Fast forward to 2018 ,where we live in the age of digital transformation ,trends changing at a rapid pace , peoples search ,buying habits , likes changing like the weather.
People want solutions and entertainment and content marketing is the channel for that. The good news here is that You don’t have to be the worlds best copy writer to be a successful writer.
Moreover Content marketing is an art, a science, mix in a dash of copywriting skills ,you have ingredients of a well rounded writer.Now ,I don’t want to sound hypocritical but copywriting is skill-set that I am advising you to learn .
Click the blog post in the link below for more on writing.
Let’s Dive into to my 12 point checklist
- Get creative
Fling the box away,cast away your doubt and fears and tap into your artistic side.Some of your ideas might sound bizzare but it is the so called “crazy” ideas that can turn out to be your best yet. Trust the creative side that exist in you.
- Stay focused
You can achieve your content marketing goals as long as you exercise patience and a strong desire to see your vision through.
- Stop comparing yourself
You pour sweat and tears into what you do so give yourself credit .When you fall into the trap of comparing your writing style to that of other writers you can easily get trapped into competitive mode and lose the love.
More over comparisons can be misleading ,your goals are different from that of another author .Your skillset and personality are unique , so there fore I urge you to maximize your unique ability because that cannot be replaced.
- Allocate time for writing without the distractions
If you know that your schedule allows for 1 post per week , stick to the plan unless you have evidence suggesting that you do otherwise.
Make sure that you choose a time slot that is flexible with the least distractions possible. Maybe before work,after work ,or some time during the weekend as long as you are free.
- Writing is theraputic
After having a long stressful day or week at work some people head to the bar to unwind.
Instead of going to the bar there are people like myself that write once per week no matter how long my day has been.
In doing so ,I get to learn and release the stress by doing what I love whilst improving upon my writing skills , so it is a win win situation .
- Share your story
Your story doesn’t have to be memorized because you walk and live it on a daily basis.
I am not saying that people genuinely care about your story ;my point is that your story can be used as a stepping stone to motivate those that are willing to listen. When your story hits home peoples lives can be changed ,your name gets spread like wild fire.After that happens you might just get calls to make guest appearances on televsion,radio or even podcast.
- Collaborate
I have yet to colloborate but I have built a few alliances.The objective of collaborating is to make a fair exchange,you give some value,in return you leverage your partners audience or their influence to help boost you .Just make sure that the relation-ship is mutually beneficial.
- Thick skin
You need to have thick skin in this game because you will be on the receiving end of some harsh criticism.This message is a friedndly reminder for the veterants writers too.
- Don’t take it serious
Coming up with ideas to write about ,posting ,upgrading, optimizing website can be stressful .The good news is that you can outsource certain task so that you can focus more on writing .You just have to know your strengths and weakness to help you get more balance out of your writing.
I know that what I am about to say might sound uncommon “don’t set high expectations” treat writing it like a hobby you love.
- Find your sweet spot
What is it that inspires you to want to write ? Is it a ritual ? A food or song ?
I draw insparation from Darren Rowse and I love his writing style .Reading his post makes me feel as if I am listening to him live person to person. What I have learned from Darren is that I can write on a more intimate level with my readers.
- Give yourself the benefit of the doubt
Some of my post look ugly before I put the final touches on them. usually I would edit when I see things that I don’t like pop up however I have learned to do my edit tune up after my draft is complete.
whenever I try to edit and write at the same time I sometimes stifle progress.
- Freestyle
When you get advice about writing you will hear things like
- Do what you love
- Establish your voice
- Find your niche
Those pointers come in handy but I want to present you with a more exciting approach to help make you and your readers experience more exotic.
You see how a musician can use the keys on the piano to strike certain chords or a singer can pitch higher notes .As a writer you have the power to project your voice , influence readers emotions without the instruments.
People use word play , schemes when they perform to woo their audience.What I am saying here is that there is power in words ;you can use words to invoke emotions , paint the picture that you want your readers to experience at will.
Let me give you a hypothetical example.
Larry ran pass timothy like he was standing still
Or
Larry flew pass Timothy like flash .
Make a serious comparison of the 2 sentences ,tell me which one was more exciting.
Now To Conclude this post
At the end of it all you have a unique perspective so therfore you must learn to trust your ability with the pen.Good writers establish themselves over-time ,they find ways to innovate ,evolve and fight through their moments of doubt.
You can create a spark with the pen.
And last of all .
Time doesn’t waite for anyone ,so if you are reading this post and you haven’t started writing yet feel free to jump onboard if you have the desire to do it.
If you are are a seasoned writer reading this post reach out let’s connect so that we can hold eachother accountable and motivate others around us.
What techniques do you use as a writer?
How long have you been writing ?
Make some noise for me in the comnent section. Thanks.