Write Like No One Else - Write Like You

As a business owner, you're writing all the time, even if you don't think you are. Think about it: you're writing all the time... emails, responses to potential clients, ezine articles, blog posts, social media status updates, sales pages, campaign emails, product materials.

Business owner = writer. And that means your writing needs to be good.

So, what makes good writing? Perfect grammar and mechanics? No. (And I'm allowed to say that since I used to teach 7th, 8th, and 9th grade English.) Huge vocabulary? No. Compelling writing that makes the reader rush to the next sentence because she can't wait to see what you wrote?

Yes.

So HOW do you do that? How do you make your writing so compelling that it's literally a page-turner? Whether we're talking about your own ezine article, blog post, sales page, or marketing email, basically, you want your reader (substitute "potential client") to take the next step, click the link, buy the product.

Write authentically. Write as you, not as a carbon copy of some other writer, even one whom you admire. Don't play it safe, afraid you might offend a reader or two. Be bold. Be brazen. Be outrageous. Be you. That's what will draw readers in.

Write with passion. If you aren't passionate about your subject, you shouldn't be writing about it. Let that passion show through. Get rid of phrases like "I think, " "I believe," "I guess," "In my opinion." Be firm and stand behind your passion.

Show; don't tell. Don't tell your readers what they should think or feel. Show them. Describe in vivid detail what's going on and let them make their own conclusions. They'll happily come along the path you've blazoned for them.

Take risks. Are you writing a self-help book and you want to include illustrations? Do you really want to use "shit" in your writing, but you're afraid to, afraid you might offend someone? Here's the news flash - if you're doing your job and conveying a compelling message with words, you absolutely will offend someone. On the other hand, some readers, who aren't offended and completely get you, will race after you.

Go deep. Don't skim the surface. Dive into the pain, the joy, the desperation, the bliss. Feel it - and let it come through your words. When you do that, you'll bring your readers to those depths with you.

The more you write as YOU, the more compelling it will be. It's not safe; it's downright scary. But instead of toeing the line or straddling the fence, pick a side of that line or fence and stand firm. The people on that side will be drawn to you and won't be able to wait for the next sentence.