In this age of video and AI, it may seem to you as though writing has gone the way of the Betamax format (you’ll need to be at least 30-years old to get THIS reference).
Writing is still critical for:
- Content for social media (Twitter/X, Facebook and even Instagram and Youtube still look at the text you enter)
- Your email sequences – the very lifeblood of any solidly successful online business owner
- Your sales pages and any content you post to your website
- Your products – which even if the majority of your teaching is video – having accompanying written material is still a key component
- Content that can be picked up by various media online still demands attention to the words you are using
Oh, but I can just use AI can’t I?
Yes – technically you can.
It’s not that bad (and getting better everyday).
However, what is missing is YOU.
Truth be told, what always made writing (whether for products or marketing) WORK is the YOU factor.
Experiences, stories, personality, improvement on what’s already out there…this all comes from between your ears.
This is especially true when you are selling your expertise, knowledge, hope, experiences and training. People are really looking to how YOU can help them achieve what they want or escape the nastiness that has become their life.
So – how can we get better. Even if writing is NOT your strength or your passion?
1. Write it ALL…then edit.
This has ALWAYS been the secret to writing faster and writing better.
These days, it’s highly advisable to at least edit on your mobile device since nearly 75% of your audience will come across your material on another device.
Not only will things LOOK different on mobile devices, your actual reading behavior changes.
You tend to skim more than reading in-depth – and so editing on mobile devices will catch those areas that both look unappealing, but also that are simply too long-winded.
2. Outline – And Do It With Questions
This one secret is what actually got me to FINALLY turn my dreams of writing into actual products and written pages.
Start with the end in mind.
A conclusion, desired outcome or main point.
Then work your sections, chapters, modules, or paragraphs back from there.
Outline each step that will be required to achieve the desired outcome.
Once you have that rough outline, generate a questions that your reader would have to achieve the step or milestone you have outlined for that section.
You can even start by jotting down 2-3 point-form answers if you have them – if not – you can easily go find them once your outline is put together.
Outlies are powerful.
- They keep you ultra-focused
- They let you stop and start instantly – without thinking about where you left off and how you get started
- They ELIMINATE writer’s block. Your brain is designed to answer questions – you do it hundreds of times each day
- They create structures that are highly relevant and often consumable/usable by your reader…HINT: they will pay you more for that
This technique is SO powerful for writing – indeed ALL product creation – that we cover it in detail over at our 30 Day Product Profit System – our Inside Guide to Launching Your Own Digital Product Business in Less Than 30-Days.
Now! On to tip number 3:
3. Read your writing aloud
Reading your work out loud lets you “hear” if what you are saying is clear, concise and usable.
A little secret to highly effective writing…clarity and usability.
Can someone quickly and easily understand your writing?
Can someone immediately put what you write into action to help improve their life?
And that brings us to tip #4
4. Write like you talk, naturally
The common mistake people make when they either try to create written digital products or write marketing pieces is to fall back into the trap of thinking they are writing some great piece of literature.
In reality, what people want is to read as if they are hearing your voice.
Conversational…just like you talk.
That’s the easiest format for their brain to internalize AND the easiest way for you to write too.
5. Write To Your Avatar.
When I started, I used to think I was writing to everyone.
But really, that ends up with writing that reads as if it is written to no one.
Here’s how you can get much better at writing for YOUR audience.
• Who specifically am I targeting? What is their “avatar” – what emotional state are they in?
What problem am I solving?
• Whose problem am I solving?
• What benefits am I unlocking?
• What solution am I offering?
• What emotions will my reader feel when they internalize the material?
• What am I leading the reader to do – next action?
Now, onto the last and most important tip:
6. Define Your Technology or Solution System.
Remember, you are not just giving your reader information.
You are giving them hope!
You are giving them a system to use to achieve a desired outcome.
Find a way to Name the steps, tips or techniques you are recommending as a way to help them.
It’s not so important WHAT the name is, only that it is uniquely yours and something you can use in future products, talks and marketing.
—
Ok, these tips are entirely practical and right out of my playbook.
If you found these tips useful, there is much more on how to use these as well as tips and steps on turning your dream of becoming a writer, teacher, trainer or online digital entrepreneur inside 30 Day Product Profit System – it gets updated based on our actual business operations. No theory – just practical tips. We have 23 online digital products and counting – so it WORKS!
Feel free to check it out – it would be great to meet you inside if you are ready.
