On the face of it, writing may sound like an easy task. After all, all that’s needed is some research and a sharp mind, right?
It’s often a lot more complicated than that. One of the challenges faced by many writers is staying on topic, so here are a few tips that may help.
1. Formulate a plan
Whether you’re writing advertising copy or a doctoral thesis, your first step is to get organized. Gather your facts ahead of time, and once you feel you have the full story, it’s time to organize them into a written piece.
2. Prepare an outline
Once they have collected all their preliminary information, many writers find it helpful to prepare an outline of what they want to say. This may be useful, as it will help you to keep on track and not stray from your main topic.
3. Narrow it down
Now that you have collected your information, you will need to narrow down the topic. If you are writing for a niche audience, stick to one you feel will be of interest. Show how you can address an issue they have and they will be more likely to keep on reading.
4. Start off by solving a problem
When preparing an article, give consideration to the problem you will be solving for the reader. It’s a smart move to include this in the opening paragraph, then it will be a guide for the rest of the piece.
The first section of the item is also a good place for a “hook”. This will engage the reader, encouraging them to keep on pursuing the piece.
5. Follow the KISS principle
Also known as “keep it simple, stupid”, the KISS principle encourages writers to keep their work simple and brief. This will make it easier to remain on topic, and using short sentences and paragraphs with lots of breaks can make it easier to read using a digital device.
6. Consider your audience
One factor some writers forget to consider is their target audience. For instance, if you’re targeting parents of high school kids, it probably won’t make sense to discuss how a product or service can benefit young, single people.
7. Follow an advertorial format
Telling a story can make an advertisement seem like a news article, which may increase reader engagement. These articles are often organized so that they provide helpful tips and other information, and may be a good fit for writers who like to tell a story. They can be easy to keep on topic, and since they may be written using layman’s terms, they can be useful and enjoyed by a wide audience.
8. Think before you add
While it may be tempting to include lots of peripheral information, really think about what value it brings to the reader. Consider why they would want to read the piece and what details they are looking for.
9. Be careful when getting personal
While personal anecdotes may engage your audience, it’s smart to limit their use. This will help you to keep your piece interesting while still focused on the topic at hand.
10. Put on your editor’s hat
Once you are finished working on an article, walk away for a few minutes so you can come back with a fresh eye. Once you’re ready, spend some time proofreading and reviewing, pruning off any items that are off topic. Better style, ask someone else to look over it.
Writing offers a way for those who are skilled in the craft to put their talents to work for them. At Words of Worth, we offer a supportive environment that encourages writers to grow in their career. If you’d like to become part of our team of writers, why not apply?