This is a guest post by freelance proofreader Stefanie Flaxman of RevisionFairy.com. Stefanie corrects business, marketing, and educational documents in 24 hours.  Watch her alert Conan O’Brien to a punctuation error on his show, and become a Revision Fairy® Premium Member to get 50% off online proofreading services. Don’t forget to say hello on Twitter!

Eureka! You’ve finally thought of that brilliant, game-changing idea for your Web site, blog, or ebook. The problem is: you don’t think of yourself as a prolific writer, blogger, or online content creator. You’ve got something great to say; you’re just not sure how to say it. How can you transform your concept into words that others will want to read and share? When taking a walk won’t cut it, here are seven writing secrets to help you complete the online content that will take your small business to the next level.






1. Get Angry. 

We’ve all encountered someone or something that angers us. Instead of putting the anger in perspective and moving on, use it to fuel your writing. Forget about your business writing idea for a moment, and concentrate solely on a source of agitation. Don’t get carried away with self-destructive rage, but enter a mindset that will enable you to unapologetically make a flawless argument. Write a rant that passionately expresses your point of view, and then return to your business writing topic. You can use the momentum from the angry rant to craft a specific structure for your text and create substantial supporting ideas.

2. Interpretive Dishwashing.

Similar to interpretive dance, I use interpretive dishwashing to complete a chore and produce something more than squeaky-clean flatware. What is the message that you need to communicate to your readers? Get artistic as you pour your heart and soul into running water, bubbly detergent, and tough food stains. Rather than staring at the wall because you don’t know what you want to say or how to say it, you’re completing a necessary task and letting your idea marinate in your brain. Since the pressure of writing is off (after all, your hands are likely wet and you’re away from your keyboard), you can think more clearly and develop your online content. Try the same technique with any other household chores on your to-do list, such as cleaning a bathtub or sink.

3. Rock It Out.

Listen to your favorite song, and think about why it’s special to you. Most of our “favorite” things—songs, movies, television characters—are our favorites because they strike an emotional chord with us. Provide the same type of value for your readers. What can you write to make potential customers love what you offer? Use your emotions to connect with the emotions of your readers.

4. What’s Shakin’, Joe? 

Since you are excited about your new online content idea, pretend that you’re telling a trustworthy friend about it in an email. At this point, you’re not concerned about making each sentence perfect or even completely coherent. You can wear your proofreader hat later. You just need to convey your thoughts in a genuine way. Authentically tell your confidant about the awesome details of your project.

5. Cut Out Comparisons. 

Don’t dedicate a full day, or even a half day, to writing. Having too much time on your hands to write can be as overwhelming as the pressure of having too little. You may not know where to start, or you may put off writing because you have the entire day ahead of you. Then it’s bedtime, and you haven’t accomplished anything. Instead, write a little bit at a time. Writing isn’t like showing up to a salaried position for an employer. Don’t equate eight hours of writing to working an eight-hour job. It’s not that you can’t write for the majority of an eight-hour period—some full-time writers certainly can do that—but if you’re struggling to express your ideas, initially leaving that much time will be counterproductive.

6. Blogpost Revisited. 

Edit an old blog post or article. Think of new ideas to complement the text, or examine how you could have written it more succinctly. Get energized about the possibilities of your new and improved online content.

7. Focused Word Doodle.

Ever pat yourself on the back because you love a sentence that you wrote? It captures your intentions so perfectly! If you’re thrilled about that one sentence but are now stuck, type or handwrite the perfect sentence repeatedly until you think of supporting points. Expand on your idea from that one great line. If you have nothing, do a twist on tip #3 and write your favorite song lyric over and over again until your project blossoms.

Once you’ve written a draft, if you need a freelance proofreader to refine your text, please feel free to contact me. I’m always happy to help—unless I forced myself to Get Angry (see tip #1) to facilitate the online content writing process.

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