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Content writing

Jan 15

The generous, the versatile, and 3 other types of content writers to avoid

By Business, Content writing, Project management

Blue pencil with broken tip to represent types of content writers that undermine content marketing effortsAfter editing thousands of web content pieces created by hundreds of freelancers, I’ve developed a nose for the characteristics of the professional writers I’d recommend to any business. Though no two freelancers are alike, some are more likely than others to hinder your content writing projects.

When I say “type”, I mean a freelance content writer who acts in a certain way when hired to write for a client. Writers of any type can change the way they act from one project to the next. Also, since all the types I’m discussing here are professional writers, they are all capable of creating content that helps brands succeed.

That being said, if I had to hire a freelance writer, I’d steer away from these types, to make my life easier and avoid some risks to my content marketing project. Read More

Dec 08

Unraveling 5 content writing myths that are sabotaging your digital marketing

By business writing, Content writing, Lessons learned

Five partially unraveled colored yarn balls to represent unraveling content writing myths“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.” — Malcolm Gladwell

I’ve edited about two pieces of long-form digital content a day, every day, for a decade. In this blog post, I’ll draw on that experience to unravel five content writing myths so you can make more-informed decisions about your digital marketing strategies. Read More

Feb 20

6 Creative ways to get original business blog ideas

By Business, Content writing, Inspiration

Blue bicycle to represent business blog ideasA very successful blogger confessed he comes up with business blog ideas by spying up on his competitors. He’s considered an authority in his field, and many content marketers look up to him for inspiration. It’s surprising he needs to borrow ideas from others.

At first glance, his strategy seems smart: Seeking truly original business blog ideas takes effort, so let your competitors do the hard work, borrow their ideas, and turn them into better content than theirs.

But what if your competitors are in turn cutting corners? What if they’re not creative at all and they’re in turn borrowing others’ business blog ideas? Then by using their blog as inspiration, you’ll end up creating content that looks like a re-repainted stolen bicycle.

If you’re willing to put in the effort to seek inspiration for your digital content, here are other ways to find original ideas for your business blog. Read More

Jun 28

Why the generic “man” is a sexist language example

By Content writing, Editing, Vocabulary

Sticky note with word human with letters HU in red and MAN in black as symbol of sexist languageA couple of days ago a manager shared on LinkedIn a photo of a team of smiling men and women celebrating some achievement. Her message read, “A big thanks to my 15-man team”.

The photo, showing diversity at work, is such a great choice for a social media post. But the accompanying text isn’t. Instead, it’s a sexist language example.

To help you avoid using biased language in your social media posts, in this blog I’ll explain why the generic “man” is sexist and list some of the alternatives. Read More

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