KISS - The Smoochy Approach to Easy to Read Content

KISS - Keep it simple silly.

It’s easy to become mired in the amount of information you have to share and the amount of content you want to cover.  However, too much information crammed into an article, particularly an article intended to be published online, sends the reader into a state of confusion and whoosh they’re gone.  You’ve lost them.

As readers, we don’t want to wade through an article to pick out the nuggets of beneficial information.  We want them laid out for us; readily apparent and easy to read.

Writing this type of content can be tricky.  Here are a few tips to get started:

#1  Define the goal for your piece.

• Are you trying to show people how to do something?
• Are you introducing a new concept?
• Are you singing the praises of a product or service?
• Are you hoping to inspire?
• Incite?

#2  Make your point.

Once your goal is established list 3-5 points required to achieve your goal.  They must be directly related to your goal for the article. For example, if you’re striving to show people how to accomplish something then a paragraph on how great a product is will only distract from your goal.

#3  Summarize.

A client of mine once said - "Tell ‘em what you’re gonna tell ‘em, tell ‘em, and then tell ‘em what you told ‘em and then tell ‘em why."

Now what if you want to double up on goals?

What if you want your how to article to also sell a product or a service?  Tread carefully!  Write your article with your main goal in mind and then go back and insert a few sentences, where appropriate, to help you accomplish your secondary goal.

OR

Tighten your focus - Write your how to article using the product or service you’re promoting.  Rather than "How to Groom Your Dog" your article becomes "How to Groom Your Dog Using Environmentally Safe Products."  Now you can mention your products or services as you go through your step-by-step points.

Happy writing!

Tips to Quick Start Your Content

Sometimes the most difficult step to take is the first step.

Remember back when you were looking to start a business?  Most business owners mull the concept of owning a business around for years before they actually take that first step to make it happen.

I’m an avid rock climber and even on the best of days the most difficult step is just getting off of the ground.

Writing is often the same way - the first step, getting the first few words on the paper, is the most difficult.

It doesn’t matter what you’re writing, it could be a blog post or a long copy sale letter - the step is the same.

Here are three tricks to use the next time you find yourself staring at a blank piece of paper.

1.  Use a quote.  There are notable quotes on just about every topic under the sun.  A quick search online and you’ll have thousands to pour through.  Warning - don’t let finding the perfect quote become a way to procrastinate writing your piece.  Go in with an objective and get out fast.  Use the quote as your first step and go from there.

2.  Relevant statistics and data. 
"Statistics are like bikinis.  What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital."

~Aaron Levenstein

Use a statistic to kick start your content.  You can then go about to prove, disprove or simply discuss the ramifications of the statistic in your content.  Warning - like quotes you can spend days reading and jotting down relevant statistics.  Search with scrutiny and be quick about it.

3.  Share a personal story.  I’ve recently been working with a client who rather than posting basic informative articles on his site has asked to have ‘creative nonfiction’ content written.  In short, the pertinent information will be embedded into a short story.  The creative part is the story part because I’m making that up as I go however you don’t have to - you can use your real life as your story.

Remember that while the first step is the most difficult step to take, it’s also the least important. Once you have the ball rolling and the content is flowing from your imagination onto the page you can go back and clean up your article or sales piece - you can get rid of that first sentence or two if they don’t work or change your statistic, quote and so on.  The point is to get started, not to commit to those first 10-20 words.

Overwhelmed by content - time yourself

Whenever I have a bulk of content looming over me, say a month’s worth of blog posts or a couple of free reports I want to give away next month, the best way to get it done is to set a time limit for each piece.

For example, let’s say you need to get a month’s worth of blog posts written today.  Perhaps your schedule is to post twice a week so that’s 8-10 blog posts to write.  Ideally you don’t want to spend the entire day writing.  1 hour per blog post and your day is gone.

What about 30 minutes per post - think that’s doable?  That would mean your content is complete in 4-5 hours.  Not too bad.  I recommend challenging yourself even more and setting a time limit of 5 minutes per post.

Gasp!  Sounds ridiculous, right?

Here’s how to get it done:

Step One:  Spend ten to fifteen minutes outlining your posts.  Give each post a title and pose it as a question to answer.   For example, this post could have been titled -How do I write a blog post in 5 minutes?  Under your question write three points you’re going to make to answer.  Spend no more than 2 minutes per post - you’re just jotting down main points here.

Step Two:  Gather your supplies.  You’ll need a timer.  I use my Timex running watch because I can set the alarm to go off every five minutes and it repeats without me having to touch it.  You’ll need your outlines either in front of you on a piece of paper or on separate documents on your computer.  If you’re writing in a notebook then you’ll need a pen and paper and if you’re writing straight to your computer then turn it on.

Step Three:  Push start on the timer.  Look at your first title and start writing, start answering that question.  Don’t self edit, don’t spell check and don’t delete or scribble things out.  Just write. Write until you’re done or your timer alarm is sounding.  Chances are, if you’re writing as the thoughts are coming to you, not editing, and not staring out the window at the pigeons fighting on the fence, you’ve written at least 500 words.

Step Four:  Repeat the process with each blog post until you’ve made it through your list of topics.

Assuming you started with 10 topics and giving yourself 10 extra minutes to warm up your coffee or stretch, you’ve now spent an hour writing your monthly blog posts but you’re not done yet.  Your next step is to clean them up.  If you’ve written straight to your computer you can now go through and run spell-check.  Read each sentence and paragraph to make sure they make sense and back up your main theme.  Write a sentence or two to wrap up the article and move onto the next one.  This process should take no more than 10 minutes per article - preferably less.

If you wrote to a notebook first then the act of typing the content will clean up the majority of your spelling and grammar issues.

Why write in a rush?  When we don’t leave room for editing and doubt and simply write with the intention of getting our thoughts down on paper our writing is typically better.  It’s conversational, shows our personality, and doesn’t get bogged down with pretense.

At the end of the day if you’re able to write 10 articles in about 2.5 hours, writing and editing time combined, it’s worth the time savings right?  Give it a try - you may be surprised to find you not only saved yourself several hours but your writing just improved too.

7 PLR Rewrite tips

While there are mixed opinions on the whys and hows of PLR content many internet marketers still use it as part of their marketing strategy.  What people do agree on is the fact that to make PLR content most effective it’s important to make it your own.  Here are 7 tips to rewrite your PLR content and get the most bang for your buck.

#1  Buy quality PLR.  You’ve heard the saying "you get what you pay for."  As a writer I’ve occasionally been asked to rewrite PLR content for clients, which means I’ve seen some pretty awful stuff.  I’ve also seen some terrific PLR.  If you’re in the market check out AllPrivateLabelContent.com.

#2  Make simple changes.  If you’re pressed for time and really need to get that blog post up - make simple changes.  Change the headline, the subheads and if there are bulleted points or a list then a simple change in the wording can help to make it your own.

#3  Personalize it.  The internet has taken huge steps over the past three or four years to become a community.  Social networking sites and blog posts are only the beginning.  Marketers who share themselves with their audience help to create a sense of community.  Add a few personal examples or anecdotes to your PLR.  For example if your article is about the importance of recycling you can talk about the challenges of recycling at home and how you solved them for yourself.  You’ll help brand it and connect with your audience.

#4 Data and statistics.  A PLR article about how to buy green may have a great foundation, give it more credibility by inserting a few relevant statistics. If some data is already cited, change it and find different supporting data – this is a great way to make your PLR content unique.

#5 Reorganize the content – It’s typically very simple to take an article and break it up into a bulleted list or vice versa to take a list and change them into paragraph form.

#6  Combine a few short PLR articles on similar topics to create a longer article.  Some PLR content is around 250-450 words long.  You can pull relevant paragraphs from two or three articles on the same related subject, write a new introduction and conclusion and voila - new content.

#7.  Hire someone to rewrite it for you.  Be sure to let the writer know what you intend to use the content for and give them a link to your website so they can get a feel for your audience and your voice.

PLR is a great way to keep content flowing on your website, blog, or article marketing directories - take a few minutes to make it your own.

Happy rewriting!

Tired of “Writing” - Talk Your Content Instead

Being a bit of an adventure seeker, it occurred to me last year after a particularly rough fall on my snowboard, (we’re talking out of control wagon wheel tumbling down the snowy slope), that I needed a backup.  What would happen if I broke my arm, dislocated my shoulder, or snapped a wrist?  I’d be out of luck, right?

Rather than change my nature, I invested in a voice to text software program called Dragon Naturally Speaking.  This wonderful product actually works pretty well and while the learning curve is a bit more than many are willing to invest (you have to go through a long tutorial so it can learn your speech patterns and you have to learn the nuances of the software) I’m confident that if I am in fact injured, I can maintain my ability to create content for my clients without any downtime.

If you’re the type of person who feels very comfortable talking about your industry topic but find that writing doesn’t come as easy as you’d like it - consider giving it a try. The standard program is $99 and the preferred version starts at $199 and is compatible with a Bluetooth wireless headset. Additionally, you can use it to write email messages, and it works with both MS Word and WordPerfect in addition to a number of other software products.

If learning new software isn’t something you’re interested in then consider dictating your content and having a transcriptionist or virtual assistant transcribe it for you.  You can even have them edit it and submit it to article directories or upload it onto your website - all you have to do is talk.

Whether you’re creating content with a speech to text software program or dictating it for transcription remember to keep your content organized.  Each chapter or article will have a main point to make.  Each paragraph will have clear, active sentences which support your main point.  It’s difficult sometimes when speaking content to keep thoughts organized - consider making an outline to keep on track.  Once you’ve created your article, report, or book make sure to review it for spelling, grammar, and clarity.

Writing isn’t for everyone yet every internet marketer needs quality content to market their business. If writing isn’t for you, don’t give up – talk your content instead.

Don’t forget your turn signal!

Okay so this post was prompted by a drive home from the grocery where NO ONE used their turn signal.  How frustrating to deal with parking lots and rush hour traffic when no one is telling you where they plan to go.  It’s a sure way to get into an accident.  The same thing is true when you write your content.  Readers need to know the direction you’re taking - you have to give them a signal (aka a thesis statement).

What’s your signal?  When do you use it?

Your signal is typically the last sentence or two in your first paragraph. It’s the sentence which tells them what the body of your content is going to be about.  It gives your readers a direction to go. Leave it out and you’re going to lose the majority of your readers - certainly not your intended goal. You at least want readers to scan your content and then click through to your website or offer.

So your first paragraph has two goals, it needs to grab the attention of your reader and it needs to compel them to continue reading.  When the typical first paragraph is five or less sentences long, you have to get to the point pretty quickly.

If the first paragraph is a struggle, write backwards.  Write the main points of your content first - it doesn’t matter if you’re writing an article, blog post, email or sales letter.  Once you have the main points think about what theme unites the main points.  From this point you can write your summary paragraph followed by your first paragraph or vice versa.  If summary paragraphs are easier for you to write, write them first and then rework your summary into an introductory article.  Share a story, ask a question, or share an opinion that relates to your topic.  Follow it by a thesis or introductory statement and you’re good to go.

How do you know if your introductory paragraph and thesis statement are strong?

Ask yourself:

• Do I address the statement or answer the question in my content?
• Is it specific?
• Does it offer a statement or opinion which can be challenged?

Not giving your readers a signal, failing to tell them what your content is about, is a sure way to crash headlong into content oblivion.  Not to worry, after a little practice and careful attention to your content,  writing an introductory paragraph will become second nature.  It’s as basic as thinking before you speak or using your turn signal.

Borrowing your writing voice

Way back when, in college, I took just about every writing course available.  We’re talking poetry, public relations writing, journalism, advertising copywriting and of course fiction writing.  In every beginner course I remember hearing the same thing…if you don’t have a writing style/voice, find one you like and borrow it.

The theory is that as you try to emulate a style your writing style and craft will improve.  As your craft improves your own voice and style will come through.  The key to writing well, as with most things, is to practice.  Borrowing a voice and writing style makes it easier to practice writing. It gives you a goal and a structure to work with.

Finding a voice to borrow.

This part is actually easy.  As you read articles, books, reports, blog posts and so on you’ll be drawn to certain authors and their writing style.  Save those files.  You can even print them out and keep what’s called a swipe file.  I recommend keeping your files catagorized and separated so the sales letters don’t get mixed up with articles, reports and so on.

Using your swipe file.

Plagiarism is not acceptable and please know that’s not what I’m talking about here.  I’m talking about emulating a writing style.  Analyze the content you like and want to emulate.  How is it structured?  Is it formal or informal?  Does the writer use a lot of descriptive language?  Short sentences?  Personal anecdotes? Do they write in first person?

Borrowing a writing style is a great first step to becoming the writer you want to be.  Emulate, practice, practice, practice.

Happy writing.

Making your content stand out above the rest

"Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will."

~Goethe

We’re hip deep in content today. Everyone and their brother have a blog. There are more ebooks and special reports available online than could fill a Borders Bookstore floor to ceiling when printed out.

So how do you make your content stand out?

You could of course make outrageous and controversial claims. That works for many people and it draws a crowd. Depending on your product or service it can work.

However, I think the most effective option is to instead write your content with your brand image in mind. If you’re a small business owner then your brand image is quite often you. Your personality is your brand/company personality and that means sharing who you are with your audience.

That may make some folks nervous. We like to draw a fine line between our business life and our personal life and for the most part, that makes sense. However to really connect with your audience and to create ‘likeability’ you must expose yourself a little bit.

Share a story, a personal experience, you can even tell a joke or share a quote that means a lot to you.

For example, if you’re writing a blog post on the importance of buying reusable shopping bags then a simple example of how struggled with bunches and bunches of bags spilling onto your floor every time you opened the cupboard will resonate with those who have been in the same predicament. (Or if you’re like me, you buy the reusable shopping bags and then forget them at home!)

As the internet becomes more and more competitive, the businesses which connect with their audience on a personal level, those which create a sense of community, are the ones which will last.

Show your audience who you are in your content. Share your personality, your brand image, and your content will stand out above the rest.

Happy writing!

What are your writing and grammar pet peeves?

Have you ever started to read a book, article or blog post only to sigh in disgust? Quite likely the author has struck a writing pet peeve of yours.

For example, I have an aversion to adverbs. …she said quietly …he walked quickly …she waited anxiously. ..

You get the picture, those dreaded ly words. Instead of talking quietly, why can’t she whisper? Why can’t he jog instead of walking quickly? Instead of waiting anxiously, why can’t she show her anxiety by tapping her toes? Yes, I understand adjectives have their place and time, however an overuse of them makes for passive writing.

Some other examples of potential writing pet peeves include redundancies.

For example, shrugged her shoulders, blinked her eyes, waved his hand. The question is…what else would they have shrugged, blinked or waved?

Of course grammar is a huge source of peeves for many. The fun and entertaining Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss is full of funny anecdotes and the correct way to use grammar to get your point across.

When writing content, we want to engage our reader, not tick them off by triggering a pet peeve, right? It’s important to be concise and learn what we can about the craft of writing and grammar to convey our message.

So…what are your pet peeves?

Writing a product comparison review

In my last blog post I posed a simple structure for writing a book review.  Reviews, whether for books or products, are an excellent tool to pre-sell for affiliate income.

When writing a review it is always imperative to keep your readers in mind.  Answer the question they’re always thinking - What’s in it for me?

This question can be easily and subtly answered by writing a product comparison type review.  Presumably at least one of the products being compared is a product you’re affiliated with.  Product comparisons work well to pre-sell because they are an easy structure to read (and write) and when readers can compare benefits it’s easier to make a buying decision.

The structure

Like most every type of content an introductory paragraph is required.  Keep it short because your readers want to get to the good stuff.

The body of the review will be a comparison of at least two products but no more than five.  Comparing too many products and the content becomes jumbled and difficult for readers to remember.

Compare benefits not features.  Your readers don’t care that a candy bar has 30 calories, they care that it makes for an easy snack which won’t add to their wasteline.

Compare relevant benefits.  If you talk about the nutrition benefits of one candy bar be sure to talk about the nutrition benefits of the others.  One caveat to this is if one product offers different features than the other.  For example, you’re comparing word processing software and one offers spell check and the other does not.  To give reader’s ample information be sure to let them know that the software products offer different features.

Wrapping it all up…The final paragraph is a summary of your opinion and a conclusion.

The majority of internet users, myself included, use the internet to research products before making a purchase.  Offering reviews on your website not only helps people make a buying decision which results in affiliate profits for you, it also drives traffic to your business website.

Happy Writing!

Next Page »