creating content you can make your content easier to read and more

attractive by making use of lists and step by step tutorials.

Writing Tips…

Page 8: Writing tips

16. Structure Your ContentStructuring your content includes taking the time to think about the topic that you are writing about. You don’t want to go rambling on about nothing in particular. Instead come up with a specific idea or subject and discuss that on your blog.

17. Use Clear LanguageOne of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to writing online content is to use fancy language.

18. Use SummariesA summary is basically a quick recap of what your article or post is about.

Writing Tips…

Page 9: Writing tips

19. Include Images and GraphicsThere is one major difference to writing online content and that is the use of images, graphics and photographs. Images can really help make your content visually appealing and entices the reader to actually stay on your site and read your content.

20. Make Use of White SpaceMake long articles/blog posts look less ‘boring’ by breaking the piece up into smaller sections. One way to do this is to write smaller paragraphs.

21. Include a Call to ActionWhen writing articles that are to be published online you normally want the reader to perform some type of action after reading it. This action is referred to as a Call to Action.

Writing Tips…

Page 10: Writing tips

22. Write, Read, Edit, Proofread and then RepeatGet into the habit of writing your content and then letting it sit at least overnight. This way when you open it up again to reread and edit it you can pick up on errors easily.

23. Don’t be Scared to Cut & RewriteBy letting your content sit before it is published you can reread it with fresh eyes. If you are not totally happy with it take the time to cut out sections and do re-writes if needed.

24. Voice Your OpinionsDon’t be worried about voicing your opinions when you write. Of course, you may not want to become too controversial on certain topics. But there is nothing wrong with voicing your thoughts and opinions on any subject.

Writing Tips…

Page 11: Writing tips

25. Keep a Notepad for IdeasIt can be extremely helpful to always carry a notepad or book of some kind with you. This way if you suddenly come up with great ideas for a story, blog post, article, report or book you can scribble away to your heart’s content.

26. Start a Research or Idea FolderStart a new folder for your research ideas. This way you can organize your content and find it when it comes time to write a new piece of content.

27. Create Your Own Story BoardThis is a great way of creating longer pieces of content. For example you may want to start a new book. Sign up for Pinterest and create a Board for your new book. Then post images that spark ideas for settings, clothes, characters and more.

Writing Tips…

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28. Use Article TemplatesIf you find yourself writing on similar topics regularly then you may want to create templates that you can use. This type of template would provide you with a basic outline for your new article.

29. Promote Your WorkOnce you have written and published your work don’t forget to let other people know about it. This includes posting a link to it on your Facebook and Google+ page and by sending out a Tweet about it.

30. Use Story TellingTelling stories through your writing is an effective way to communicate your

message to your readers.

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31. Use Desires & FearsYou can connect with your readers and improve the quality of your content by using certain emotions. These include desire, fear and curiosity.

32. Never Stop the Art of LearningEnsure that you always make time to develop your writing skills. Set aside a few minutes each day or week to refresh yourself on topics pertaining to writing.

33. Be Prepared to Write Drafts and Toss them AsideIt is important to write something each day. This doesn’t mean that you have to keep and use everything you write.

Writing Tips…

Page 14: Writing tips

34. Do Not Fear What You WriteMany writers will tell you that if you feel anxious or nervous about what you have just written then you are on the right track.

35. Work on Two Projects at the Same TimeSometimes it can be really helpful to have more than one writing project on the go at any one time. This way if you get stuck with one project you can simply switch to the next.

36. Accept Criticism and FeedbackOne of the worst issues for writers is accepting feedback and criticism. You need to learn to accept this type of feedback as it can help you become a better writer.

Writing Tips…

Page 15: Writing tips

37. Join a Writing ChallengeIf you get stuck with writing on a regular basis you may want to consider joining a writing challenge. If you do a quick search online you will find that many websites and groups offer these types of challenges.

38. Create or Join a Writing GroupThis is similar to a writing challenge in that you will be encouraged to write on a regular basis. The main difference is that a group is for a longer length of time.

39. Variety adds SpiceEveryone loves a little variety in their lives so why not apply this rule to your writing. You can spice things up on your blog by offering content in a variety of ways.

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40. Use Good GrammarUsing good grammar will make your sentences and your work flow. The correct use of grammar really distinguishes between good and bad content.

41. Make Use of Brain Storming SessionsBefore sitting down to write you may prefer to make use of a brain storming session. This allows you to come up with several ideas and scenarios and then decide which one suits your purpose the best.

42. Have Someone Else Proof Read Your ContentIf you have poured your heart and soul into your writing it can be extremely difficult to be objective when editing your work. Another disadvantage is that you know all of the content along with the sequence of events. Being aware of all of this information can make you skip over certain sections and miss errors.

Writing Tips…

Page 17: Writing tips

43. Start Your Articles with a QuestionWebsite visitors are often looking for an answer to a specific question or a solution to a problem. So it can be helpful to them if your article starts off with a question.

44. Try Writing in the Second PersonYou want to draw in the reader through your writing. One effective way to do this is by making use of the second person using words like ‘you’. The use of this word immediately draws the reader’s attention and they start to feel as though you are writing them a personal letter.

45. Read Your Work Out LoudAn easy way to find mistakes with your own writing is by reading it out loud.

Writing Tips…

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46. Know Your AudienceIf you know who your audience is you can then target them with your writing.

47. Keep Your Readers Engaged and EntertainedThe one thing you want to keep in mind is that when people are reading content online they want to find their information quickly. For this reason your content needs to deliver on its promise immediately.

48. Create Inspiration and Desires in Your Readers What we mean by this is that you want to write posts that your readers feel compelled to comment on.

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49. Include Quotes, Comments and Reviews in Your ArticlesYou can make your content feel more ‘real’ to your readers by including things like quotes, comments and even reviews inside your articles.

50. Write from Your HeartIt is common knowledge that every person has at least one great story hiding inside of them. You can unlock your own story by giving yourself permission to write from the heart.

51. Set a Number of Words to Write Per Day This tip can be used for any form of writing, whether you want to write an article, blog post, report or a full length book. By setting yourself a goal to write a certain number of words per day, you will automatically become more productive.

Writing Tips…

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52. Find Your Writer’s VoiceYour writer’s voice is your unique style and perspective on things. It is the one thing that will draw loyal readers to you. If you currently find that people are not reading and commenting on your work then it is time to change things up.

Writing Tips…