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writing
This Simple Tip Will Improve Your Writing… and Your Confidence
Sometimes it’s hard to heed my own advice. Even when I know this particular piece of advice is perhaps the most important when it comes to creating content. I can give you a number of tips to help you write better articles. But there is … Keep reading…
Lost in the Forest and Finding the Trees
“Which is better?” I asked. “‘I need to capitalize on the time I’ve invested in writing.’ or ‘I need to leverage the time I’ve invested in writing.’” Danielle said, “‘I need people to read my stuff.’” Two lessons here, one obvious and one not so … Keep reading…
Content Template – The Checklist
Using a content template can shorten your writing time and also keep you more focused. The purpose of this particular template is to give people a useful tool to complete a task more efficiently. This type of article shows off your expertise. Because it is … Keep reading…
Content Template – How to Start
Content templates can simplify your content development time by providing structure – sort of like filling in blanks. That means you can be done and onto your next task in no time. The purpose of this template is to create an awesome resource for beginners … Keep reading…
Content Template – What I Learned
Using a content template is sort of like filling in the blanks on a form. It will get you started and make your writing time more productive. The purpose of this content template is to help people learn something new… and the best way to … Keep reading…
Content Template – The Newsjack
Every part of your business needs some type of content. And you need to develop content consistently to reap the benefits. There’s a content creation trick that can speed up the process by providing structure. Using a content template is sort of like filling in … Keep reading…
Write without Fear, Edit without Mercy
Do you get hung up over finding the perfect word? Distracted by comma placement? Or just stuck looking at a blank screen? I’ve told many people I’m a wannabe writer. Now, closing on 350 articles, I still feel like a wannabe. That’s because I’m a … Keep reading…
Leave Out the Parts People Skip
Has anyone really read every word of Gone with the Wind? Be honest now. I’ve read it twice and I remember skipping whole pages of scene-setting descriptive text. When I read this quote by Elmore Leonard, whose books I read, it resonated with me. “I … Keep reading…
How to Write the Introduction to Your First Newsletter
(updated Oct-21) You want to start strong and the way to do that is to make a personal connection with your new readers. While there are many ways to make that connection in each newsletter issue, your first issue is where you set up expectations … Keep reading…
9 Types of Customer Generated Content
Do you want more customers like the ones you already have? You can use experiences with your current customers to develop content that will attract more of the same. Customer-generated content is akin to ‘social proof’ – it elevates your reputation. By ‘content’ I mean … Keep reading…
Slice Words to Save Money
If you’re beating around the bush, you’re wasting time and possibly money. Neil Everton of Podium Media and Communications Coaching suggests we look at our writing with a critical eye and ask: “Am I prepared to pay $1 for every word I’ve written?” Unproductive words … Keep reading…
3 Wimpy Phrases to Avoid in a Newsletter
These three phrases come up repeatedly in newsletter content – I’ve edited them out many times. I bet you’re familiar with them, too. “I want to tell you about…” This is similar to the verbal, “All I’m saying is…” which my husband has adopted lately, … Keep reading…
How to Start Writing when you Feel Stuck
Are you struggling when you sit down to write? Do those first couple of sentences elude you? Recently I learned a powerful technique for dealing with this dilemma. During a coaching session on writing with Neil Everton, I was asking him for help with closing … Keep reading…
Can’t Write? Try Research
I’ve heard a lot of small business owners say they can’t publish a blog or newsletter because they can’t write. I think you don’t know till you try, but let’s say that’s a valid reason. There are still ways to create content on a regular … Keep reading…
How to Recycle your Ideas
This is the 250th article I’ve written for my own blog, started way back in May 2010. Do you think each of these 250 articles is an original idea? Not by a long shot. Even if you’ve been following this blog for awhile, there are … Keep reading…
Reusable Content Ideas to get you Unstuck
You’re stuck and your deadline is looming. It’s been a long day and you’re far from feeling inspired to write for your blog or newsletter. The more you try to think of something to write about, the more uninspired you feel. Sometimes I feel like … Keep reading…
Idea Challenged? Here are 3 Tools
We can all get writer’s block. I’ve found 3 tools that help me get past it. I may not use the exact suggestions that result, but the suggestions trigger more ideas and before long I’m off and writing. Hubspot’s Blog Topic Generator Fill in the … Keep reading…
Here’s How to Get Inspired
I often say, “Write when you’re inspired… and take the time to get inspired.” This week I’m taking my own medicine because inspiration has been lacking. Thinking about getting inspired, with my newsletter deadline looming, led me to create this list of things that I … Keep reading…
The Moral of the Story
Aesop’s Fables have a clear moral lesson backed up by a little story. The story makes it more interesting than just passing out advice. It demonstrates the results of heeding or not heeding the advice. Advice delivered as a ‘fable’ appeals to both our emotions … Keep reading…
Out of Ideas and Still Have a Deadline?
“Write when you’re inspired,” I always suggest. But sometimes deadlines loom, we need content, and inspiration is nowhere to be found. Here is a checklist you can use to come up with quick content when you’re out of bright ideas. Fix a problem. You solve … Keep reading…
Writing the Wrong
I’ve been talking to a lot of people lately about creating and organizing their content for various purposes and places. In the process of conducting a recent lunch and learn on the subject, I collected lots of tips and ideas, and here’s a good one. Share … Keep reading…
What to Write About
Your website is about what you do and your blog is about why you love what you do. I wish I could say I made that up but I read it somewhere. It has really stuck with me though. What an easy rule to follow! … Keep reading…