The field of writing is a competitive one. There are so many voices in the world vying for attention that it can be a challenge understanding how to make your writing stand out and how to get the attention of the reader.
What’s more is that you don’t simply want to capture your reader’s attention during the initial read. You want your content to be something that stays with the person who is consuming it. The mark of a good writer is not just one who can adequately convey a message but one that can make a message have impact.
So how do you develop this skill and keep your writing not just competitive but coveted on the market? Well, one method of doing this is by purposefully trying to set your writing apart and make yourself stand out by understanding what is common.
We here at The Word Counter have been able to pinpoint these areas as some of the most often used and common phrases and decisions in writing. Now, this doesn’t mean that these tactics shouldn’t be used when you are crafting your content but knowing them can help you steer clear of what is ‘average’ or ‘common’ and create something different.
Over Emphasizing a Point
The truth is, no matter what you are writing about, if a reader is going to take the time to engage with your content there is most likely already some vested interest there. You are acting as a bridge between your client’s interest and the information provided. That typically means that you can lose phrases like ‘extremely important’ or even ‘absolutely necessitates’ from your writing.
Less is always more so pairing down dramatic emphasis will help to more directly bring your reader what they want and set you apart from the competition.
Apologies Aren’t Always Necessary
An apology is simply an explanation and sometimes too much explanation can be – well, too much! Don’t feel like you need to fluff up a point that you are making or kill it with caveats. A direct, sound and simplified argument is one that will win over the heart of your reader. A wordy, overly apologetic one may cause your reader to sense insecurity instead of confidence.
Informal Can Be a Real Drag
At no point in time has there ever been more access to knowledge and media as there is now. Not only have literacy rates never been higher throughout the world but also access to written content through the internet has pushed us into unprecedented times. That being said the competition for making your written content stand out has also never been higher!
So do not sacrifice your content for the sake of trying to set a tone. Finding your tone is a tricky and complicated journey however, bridging into informal phrases like ‘So you want to….’ can act to not set you apart but make you part of the noise. Be assertive, bold and tactfully formal with a commanding presence that will hook your reader and not cause them to pass over you.
Tie It Up With a Bow
Conclusions can be another place where a writer can struggle to separate themselves from the pack. Phrases that begin with ‘In conclusion…’, or, ‘To wrap it up…’ are not necessarily bad, however they can weaken your work. The ending of your content should be as powerful and impactful as the beginning.
In fact, most people will remember the beginning and ending of content the best. Making sure that these areas are where your tone, talent and writing prowess shine is important for making a long lasting impact.
Have Fun With It
Writing itself is a complicated art form that takes a lifetime to fully embrace, learn and grow in. Even the best writers in the world are still continuing to grow in their power as a writer. So the most important thing to remember is that you will progress and become better if you simply don’t stop!
A big part of this process is simply learning how to have fun! Invite others into your writing to help you understand tropes you may be using that hold your true potential back. Invest in your own editing skills to help you understand the mechanics of your writing on a deeper level to continue learning how to set yourself apart.
Most importantly, don’t stop writing and don’t stop loving the process. If you can keep plugging away your talent and skill will only grow with you!
