It's Tim once again with your weekly dose of Copyblogger.
What a week! Did you get a chance to check out Stefanie's masterclass? It was brilliant. She taught us 4 foundational steps that help new writers build audiences.
The presentation outlined a great action plan for new writers and entrepreneurs, but it was also a great refresher on the basics for more seasoned writers. I learned a lot!
The highlight: Your writing portfolio will serve you in many ways.
No Audience? The First Step for New Writers (Deep Version)
Now, onto the content ...
1. How to 'Show, Don't Tell' for More Persuasive Copy
One of the cornerstones of powerful writing is the use of concrete details that can tell your story for you.
It doesn't matter if you're writing a sales letter, a blog post, or a short story for The New Yorker, you need details.
They have to be vivid. They have to be compelling. And they have to matter to your reader.
"Show, don't tell" is one of the most important rules of effective writing.
Instead of telling readers "the car chase was exciting," the writer finds the perfect details to put the reader right into the action, with the gear shift vibrating under her hand and muddy grit splattering the windshield.
Learn the art of using concrete details and you'll learn how to put your readers into different emotional states. Make them hurt, make them hope, make them crazy with curiosity to find out more.
2. Every Audience Has This in Common (Use It to Stay Hyper-Relevant)
It doesn't matter if you create content about minimalism or motorcycles.
Every audience has these three sub-groups:
- People who read your content.
- People who read and share your content.
- People who take action on the advice you provide in your content.
The sub-groups aren't mutually exclusive.
For example, those who apply your advice to their own situations obviously read your content — and they might regularly share it as well.
In order to continually appeal to the people who are most likely to become your clients and customers, though, check out this tutorial on how to engage the "take action" group.
3. The Sophisticated Writer's Approach When Using Templates
Some writers think about using templates like the herb cilantro. They either love it or hate it.
But the extremes of love and hate present some issues.
Those who love templates too often fall under the category of "quick fix" writers. They get excited about a gimmick or formula and implement it without performing much of their own research.
Which produces disappointing results.
And those who hate templates too often fall under the category of "hot mess" writers. They might create content that is too original. The kind that is difficult to understand and does not resonate with their target audiences.
Which produces disappointing results.
Now, sophisticated writers want to optimize their chances of achieving their desired business goals.
So instead of either extreme, they think about using templates like sprinkling cracked black pepper on a Caesar salad: The right amount can greatly improve the content's flavor.
Here's how to strike a potent balance when using templates.
Tim's Take: Balance Your Goals with Your Audience's Needs
As you build your relationship with your audience, you quickly realize that there are many similarities between your "content family" and any other relationships you have in your personal life.
You have to honor your own needs while staying aware and considerate of the needs of others.
It takes practice and dedication, but when you achieve this delicate balance, you create an environment where everyone is positioned to thrive.
Talk with you next week.
Tim Stoddart
Copyblogger Media
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