Written content is the currency of any online business. With content, you can attract new clients. With content, you can get noticed by search engines. And with content, you can build a loyal following. But one complaint I hear from my clients over and over is that content takes time to create!
Now I'm not about to suggest that you should rush the creation of your online content, but there are some ways to ensure that you create it as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. Let's take a look at five quick pointers that can help you write better blog posts and articles… fast:
1) Don’t Constantly Edit
The first time you draft a new piece of content, let the words flow without editing as you go. This one was hard for me at first, but, with practice, it's really paid off! Write your entire first draft before you look for any spelling mistakes or potential changes. Most people tend to edit as they write, and then they do it again at the end. This is a waste of time and will often get in the way the creative “flow”.
2) Eliminate Distractions
When you know it’s time to write your content, make a point to eliminate distractions. This might seem obvious, but are you really doing it? Many people tend to keep their Facebook, Twitter, email, and so on open on their browser while they’re writing. Even if you don’t check them, notification sounds affect our concentration. Find a quiet place where you can concentrate, and only have sites that are relevant to your post’s research open on your Internet browser when you write. If necessary, install a browser plugin that blocks distracting sites (there are many free options available).
3) Make A Plan
Do some basic planning before you begin writing. While some writers are talented enough to write fluently as they go along, others may get stuck halfway and have a hard time continuing. Before you write your content, type out a basic outline listing each basic point from beginning to end (here's a tool that might help). Use this draft as your guide, and improvise if you need to along the way.
4) Write Shorter Content
If possible, keep your content shorter! This doesn’t mean deliberately writing short posts that don’t provide any value. Instead, it means saying what you need to say but in as few words as possible. As long as your readers can get what they need to your post, and feel as though you are delivering value, then there’s no difference between a 500 or 1000-word post! Many readers will lose interest anyway when you don’t keep to the point!
5) Work In Batches
Remember that you will simply get faster with practice, and especially when you “batch” your content creation process to create many posts at once.
6) BONUS TIP: Know Where You Are Taking Your Reader
As I mentioned above, having a plan will help you get your writing done efficiently. But it can also help you be more effective in getting our readers to take action on what you've written. When you set up your content effectively, you can get people to join your email list, schedule and appointment, click over to your website, and, perhaps, even make a purchase.
Want more great tips on content creation? Download a copy of my free Compelling Content Checklist so you can be more efficient and effective with your blog posts and articles.
