When you write, who is it about? Where is the focus -- on me or on you?
Most of us write with the focus on ME. I did this, I did that -- I think this, I think that. I, me, and my abound in the text. But if you want to gather a following as an author, create loyal followers to your blog, or have a website that others read (and buy from), it has to be about them. Okay -- enough pronouns. Let's get to the point.
It's not about me telling you about my experience. It's about your experience. It's about how the words and ideas that I'm sharing fit into your world.
It's about the reader's benefit: what the reader gets.What is it that your reader wants, from reading your stuff? Give it to them. It's not about information only; it's about feelings. How does the reader want to feel, after interacting with you? Be aware of the feelings that your words evoke, and write intentionally to bring out those exact feelings.
The reader is always asking, what's in this for me? So try something. Stop writing with I, me, and my. Present ideas that are statements toward the idea, not personal soliloquies on your thoughts, feelings, and daily ins-and-outs. Sure, you can share a personal story. But give the story a point that's about the reader.
Start with questions. Before you write, ask your imaginary reader, what is it that you desire? How can I help you to do x, y, or z? Then write the answers. In your text, write a question to the reader. Questions get him or her thinking, before you give the answer to the question. And in all, focus on the reader's perspective. It's all about how the information shared works for their world.
Finally, make sure that you have a single point. A bottom line. A take-home that the reader can grab onto and walk away with. Simple, concise, and direct, so that the idea is remembered.
There are quite a few take-homes, here. It's about the reader. Avoid I, me, and my words. Focus on your audience. Find their benefit, their bottom line, and give it to them. If you decide to focus on the reader, people will want to be around you and your words -- because they'll find value residing there.
Write concise, powerful words that meet your reader's needs. When you focus on the reader, everyone wins.
To writing together,
Erin
Most of us write with the focus on ME. I did this, I did that -- I think this, I think that. I, me, and my abound in the text. But if you want to gather a following as an author, create loyal followers to your blog, or have a website that others read (and buy from), it has to be about them. Okay -- enough pronouns. Let's get to the point.
It's not about me telling you about my experience. It's about your experience. It's about how the words and ideas that I'm sharing fit into your world.
It's about the reader's benefit: what the reader gets.What is it that your reader wants, from reading your stuff? Give it to them. It's not about information only; it's about feelings. How does the reader want to feel, after interacting with you? Be aware of the feelings that your words evoke, and write intentionally to bring out those exact feelings.
The reader is always asking, what's in this for me? So try something. Stop writing with I, me, and my. Present ideas that are statements toward the idea, not personal soliloquies on your thoughts, feelings, and daily ins-and-outs. Sure, you can share a personal story. But give the story a point that's about the reader.
Start with questions. Before you write, ask your imaginary reader, what is it that you desire? How can I help you to do x, y, or z? Then write the answers. In your text, write a question to the reader. Questions get him or her thinking, before you give the answer to the question. And in all, focus on the reader's perspective. It's all about how the information shared works for their world.
Finally, make sure that you have a single point. A bottom line. A take-home that the reader can grab onto and walk away with. Simple, concise, and direct, so that the idea is remembered.
There are quite a few take-homes, here. It's about the reader. Avoid I, me, and my words. Focus on your audience. Find their benefit, their bottom line, and give it to them. If you decide to focus on the reader, people will want to be around you and your words -- because they'll find value residing there.
Write concise, powerful words that meet your reader's needs. When you focus on the reader, everyone wins.
To writing together,
Erin
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