3 ways to easily improve your writing

1) Make a blueprint
Use a clear, possibly predetermined structure

Your words constitute a building: as a writer, you are the architect (could this sound any cornier? It’s true though). Before construction starts, the plan has to be ready. Create a clear structure. You might discover the right one as you go, but you can also choose to map it out before you start writing. For instance, if you need to get your reader to do something, go for the well-known AIDA-formula: get Attention first, create Interest and Desire next and finally make sure your reader takes Action. And if you’re in an innovative mood, try the AICPBSAWN-formula (whut?!)!

2) Be creative
Reconsider your first choice once in a while

Structuring is one thing, formulating is another. Challenge yourself there. I bet you’ve heard about courses in creative writing – you will not necessarily need one, if you just try to rethink everything you’re writing down while you’re writing it down. Ask yourself questions like Maybe there’s a synonym that sounds more appropriate in this context? or simply Isn’t there a more original way to formulate this?

First assignment: next time you use signal words, try to avoid furthermore, therefore and moreover. Everybody’s using them way too much. Be creative.

3) Don’t just hit Send
Read it back

Done? No matter how skilful you are, it’s quite likely that you’ve overlooked something. Before you put your readers to work, make sure they can’t discover any mistakes. Treat every text like your latest masterpiece, even if it’s just a short e-mail. This will benefit you while building your personal brand.

Of course, this is all just a start

Keep on searching for ways to improve your writing. You already know how to be nice to your reader, thanks to your mother. Also, keep empathizing with him or her. Think of reasons why sometimes you don't want to read a text and then make sure you do better than that. Ready? Then pay attention to the influence of social media. After that, try turning it all into a memorable story, without being too brief. Chances are you’ll be headed for a happy end, somewhere in a world called Quality.

That’s all folks!

This is the 10th and final blogpost for [BITS]. I want to thank all of my (at this point) almost 300 unique visitors (yes, you too are unique!) for dropping by. Funny to know that my words have been on screens from Switzerland to Russia and from the UK to Brazil :) Cheers!