Less is More = Quality Content

An email crossed my desk just a few weeks ago about using the phrase, “Does that make sense?” during a presentation or on a call. The email was basically stating that certain catch phrases really should be left unsaid. The email read, “…follow the advice of the Strunk and White classic, The Elements of Style: “Use definite, specific, concrete language.”

The Elements of Style is an excellent read – I turned to it frequently as a newbie writer, and I still keep in within arm’s reach today. Reference to this classic reinforces simplicity, when writing and speaking. It reminds us that less is more. I learned very early on to “write like you talk.” When you write a piece of content, read it out loud. If it doesn’t sound like something that would naturally roll off your tongue, it’s not going to read well to your audience. The Elements of Style taught me to eliminate useless fluff from my writing.

For example, “It goes without saying/needless to say …” OK, if it goes without saying then don’t say it. And if you can cut a sentence down from 16 words to 7 and still deliver the same message, do it.

As a speaker, according to Jerry Weissman, a corporate presentations coach, “…you must diligently delete meaningless words and phrases from your speech.”

What I gleaned from this is that the same rules apply to both writing and speaking – get to the point. Just the facts, ma’am. It does make me wonder, though, if you are supposed to write like you talk, should you talk  like you write?

In mho, that all depends on whether or not you can write like you talk.

Does that make sense? 😉 I’ve read very different opinions on this. What do you think? Are you showing your own uncertainty by asking “does that make sense?” Are you suggesting your audience is filled with drooling morons who can’t begin to comprehend your complexity? Or are you speaking from the heart with sincere vulnerability?

~ Aimee

16 Ways to Build a Loyal Blog Readership (and 5 ways not to)

Just because you write a blog post, doesn’t mean people will read it, share it, like it, etc. Until you understand what you’re writing about, to whom you are writing, and why, you’re wasting your time. Here are a few ways to tell if you’re writing for the wrong reasons:

1. You’re trying to sell a product by pitching it in every post.
2. You’re trying to write a blog post every day b/c that’s what you’ve heard you’re supposed to do.
3. You read somewhere that using keywords in text will get you more traffic, so you’re writing posts filled with keywords you think matter.
4. You like to hear yourself talk and you have a lot to rant about.
5. You figure there’s enough info online that you can regurgitate other bloggers’ posts.

If, on the other hand, you understand the purpose of your blog, you understand who your readers are, and what they want to learn about, you can begin to position yourself as an industry thought leader. Yes, there are some tricks of the trade that are proven to evoke emotion and entice followers to faithfully return time and time again. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Talk TO your readers, not AT them.
2. Find a challenge your readers face, then offer a viable solution.
3. For the love of all that is holy, check your grammar – not for slang and conversational tones, but for blatant errors.
4. It’s been proven that the mind absorbs information more easily when broken out into geometric shapes. Use images, charts, graphs when it makes sense to do so.
5. Write short, concise paragraphs and break out the content with sub-heads. It’s visually easier on your readers.
6. Less is more. If you can shorten 2o words into 5 and still deliver a complete thought, do it.
7. Use bullets, they’re easier to read than long blocks of text.
8. Guest-bloggers, you get back what you put into your blog. If you hire crappy writers who know nothing about your industry to pump out volume, you’ll lose credibility.
9. Make people smile! Everyone likes to feel good, don’t let your business message overpower your own personality.
10. Read as much as you write. The only way to stay on top of your industry is by taking control of your professional development. Make sure you read and learn from your peers.
11. There’s no such thing as perfection – strive for greatness, yes. Strive for perfection and you’ll never get anything done.
12. Ask questions – true thought leaders know that they don’t know what they don’t know 😉 Everyone has something to contribute. Ask your readers for their opinions and feedback.
13. Use ALT tags in your blog images – it helps reinforce the keyword relevancy for your post.
14. But do NOT keyword stuff your pages! Your blog is not the best blog of all the blogs listed on blog directories, but you think your blog should use the word blog.
15. Be consistent. If you say you’re going to blog on X day, then do it. It’s how you build trust with your readers.
16. Don’t bash other people or businesses. It’s just impolite. Be objective when talking about what others may or may not be doing well.

What are some of your own must Dos and Don’ts when blogging? Share your expertise with us! The SEO Vault is open 🙂

~ Aimee