10 Proven Ways to Improve Writing Style
I Learned Every Writing Style Tip I Could Find. Here’s What You Can Learn
Writing is more important in today’s world. Whether it’s a copywriter, video script writer, podcast script writer, news writer, or even landing page needs writing elements to attract more leads and customers.
If you can write and tell stories then you will be invincible. Because it’s the foundation of everything.
So I took a content marketing certification at HubSpot a few months ago. The lesson included lesson on grammar and style.
It taught me how to create content that is liked and shared by the audience. Here are 10 proven ways to improve your writing style:
- Use contractions.
- Write in simple language.
- Use the active voice.
- Be clear and concise.
- Use short sentences and paragraphs.
- Remove unnecessary or fluffy words.
- Follow a style guide.
- Use “you” and “your”.
- Avoid using jargon.
- Avoid being sarcastic or snarky.
I’ve been using these simple techniques for the past few months. I may not have seen a significant increase in traffic to my blog, but I’ve noticed an improvement in my writing.
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Now, let’s dive deeper into this topic!
1. Use Contraction
Your writing will sound conversational and make your content more relatable. This helps create a friendly and approachable writing style.
It will also make you connect with your readers on a more personal level. Consider the difference between:
- “I do not know where to start learning content marketing” and “I don’t know where to start learning content marketing”
- “It is obvious that you should learn writing from this blog” and “It’s obvious that you should learn writing from this blog”
2. Write in Simple Language
Using complex vocabulary and technical terms will confuse your readers. Stick for simple language that is easy to understand. Because complex language will make your readers will feel stupid.
English is a global language. Perhaps your readers are Indonesians or Indians with a conversational level of English. If they feel stupid when reading your article, they won’t care about your writing.
Here’s the example for simple language:
Content marketing is a strategy in creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract the attention of the intended audience.
Here’s the example for complex language:
Content marketing encompasses a comprehensive strategic approach that involves the creation and meticulous dissemination of valuable, pertinent, and consistently compelling content, all with the express purpose of captivating and engaging the intended target audience.
3. Use The Active Voice
It makes your writing more direct and engaging. It brings clarity and energy to your sentences. For example, instead of saying
“Content marketing blog was written”
say
“I write content marketing blog”
The active voice adds a sense of responsibility and authenticity to your writing.
4. Be Clear and Concise
Get straight to the point and provide information in a straightforward manner. Remember, clarity is key to engaging your readers.
For example, I’ve written a list of 10 topics that I will discuss on this blog at the opening. So, you will immediately know the purpose of this article.
Here’s the article to help you write more clear and effective:
5. Use Short Sentences and Paragraphs
Long texts can be overwhelming and discourage readers from reading your content. Shorter paragraphs and white space make your writing easier to digest and visually appealing.
Here’s the example for short paragraph:
Assess the resources, tools, and team members involved in your content strategy. Make necessary adjustments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition, evaluate the performance of your distribution channels, such as social media platforms, email marketing, and SEO.
Determine which channels are driving the most engagement and conversions, and allocate your resources accordingly.
Here’s the example for long paragpraph:
Assess the resources, tools, and team members involved in your content strategy. Make necessary adjustments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, evaluate the performance of your distribution channels, such as social media platforms, email marketing, and SEO. Determine which channels are driving the most engagement and conversions, and allocate your resources accordingly.
6. Remove Unnecessary or Fluffy Words
Make writing more effective. Remove unnecessary words that add no value to your writing.
Here’s the example for effective writing:
Using excessive and unnecessary words can undermine the clarity and impact of your writing.
Here’s the example for unnecessary words:
In my personal opinion, I believe that the utilization of excessive and unnecessary words can significantly detract from the overall clarity and impact of your writing.
7. Follow a Style Guide
Consistency in your writing is useful so that readers are not confused in positioning themselves.
You can be a writer who sounds like a close friend and conversation partner. You can also become more authoritative and serious.
So, choose your style and voice then stick with it.
8. Use “You” and “Your”
It will personalize your content and make a connection with your audience. For example, instead of saying
“bloggers should improve their writing style”
say
“you can improve your writing style as a blogger”
9. Avoid Using Jargon
If you’re writing for a specific audience, then it’s fine to use industry jargon.
But if you’re writing for a wider audience, it’s better to avoid using jargon. Use the easiest English and make your readers not feel alienated
10. Avoid Being Sarcastic or Snarky
I know you have a personality that you would like to put in writing. However, your humor will be funny to some and offensive to others.
If you’re writing for a broad audience, it’s better to use more positive and uplifting language. That will make readers appreciate your writing more and want to engage with you.
Bonus
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