Word Wise Blog: Content Writing Made Easy

Sep 23, 2026

Want readers to stay on your webpage or blog? You need these tips

If you own a website (or write one for someone else), you need two things:

A plan to get readers to your siteTips for writing website content to keep them there longer.As for the first need: there are plenty of ways to get visitors. You can use high-value keywords to get organic traffic, plant inbound links, and generate traffic through your newsletters and social media links.

But once users find your site, how do you get them to hang out for a bit?

You want them to stay for ...

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Sep 22, 2026

3 cost-saving writing tips for an uncertain economy

Easy and cheap: those words are gold when it comes to writing during times of upheaval, whether it's nonprofit fundraising tips or promoting your biz or building an online following.

Chances are during uncertain economic times, you’ve had to whittle down your communications budget. Promotion departments pull back. Solopreneurs trim budgets to the bone. People expect a “disappearing act” from nonprofits and businesses alike.

Don’t be like everyone else! It’s absolutely urgent that you ...

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Sep 21, 2026

What is copywriting ... and do content writers need that skill?

Basic copywriting is text that persuades. It’s the practice of writing text (called copy) with the goal of persuading someone to take a specific action—like buying a product, signing up for a service, or clicking a link.

It’s essential for any business, whether you’re large or small. Copywriters use the written word to promote your cause, service, or product.

But good, basic copywriting doesn’t just ...

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Sep 20, 2026

Why positive content draws readers more than negative

Research shows that a positive word is persuasive. And it can have long-lasting effects on readers and listeners alike.

In contrast, writers have long been taught to tap into fear and greed. By addressing those emotions, say copywriting gurus, you’re more likely to persuade readers to adopt your idea, buy your product, or support your cause.

That may be true. But ...

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Sep 19, 2026

How to write a letter of reference

When I was first asked to write a letter of reference, I wasn't sure where to begin.

I found a neat little template tucked away in the very last chapter of the book of Romans. There, Paul introduces Phoebe, whom he had chosen to deliver the monumental letter to the Christians at Rome ...

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Sep 18, 2026

Writing By The Book: Daily, practical encouragement for writers

Writers need encouragement. And we need tools to equip us.

That’s the basic premise behind Writing By The Book.

I discovered this principle when I started writing...

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Sep 17, 2026

If you're a biz, can you get good writing for free?

’m often asked if it’s possible to get copywriting for free.

The asker quickly qualifies her question. “I mean, can I get good copywriting at no cost?”

Sure!

I know because I've been on the giving end. Once in awhile a situation arises where I write without getting paid for it...

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Sep 16, 2026

Is whate space wasted space?

White space in writing is the empty areas surrounding your words. Designers also call it negative space.

Think of writing like a conversation with a friend, but the other person talks to you like

thiswithoutstoppingforbreathandcrammedeverythoughtintoeveryavailablemoment,andsoonyouprobablystartlookingforanescape.

Writing without pauses can feel the same way.

That’s why white space in writing is a valuable tool. It acts like the pauses in a conversation that make things comfortable for your reader...

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Sep 15, 2026

One of the most persuasive writing techniques is ...

Readers look for excuses to not take action. It is how human beings are wired.

Good persuasive writing addresses your reader’s internal protests.

One of the best ways to do that is by giving proof. Facts. Stats.

But not just by spewing them. Rather ...

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Sep 15, 2026

How to write a conclusion that sticks with your reader

It’s no secret that you need to write a strong opening to hook Joe Reader. When he gets interested, he proceeds to read or skim the body itself.

Less well-known is the secret of finishing strong. Studies show that only 50% of today’s readers stay with a piece of content beyond the halfway mark (at most).

What if your Joe Reader is among the remaining 50%? By writing powerful endings, you give ...

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Sep 14, 2026

Quick tip for writing clearly

Want clear writing? You’re not alone. “Very few people have the ability to write effortlessly and perfectly,” said noted technical writer Marvin H. Swift (1923–2007), writing in the Harvard Business Review. “Most of us must sweat over the process of revision, drafting, and redrafting until we get it right.”

But you can reduce your writing sweat and tears with a few simple tools. One of those tools is brevity. Clear writing is short...

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Sep 14, 2026

The 2 main types of business emails

Writing emails has become a content specialty.

I’m not talking about the informal, one-on-one email you dash off to your cubicle partner to schedule a time to meet for lunch. Nor do I mean the emails that you send between your boss or associates to manage tasks, maintain a record of what’s done, and as reminders of what’s ahead.

Rather, there’s an entire niche of writing devoted to email marketing.

If you’re a blogger, freelance writer, ministry leader, or small business owner – well, like it not, you’re a marketer. These days, communication is conducted primarily through ...

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Sep 13, 2026

Stumped by your next writing project?

When it’s time to move on to your next writing project, you may simply stare at the blinking cursor on your screen.

You’ve just spent time and emotional capital honing one piece of writing. Now, you’re paralyzed. You’re convinced you’ll never write anything again.

You can call it “writer’s block” if you want. But recognize this lapse at the keyboard for what it is: a bump in the road.

The best way to get over a bump is to start walking. Or in this case ...

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Sep 13, 2026

Here's a concrete reason to offer different response mechanisms in your appeal

It’s not unusual for my dad to receive between five and ten fundraising appeals a day. He is a generous man and gives to many nonprofit causes, so his mailing address is on dozens and dozens of mailing lists.

What’s surprising is that he reads every one of those letters...

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Sep 12, 2026

What's a filler ... and why you should write them

A filler is a short-short article, usually about 100-500 words.

Filler content runs the gamut from anecdotes to tips, recipes, how-tos, devotionals, jokes, news bites, household hints, images with captions, quizzes, top 10 lists, statistics, quotations, quirky facts...

I got my start as a freelancer by writing fillers for ...

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Sep 12, 2026

The REAL writing happens when you do this

Revision is different than editing, although writers may mistakenly use the terms interchangeably.

Revision allows you to narrow your topic focus. Often, it involves making major changes to ...

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Sep 11, 2026

DIY your own successful strategic plan

If you’re a nonprofit organization, small business owner, or solopreneur, then you need a strategic plan.

And you don’t need an MBA to create one. Nor must you pay big dollars to a consultant to get started. This workbook helps you get started with your first strategic plan for your own nonprofit or business – or update an old one.

It’s a “fill-in-the-blanks” guide that walks you through ...

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Sep 11, 2026

What writing goal will you accomplish before 2027?

You CAN accomplish your writing goals.

All you need is a plan and a little help from a friend.

This Writing Goal Planner walks you through how to set and achieve writing goals ... and shows you step-by-step how to accomplish them so you can finish ...

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Sep 10, 2026

Open your content with one of these 5 story formats

“Have you read this story?” my husband asked, wiping his eyes with one hand and waving his phone in the other.

I shook my head.

He forwarded the link containing a profile about a courageous ALS victim. “Check it out,” he went on. “But only when you have a few minutes to cry and recover.” He left the room to blow his nose.

I read it right away. Then ran to the bathroom to wash the tears off my face.

You can get the same reaction when you ...

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Sep 09, 2026

50 SEO terms every content writer should know (and why)

If you’re a content writer, you’ve probably heard SEO terms tossed around like search intent, backlinks, and SERPs — sometimes enough to make your head spin.

The good news? You don’t need to become an SEO expert to write content that gets found.

But you do need to understand the language.

Knowing what SEO pros, editors, and clients mean when they talk about things like ...

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Sep 08, 2026

Questions every new writer has about writing eBooks

Everybody is writing eBooks these days. Small biz owners, bloggers, leaders, entrepreneurs … yes, even people who think they can “get rich quick” off of AI.

But even with eBooks’ popularity, you may wonder if this is a format you should pursue and, if so, how to go about it.

Writing an eBook feels like a huge project. Questions start piling up before you even ponder your first sentence...

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Sep 07, 2026

Is your website easy to read? Use these tips to find out

If you own a website (or write one for someone else), you need two things: a plan to get readers to your site and tips for writing website content to keep them there longer.

And once users find your site, how do you get them to hang out for a bit? You want them to stay for a spell. It’s plenty easy for a reader to click off and hop over to the next link on the search engine results...

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Sep 06, 2026

Big, bigger, biggest ... which should you use?

“The first square is bigger than the second square.” Bigger is a comparative – a writing device used to compare and contrast two items.

By using comparatives like big, bigger, and biggest in your content, you help readers draw on pattern recognition skills they learned in childhood ...

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Sep 05, 2026

Avoid this nonprofit writing blooper

I was trying to help a client avoid one of the biggest nonprofit fundraising mistakes: talking about his ministry procedures.

He waxed eloquent about adopting a new database, switching around his organizational chart, and tweaking his bylaws.

“People really don't ...

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Sep 04, 2026

Learn to write devotionals at your own pace

Devotionals are a unique genre. And you can write them!

Leaders, entrepreneurs, students, moms, professionals, writers – or those who want to be – have learned to write devotionals by using the principles found in this course.

It’s a fun and easy-to-use guide packed with ...

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