From Good to Great: Writing Tips for Everyone

Let's face it: writing can feel like trying to swim in jelly – possible, but why is it so hard? Writers of all shapes and sizes face the universal conundrum: how do I make my words do the thing? The thing where they leap off the page and do a little dance in the reader's brain. That's what separates the 'meh' from the 'wow' in writing.

Whether you're typing up an email that shouldn't sound like a ransom note, scribbling a blog post that shouldn't put readers to sleep, or drafting a report that shouldn't feel like a punishment, the struggle is real. But fear not!

Consider this your invitation to a literary makeover, transforming your trusty sentences from wallflowers into disco balls. This is the mission to change good writing into great writing, making sure that prose doesn’t just talk the talk but also does what it says on the tin (or something to that effect).

Read on for some top tips on how to improve your writing, whether you’re a novice or the next Agatha Christie.

Write to answer the questions that your audience has. What do they really want to know?

1.  Understand your audience

To start with, let's talk about your audience. Picture them, not in their underwear, but as actual humans with likes and dislikes. Understanding your audience is like decoding what your cat wants at 3 am – a bit of a mystery but not impossible.

Being aware of who you’re writing for will make what you write much more effective and engaging content. Scour through social media, sneak a peek at forum discussions, or conduct a good old-fashioned survey. You're not being nosy; you're being insightful.

Now, imagine you're writing about the thrilling world of indoor gardening. If your readers are botany professors, you might dive into the sexy details of photosynthesis. But if they're just folks trying to keep a basil plant alive, keep the jargon in the greenhouse and stick to survival tips for plant novices.

So, take a moment before you start writing, to think about your readers. What are their likes, dislikes.. and what do they know already? This doesn’t mean changing your main message, but rather how you present it. Remember, good writing isn't just about what you want to say, it’s also about making sure your audience wants to listen.

How does your audience speak? Write conversationally to gain a better connection.

2.  Structuring your words  

Structure is the backbone of any good piece of writing. Without it, your writing is aimlessly floating and confusing everyone in its path. So, how do you do it? Structuring may seem a bit daunting but it doesn’t have to be if you take it one bit at a time.

Think of your writing like a road trip. You wouldn't just throw your bags in the car and hope to find your destination, would you? No, you'd plan a route. Similarly, whether you're spinning a yarn (narrative) or laying down the cold hard facts (expository), your writing needs a map. Start with an introduction that says, "Buckle up, we're going on an adventure” and before you start typing, jot down your main points like you're writing a shopping list: milk, eggs, a compelling argument…

This is the blueprint of your masterpiece. And remember, that the key to a clear structure is making sure your ideas flow like a calm river. Break your content into digestible sections and give each one a clear signpost, so your readers know where they're going and why.

By the end, they should arrive at your conclusion feeling like they've just had the road trip of their lives, not like they've been lost at sea.

If you want some insight into how to structure a story, ‘The Write Structure: The Timeless Storytelling Principles Great Writers Use to Craft Stories Readers Love’, by Joe Bunting is a great option.

Make sure your titles grab your audience. No one wants to read something with a boring heading.

3.  Crafting compelling headings

Headlines and openings are the pick-up lines of the writing world. They can either spark interest or send your reader running for the hills. Think of your headline as that one friend who can't help but make a scene when they enter a room – in a good way. It should be bold, intriguing and possibly wearing a feather boa.

Let's be honest: no one ever clicked on a headline that whispered, "I might be interesting, I guess." No, they want the headline that belts out power ballads and promises an epic adventure. Try "10 Ways Your Houseplants Are Secretly Judging You" over "A Comprehensive Guide to Indoor Flora." Which would you read?

Now, your opening sentence has to keep that momentum going. Crafting these hooks needs a bit of alchemy and a dash of mind-reading. Think about what makes you click on an article. Is it curiosity? Confusion? Humour?

Use that as inspiration to create headlines and openings that entice readers, making them think, "Well, I HAVE to read this now."

Remember, the goal is to make your readers so curious they'd rather read than sleep. Or eat, shower or anything else. Combine mystery with relevance, sprinkle in some personality and voilà – you’ve got yourself a headline that could lead a parade.

Guide your readers to where you want them to be.

4.  The art of persuasive writing

Welcome to the world of persuasive writing, where your goal is to guide your readers to agree with you. This isn't about tricking anyone; it's about clearly explaining your ideas so well that agreeing with you feels natural.

In persuasive writing, you're not forcing your opinion on others but sharing your perspective in such a clear and logical way that your readers naturally come to see things your way. This is about using words to connect with and convince your audience, turning doubts into agreement.

The first rule is to know your stuff. Whether you're advocating for alien rights or arguing that pineapple does indeed belong on pizza, you need to back it up with more than just passionate finger-pointing.

Next, it's all about the emotional connection. People decide what they’re going to do based on feelings, then justify with logic afterwards. So, your job is to make them feel!  Stir up empathy, tickle their funny bone, or gently tug at their heartstrings. Just remember, you're aiming for a nudge, not a full-on emotional hijacking.

Then, there's the old 'Problem, Agitate, Solution' (PAS) trick. Introduce a problem that has your readers nodding along, agitate it by poking it with a stick (figuratively, please), then swoop in with your solution like a superhero with a cape made of common sense.

Apply these techniques everywhere: blogs, emails, marriage proposals. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your persuasive powers for good and your good writing will become great.

Be clear and concise in your writing. Writing more doesn’t necessarily mean your audience wants to read more.

5.  The importance of being clear

Ever read something so convoluted you suspect it was written by a rogue AI trying to pass its language exam? That’s what happens when writing becomes waffle. Great writing should be like a well-made cocktail – strong, straightforward, and leaving you wanting another.

Practice trimming the fat off your sentences. If your paragraph is bloated, deflate it as much as you can. Remove unnecessary adjectives, adverbs and anything that doesn't serve a purpose. This can be a really satisfying experience as there’s nothing better than chopping down a bloated sentence that has no business being long and rambling, especially when it could be clear and concise in order to make it easier for the reader (for example).

Guide your reader with clear, direct sentences. Imagine you're explaining your late arrival to a hungry, slightly grumpy friend – you’d get to the point quickly, right?

Make sure you do a full proofread and final edit - or get a professional to do it for you as a second pair of eyes.

6.  Editing your words

Think of editing and proofreading like cleaning up after a party – it's essential unless you want to live in a linguistic dump. Editing is the hefty cleanup, moving furniture back in place (restructuring content) and mopping up spills (clarifying ideas). Proofreading, on the other hand, is like checking for cobwebs in the corners (spelling, grammar, punctuation).

Start with a break. Step away from your writing and have a cuppa, go for a walk or a run, spend some time on Instagram…do whatever relaxes your brain. Then you can return with fresh eyes.

Read your work aloud as if you’re auditioning for the local am-dram. Are you stumbling over a sentence? It might need tweaking.

It’s always a good idea to use tools and resources – spellcheckers, grammar apps, or a brutally honest friend. They’re the cleanup crew you didn’t know you needed. Remember, a single typo can turn 'Let's eat, Grandma!' into 'Let's eat Grandma!' – which would lead us down a completely different and rather unsettling path.

For those who like having a handy reference when editing and proofreading, why not check out, ‘The Pocket Book of Proofreading: A Guide to Freelance Proofreading & Copy-editing’, by William Critchley.

Plan and fine tune your writing to make sure every element is just the way you want it.

7.  Learning how to fine-tune your writing

Investing in a proofreading and editing course like the one offered by Proofread Anywhere is like giving your writing a spa treatment—it comes out refreshed, clearer and more appealing. These courses are not just about spotting the odd misplaced comma or the occasional typo; they're a full-on boot camp for your words. You'll embark on a journey through grammar rules, sentence structure and emerge with the ability to sculpt your prose like a master.

These courses offer a chance to strengthen your writing in many ways so whether you're starting with the basics or looking to polish your existing skills, there’s something for everyone. And let's be honest, in a world where "there," "their," and "they're" are often mixed up, your newfound ability will be highly impressive.

So, if you want to elevate your writing, ensure your messages are crystal clear and maybe even add a shiny new skill to your CV, consider enrolling in a proofreading and editing course. It's a great investment in your writing and a fantastic way to ensure that your future texts bring joy to their readers.

If in doubt, there are lots of professional writing courses out there of excellent value to help you along your way.

8.  Copywrite like a pro

Copywriting courses help students write with purpose, precision and a pinch of pizzazz.

So, if you want to know more about what makes your audience tick, click and stick around, why not consider studying with the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy.  

Not just teaching you how to identify your target audience, this course can turn you into a regular audience whisperer. You’ll learn how to craft copy that speaks directly to your readers and focus on how to write persuasively. You’ll be able to say goodbye to the days of shouting into the void and hello to engaging, compelling and downright irresistible content.

Go forth and write!

Writing isn't just about putting words on a page; it's about connecting, persuading and entertaining. Apply these tips, and you can transform your writing from good to ‘can’t get enough.’

So, go forth and write greatness into existence! And don't forget, sharing is caring – think about passing on your own tips, successes, or hilarious writing blunders through social media to other writers.  Let's make the world of writing a bit brighter, one engaging word at a time.