This is a Guest Post by freelance proofreader Stefanie Flaxman of Revision Fairy® Small Business Proofreading Services. Want more tips that immediately improve your writing? Take your FREE copy of Stefanie’s new ebook Your Ultimate Online Proofreading Guide for Better Writing.

As a new year begins, we reflect on what we’ve already accomplished and what we want to do in the future. How can we take action to get our desired results? What changes need to be made?

While you’re energized to make improvements, your small business can take practical steps to connect with customers. If you sell products or services on the Web, focus on the writing that you put in front of the eyeballs of potential buyers.

It’s easier than ever to get your message out in a short amount of time. Don’t put it off! Start 2012 off right by committing to a writing project that you can be proud of this time next year.

Here are 10 writing resolutions that can transform your small business in 2012.



Start a blog. 

Forget traditional notions about blogging. Create your own rules for producing interesting content for your target audience. Plan a consistent communication strategy with an editorial calendar for your blog, and display the passion that goes into your business.


Blog more.

Refresh your existing blog with new types of posts. Explore small business blog ideas that get customers interested in what you do.


Self-publish an ebook.

Has the traditional publishing process kept your ideas in your head or on your hard drive? Learn about self-publishing an ebook that you can sell on your website, Amazon, and iTunes.


Self-publish a print book. 

Why not sell a tangible book on your site? Many Web-based businesses sell physical products and works of art. Diversify your online marketplace by writing a print-on-demand book.


Write a book proposal. 

If self-publishing isn’t your cup of tea, and you want to land a book deal with a major publishing company, check out Your Big Beautiful Book Plan. There’s no need to spend hours looking on the Internet for the best book proposal writing tips when Danielle LaPorte and Linda Sivertsen give you everything that you need to know in one digital package. Seriously. Everything.


Create a freebie. 

You don’t have to charge for ebooks, white papers, or special reports. What do you do differently than your competitors? Show off the best parts of your business by offering a helpful free download.


Craft “must-read” newsletters.

When you write the folks on your mailing list, entertain them. Your newsletters are a chance to show off your personality and make customers like you. They need to like you before they’ll buy from you.


Broadcast your announcement.

Small is the new big. Write a press release about your small business news, and have it distributed by companies such as PRWeb, BusinessWire, or PR Newswire. You never know what trade outlet or blogger will spread the word about your story.


Guest post on other blogs.

Share your unique and thoughtful knowledge on another blog. What sites do your customers read? Introduce yourself to them with a guest post and direct them to your site.


Give your writing a makeover.

Does your website need some love? Dedicate time at the beginning of the year to review the text that you take for granted. Fix your small business writing and increase online sales in 2012!