When you are writing online, here are our top 10 online writing tips to make you look like a pro. Be clear on these questions as you composed your article title and throughout it. Does my title show readers what they can expect? Who is my audience? What is the purpose of my article?
By Christine Andreu & Dima Ciolache
Use this formula to achieve a higher SEO rating
1 | Use visual aids to look like a Pro
Images, bullets, graphics. Use images to show the purpose of the article. A picture tells 1,000 words. We all love to visualize what we are reading, so again, make this a fun process for your reader. Give them something creative and applicable to your topic. Use about 3-4 images per article.
2 | Use your digital footprint
It can to propel you forward to look like a Pro … Loop your article to another on the same platform/site by hyperlinking it to more of your work. A simple phrase, like, “You can read more about digital marketing here.”
3 | Represent your brand with excellence
Make sure your bio, headshot, and website all represent your image. This is the first make or break of your business. There are several affordable companies that can consult you in elevating your digital footprint. Hatthaway & Briggs is one digital footprint consulting company I recommend.
4 | Titles/subtitles show the purpose of your article
Your readers can be supported to have an impactful reading experience, and you can help them by creating structure in your writing. Each article should have 2-3 subtitles.
5 | Articles should be at a minimum of 500-600 words to Write like a Pro
The lengthier the content, the more you are viewed as an expert. And write less with more. Don’t feel the need to create fluff if it’s not useful. Use powerful and concise descriptions to get your message across. If you need some support, ask for it. Consider asking a trusted source to help you get to the point. This will allow your reader to feel empowered and available to take in this new knowledge.
6 | Use active voice to Write like a Pro
Stay away from passive voice. Clear and concise sentences that are less wordy help readers understand the topic at hand. You can practice here.
7 | Get punctuation correct to Write like a Pro
Prevent falling into easy errors. Punctuation errors are distracting and take away your credibility. Fix these very common errors and strive for consistency. If you end your subtitles with periods, do this for all subtitles for example. Consistency is essential.
- Periods go inside of quotation marks. “I love to travel.”
- Semicolons should only be used if it can substitute the use of a period. For example, this is CORRECT: I love to travel; Paris is my favorite city. This is INCORRECT: I love to travel; while Paris is my favorite city.
- Commas go before and after a spoken quotations. For example: He said, “Yes,” quickly.
- Use commas appropriately to again, support your reader to understand your topic. Eliminate run-ons and Comma splices.
- Use exclamation marks sparingly. This mark can be used to signify emotion and can easily be misunderstood.
- Stay away from overused words. Use synonyms of words that are repeated.
An app like Grammarly can help with all of these (and overall proofreading).
8 | Give your eyes time to rest to look like a Pro
If you have read your work 20 times, then maybe you should step away. Remember your final product can live forever online. Let’s get it correct the first time.
9 | Find a signature style to Write like a Pro
For example, have a simple signing off routine. Close with a piece of advice, a great hack, a new product, maybe a statement. Mine is “Let’s connect and inspire. – Christine.”
10 | Lastly, do some of your own research
Here is a great article that breaks SEO down.
Magazines, blogs, editorials, thought-pieces, and whatever else you may want to create online can use “Our top 10 Online Writing Tips, Look Like a Pro.” Ready to tackle Instagram? Here is a great read to learn about how to maximize this online social marketing tool.
Happy writing! ~ Let’s connect and inspire. Christine & Dima
