Six tips for better writing

Follow these quick tips and you’ll be a better – and more persuasive – writer in just a few minutes.

1. Keep your sentences short

This is one of the golden copywriting rules. Put simply, short sentences are easier to read and understand. Long sentences, on the other hand, with complex sub-clauses, as well complicated syntax, can get confusing and, by the time people have finished reading them (if they ever do), they may not remember what you were talking about at the start.

2. Always check your spelling

This may seem obvious – but it’s also essential. Use your spell-checker, but also remember that some words can slip through the gaps. Once you’ve finished a bit of writing, go and do something else for an hour or so. Then come back and read it through once more – you’ll be amazed at the spelling mistakes you spot.

3. Use short words when possible

English has a huge vocabulary – and you nearly always have the choice between like-meaning words. In general, shorter words are easier to read, simpler to understand and they usually have more impact.

4. Avoid negative sentences when trying to persuade

If you’ve had a moody colleague or housemate, you’ll know that negativity spreads. It’s the same in writing. So if you’re trying to persuade someone to buy your product or like your company, keep the negatives out of your text.

5. Avoid exclamation marks

It’s simple, really!!!

6. Ignore people who tell you to avoid contractions

In school, many of us were taught that contractions lead to bad, lazy writing. But they don’t. They’re a valid part of the language, and as it develops, contractions are getting more and more common. In fact, writing without contractions often looks stuffy and boring. But, remember that some contractions just ain’t right.

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This post is originally posted here.