No matter how many times you do it, there’s something undeniably difficult about writing. You’re creating something from nothing–and you add on that the pressure to make something new and unique.
When you start writing as a part of your job, you up the stakes even further. Suddenly, your livelihood depends on your ability to put out new content. That can be a lot of pressure when you first start out! You’re suddenly aware of the flaws in your writing and your routine, and you’re always looking for ways to fix it, and get more done in a day.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to get your writing done faster, while also making sure that you’re putting out content that’s worth reading.
1. Look for a lack.
Coming up with the right idea for interesting copy is hard–don’t let anyone tell you differently. But it doesn’t always have to be as hard as we make it.
When you’re deciding what topic to focus on, it helps if you take a look at what’s already out there. If you’re writing for a specific site–or about a certain topic–do a little research and see what’s there. Then, look for what isn’t.
This isn’t always obvious, and it takes a little roundabout thinking. But if you can find a hole in the content that’s already been done, you’re well on your way to writing something unique and worth reading.
2. There’s no such thing as writer’s block.
In my experience, the only thing that causes writer’s block is poor planning. If you don’t know where you’re going in your article–or even in something more creative–then, of course, you can’t find the words to get there.
If you find yourself blocked–try and spend a little time thinking about where you’re trying to go. If you can figure out where you’re going in your piece, you’ll find it easier to get there.
Note: There are days where no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to get the words to flow like normal. What sets good writers apart from mediocre ones is how they handle those days. Do you keep working to the best of your ability? Or do you give it up and make excuses?
3. Seek constructive feedback.
When you first start writing, seeking feedback is one of the most intimidating things that you can do. But as you get better and more comfortable with your writing, the more you’ll realize that feedback is not a bad thing. Even if you get harsh feedback–it isn’t a reflection of your work. Feedback is meant to take something that isn’t at the best of its potential yet and make it better. It’s not a judgment on your skills. What is a judgment on you is how you handle the feedback you get.
According to legal writing expert Laurence B. Green, attorney and co-founder of Berger and Green law firm, “The most professional thing any writer can do is seek feedback if they think their content needs work. This is not an admission of defeat or a declaration that you don’t know what you’re doing–it’s showing that you value quality. Novice writers think that they need to finish a product completely on their own–experts know that nothing good comes out of an echo chamber.”
If you think your copy could use a little work, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. If you’re working for a client, ask them. Chances are, they would rather be asked for feedback before the deadline, rather than be stuck with sub-par content in the end.
4. There’s no one way to write.
It’s important to remember that everyone approaches writing differently. I’ve outlined the basics that work well for me and most other writers I’ve met–but that doesn’t mean that they will automatically work for everyone. Writing is not a one-size-fits-all skill.
The points that I’ve outlined in this article are important for writers, but that does not mean that they will work perfectly for everyone. Sometimes finding a hole in content is more difficult than just taking a unique spin on something else. Finding the right person to give you constructive feedback can be a challenge if you don’t know other writers, or your client is too busy to give you the feedback you need. And some days — even if you have everything planned out to the last detail, the words still aren’t flowing like they normally do. That’s okay. Writing is different for everybody, so just because you approach it differently than other people doesn’t make your approach wrong.
You just need to find what works for you. You may have to do some trial and error to figure it out–but once you have it, you can begin writing more efficiently than ever before.
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.