Word Wise Blog: Content Writing Made Easy
Write more. Save time.
Word Wise is for busy people who want to write more (or need to), but don't have a lot of time.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 30, 2023
Write social media posts that get read. Use these 6 tips.
These 6 quick tips for writing social media posts help me keep grounded.
I admit it: I want people to read my posts. I want interactions.
My guess is that you do, too. In the process, it can be tempting to use tricks to get people to read what I write. But that's not what ...
Continue reading "Write social media posts that get read. Use these 6 tips."
Jan 29, 2023
Just 19% bloggers blog for money. Do you?
A survey of 1,000 bloggers by Blogging.com found that 81% of writers make $100 or less from their blogs.
That stat dispels the common misconception that every blogger blogs for money.
In fact, when digital business expert Jeff Bullas and technology information giant Lifewire list the top reasons that writers start blogging, they include ...
Continue reading "Just 19% bloggers blog for money. Do you?"
Jan 28, 2023
How to write to different kinds of readers
An email segment is a specific group of subscribers on your email list.
They have particular trait or characteristic in common. Maybe they participated in one of your events and you want to invite them to the next one. Or perhaps these readers have requested a particular download on your website – one that shows they are interested in a certain topic. You want to send them additional content that dives deeper into that topic.
By creating a segment, you can ...
Continue reading "How to write to different kinds of readers"
Jan 27, 2023
Grant writing acronyms you need to know
“I need to learn a whole new language.”
That was my first thought when I dipped my toe into grant writing. I soon learned that grant-speak extends beyond government grants to private foundation and corporation funding operations, too.
What surprised me the most were the acronyms ...
Jan 26, 2023
How long should you blog post be?
What is the ideal blog post length?
It’s a question that I hear in variations, like …
Jan 25, 2023
11 weak words to avoid in your writing
Want strong writing? Start by eliminating weak words. It’s a simple fix.
Naturally, you want to know which words are weak and which are strong. And yes, I will name names. But first, why do some words lack power while others have impact?
Jan 24, 2023
Why the word "deadline" is so persuasive ... and how to use it
Power words are terms and phrases that move prospects to act. The word "deadline" – like the words now, instantly, and discover – is a power word that creates urgency and motivates the reader to take the next step.
I like "deadline" because it’s so practical ...
Continue reading "Why the word "deadline" is so persuasive ... and how to use it"
Jan 23, 2023
Use this simple blog writing template to write more quality posts
Author and speaker Michael Hyatt uses a simple blog writing template to churn out quality posts five days a week.
He fell into blogging by accident - literally. He broke his leg and during his recovery, he started a blog that eventually shifted his then-editorial career in a whole new direction. Michael will be the first to tell you that ...
Continue reading "Use this simple blog writing template to write more quality posts"
Jan 22, 2023
A simple direct mail tool you may want to try
It’s easy to dismiss a direct mail postcard as impersonal. Particularly these days, when social media marketing pushes us to engage readers.
But if you want to get a message out fast – or reinforce one you’ve already sent – then use postcards.
They are short. And they ...
Continue reading "A simple direct mail tool you may want to try"
Jan 21, 2023
First draft fears? Here's what to do
“Your first draft is for your eyes only,” says writing coach Daphne Gray-Grant. “Do not show it to anyone else. Not your boss. Not your client. Not your friends.”
The purpose of your first draft is simply to ...
Jan 20, 2023
Need a takeaway? Try using one of these templates
Writers use formulas and templates because they work. So why not use templates for takeaways?
Continue reading "Need a takeaway? Try using one of these templates"
Jan 19, 2023
10 commandments for newsletters
Newsletters are a great way to keep you in touch with your readers, whether you're a freelancer who wants to stay in front of your clients (or those who might want to use your services) or a ministry, nonprofit, or small- to mid-size business.
Your readers already know you. You’ve earned their trust. When you send a regular newsletter online, print, or both, you build that relationship by staying in touch. You build further credibility when you ...
Jan 18, 2023
Procrastinating? You're not lazy ... here's the REAL problem
You’re at your desk early. But an hour later, your writing outline remains undone. Meanwhile, you’ve emptied your email box … sorted your pencils and pens … separated paper clips from the rubber bands in the desk drawer.
You’ve just succumbed to a wave of writer’s procrastination. But there's good news. It's NOT about your work ethic ...
Continue reading "Procrastinating? You're not lazy ... here's the REAL problem"
Jan 17, 2023
Create identity content to explain who you are to prospeects
You know yourself. But do you explain who you are and what you do to others in a way they can grasp? No matter whether you’re a small to medium-sized business, an organization, or a sole proprietor, you want people to understand your work. It’s the essence of building your ”platform.” (Plus, it's an important step in writing a strategic plan.)
Here are tips for writing better content that explains who you are and what you do...
Continue reading "Create identity content to explain who you are to prospeects"
Jan 16, 2023
Find time to write by busting these 3 myths
“I can’t find time to write.” If that’s you, then you’re not alone. Forces conspire against writers to prevent us from getting words on the page!
Maybe you can’t find time to write because you’re continually interrupted. Your social media app dings and you simply must check it. Your colleague in the next cubicle has a question about a project or your seventeen-year-old in the kitchen has a question about a snack. And you cannot let email ...
Continue reading "Find time to write by busting these 3 myths"
Jan 15, 2023
When you research, gather extra. Here's why
Let’s say you’re preparing a new piece for a newsletter. You dutifully research the topic and interview experts.
But don’t get “just enough” research to write your article. Get some extra … as in extra statistics, quotes, interesting facts, examples, and testimonials. With extras in hand, you can
Continue reading "When you research, gather extra. Here's why"
Jan 14, 2023
Do you forget passwords? Try this
Security guidelines recommend that you change your login password every 30 to 180 days. Then, once you change your password, you need to remember it. If you have multiple accounts and multiple passwords, you may face plenty of login confusion. Passwords can add another layer of complications to your busy, distracted life.
Nancy, an administrator with a large insurance firm, has found a way to leverage these required password changes and incorporate them into her walk of faith...
Jan 13, 2023
Use a tangible illustration to make an abstract point
A devotional illustration is sometimes called the body, the narrative, or even the “devotional” itself. It is one of three of the parts of the standard devotional structure.
The illustration is the longest section of the three. It does the “heavy lifting” in the devotional by communicating the devo’s spiritual truth – its point – and connecting it to a real-life situation. (More about the devotional point ...)
Continue reading "Use a tangible illustration to make an abstract point"
Jan 12, 2023
Website content: write these 3 pages first
Writing content for a website – particularly if it’s a new site – can be an overwhelming project.
The best place to start with writing content for a website is to write the first few pages that your reader needs the most and build from there.
Write these three pages first...
Continue reading "Website content: write these 3 pages first"
Jan 11, 2023
Publishing a newsletter? Use this top writing tip for success
Over decades of publishing a newsletter, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. Fortunately, I’ve learned a few things, too. And one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned – one that has given me the biggest success – is quite simple.
It's this ...
Continue reading "Publishing a newsletter? Use this top writing tip for success"
Jan 10, 2023
3 simple-to-use storytelling tips
Stories are universal in articles, blog posts, web pages, appeal letters, sales letters, email campaigns – even grant applications. They’re an especially ideal way to open your piece and transition into the rest of your content.
When you open a piece of content with a story, you entice the reader to
Jan 09, 2023
25 smart writing goals for 2023
Isaac Asimov (1920-1992), one of the world’s most prolific writers, demonstrated this approach in his writing habits. Before writing, Asimov chose the key problem in the story and how the story would end. He worked back from there.
Asimov wrote or edited more than 500 books over the course of his lifetime...
Jan 08, 2023
Writing for free -- yea or nay?
Writing for free or writing to get paid: does the paycheck or lack thereof affect how you go about your writing process?
I was immersed as a volunteer with an organization when the leader asked me to write some content for free.
I didn’t mind comping my services. The organization was first-class and well run. In fact, my family had benefited from its work.
But little did I know ...
Jan 07, 2023
Yes, you CAN finish your writing project this year. Here's how.
I opened the envelope and stared in disbelief. It was a book contract!
After I jigged and boogied my happy dance, I read the fine print. The manuscript deadline was in less than 4 months.
What?!?
It had been less than a year since ...
Continue reading "Yes, you CAN finish your writing project this year. Here's how."
Jan 06, 2023
How to make money from blogging: a quick tutorial
Potential bloggers, new bloggers, and seasoned bloggers alike want to know how to make money from blogging.
The short answer is this: write quality content. Add it regularly to your site. Build traffic. Then choose options from three different big-picture ways to make money from blogging. Implement those income streams and start making money from your blog ...
Continue reading "How to make money from blogging: a quick tutorial"
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Search This Site
Share This Page
Stop Wasting Time!
Grab your exclusive FREE guide, "5 Simple Writing Tips You Can Put to Use in 10 Minutes or Less"
Subscribe To This Site
