Every business needs to communicate effectively.
Your customers and your audience need to clearly understand who you are and how you can help them.
In online marketing, you achieve this by writing clear and consistent copy.
What's copy you ask?
Well, copy is everything you write for your business. It’s the:
captions you write on social media
blog posts
podcast show notes
video scripts
the words you use in ad campaigns
emails you send to customers, clients, prospects and to your community
It’s the words you use on your website, in marketing, lead magnets and sales pitches
You name it, whenever you write anything for your business, you are writing copy.
And I think because we know it’s so important we get stuck on what to write and how to write it.
Because we get stuck, we don’t do it. We make excuses and convince ourselves that writing isn’t “our thing”.
But I want you to hear this - this is not true.
I believe everyone can write.
I believe if you have a message to share with the world then you should be the one to share it.
Writing is a numbers game - the more you do it the better you get.
It’s really that simple.
So, today’s post is designed to help you practice writing regularly so your confidence and writing muscles grow.
Here are 3 Writing Hacks To Grow Your Business.
Are you ready? Let's do this.
#1 Ritual
Make writing a part of your daily or weekly routine. Choose a time that works best for you.
If you’re a morning person, write in the morning. If you're a night owl, write when the sun goes down.
It doesn’t matter, there’s no right or wrong time to write so don't overthink this.
If you're old school like me then a cup of tea, a journal and a pen are all the tools you'll need to make it happen.
If you prefer to type, then open up a Google doc and start hitting the keys.
There are also tools like 750words.com that's designed to help you get, wait for it, 750 words on the page each day.
Here's something I want you to realise, you're not writing a best-selling novel or an Oscar-worthy script - well, you might be - I'd love to see it if you are!
But seriously, the point of this first hack is to establish consistency.
The goal is to create a writing ritual in your life - an activity you do daily almost without thinking.
OK, at this point, you might be thinking, OK, Nat, this sounds great but what do I write?
Well, creative soul, I thought you’d never ask...
Come closer and I'll tell you… Come on, come closer… Closer, it's a secret… Are you ready?...
...You write whatever you like!
Yep, that's right! There are no rules.
Write whatever you want.
Write what's on your mind and in your heart.
Write down your dreams or fears.
Write what's fired you up or pissed you off.
Write about what you're having for lunch or the new bath oils you can’t wait to try.
Write down what you’ll be doing that day or what you did the day before - write whatever you want.
Don't hold yourself back or put any restrictions on what you "need" to write.
Putting restrictions and limitations on yourself will keep you stuck.
You can't be stuck and create magic - magic requires freedom, space and experimentation.
You're experimenting right now; writing whatever you like and seeing what bright ideas might shine through.
So, be free and let your ideas flow.
Believe me, over time you will naturally start to angle your writing towards your dream customers, their frustrations and desires and how you can serve them.
You'll start to write more and more with them in mind and when that happens voila!
You'll start writing copy for your business in an authentic and consistent way!
You will have designed a daily writing habit that fits into your life and one that promotes consistent copywriting habits for your business.
Alright, that's hack #1. Let's move on.
#2 Space
Space is really important.
Writing is an act of self-expression and where you choose to do that is very important.
Avoid anywhere that's messy, cluttered, noisy or uncomfortable.
Create a space that's inviting and makes you feel relaxed. For me, that's my bed.
Almost every piece of content I create started - at least initially- with me nestled between the sheets.
My bedroom is my scribing sanctuary.
Writing, for me is a solitary act, sometimes even spiritual, so it's important that my space allows me to fully lean into the process and let myself go.
I want this for you too.
I have a hot water bottle, a cup of tea, incense burning or some essential oils filling the air and depending on the time of day, I either flood the room with natural light or I'll roll down the blinds and dim the lights... Journal open, pen in hand and I'm good to go.
So, my tip for you would be this -
Decide where your scribing space will be.
It can be a corner of your lounge, sitting on your yoga mat or on your sofa.
It can be in your garden, at your kitchen table or at your desk. Wherever it is, claim it as your writing space.
When you're trying to establish a new habit consistency is key.
Once you've set your writing ritual (hack #1) then you should decide on where you'll want to write, making sure it's a special space that makes writing a joy.
OK, moving onto the 3rd and final hack.
#3 Inspiration
For this hack to work you'll need to think about the things and places that inspire you and spark creativity.
Think of the following:
Do you get inspired when you’re out in nature or when you go for a walk?
Does inspiration show up for you when you’re doing housework or taking a bath?
Do ideas reveal themselves during meditation or when you’re working out?
All are true for me so I make sure I don’t miss the opportunity to get my thoughts and ideas down on a piece of paper or in my Google Keep app.
Knowing when inspiration reveals itself to you will allow you to take the necessary steps to ensure you don’t lose a single idea.
For example, if inspiration strikes first thing in the morning or last thing at night then keep a notebook or a journal by your bed.
If inspiration tends to show up when you’re busy doing other tasks or while out and about then keep your phone handy to brain dump your ideas.
If you’re a visual person or more geared toward sound then take pictures or record voice notes.
Don’t let these moments pass. And remember to set aside time at the end of every day to look over the bright ideas, insights and a-ha’s.
Be sure to expand on the ones that have legs but don’t discard anything. Instead, save them in a folder for when the time is right to share them with the world.
Alright, there you have it - 3 Writing Hacks To Grow Your Business.
I know, they sound so simple, and they are, but it’s in their simplicity that makes them so effective.
I promise you if you try these hacks you’ll see a difference in the consistency and quality of your writing and this will have a remarkable impact on your business.
If you’re looking for a little more support with your copywriting and how to use your authentic voice in your business then grab my freebie: 3 Simple Steps To Writing Copy Your Audience Will Love
Nic, a fellow budding entrepreneur, used the ideas I share in the freebie and said:
This cheat sheet is punchy with some quick and immediately actionable steps to upgrade your copy to attract your ideal audience. It was pivotal in inspiring me to write copy that truly sounded like me! When moving to launch my business after years in the corporate world, I was stuck in writing in ‘corporatese’ and Nat gave me permission to not be afraid to use my own words and rediscover my own voice!
Happy Writing!
Love, Nat
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