As with other habits, poor writing practices are easy to form but hard to break. Yet, unlike most negative practices, writing-related habits can affect your career, much more if you’re a freelance writer.
If you want to become a better writer, it’s time to stamp out these poor writing habits.
1. Lack of an outline
It’s always tempting to dive right into your work without outlining first. After all, the more articles you write, the more money you make. Often, cutting corners upfront slows down the later stages of the writing course. Without an outline, you’ll lose your thought, write too much in one part, and fail to build your points. Although you hate outlining, spend enough time in it on every project.
2. Usage of nominalizations
Nominalization occurs when you use a weak noun although an adjective replacement or a stronger verb is available. While nothing is wrong with, “He has a high level of intensity” and “Give your post a proofread,” you can still improve them. Unlike poor writing, good content has actors and actions. Isn’t it vibrant and interesting to say, “He’s intense” and “Proofread your post?”
While the ability to form nouns from verbs, by adding a suffix, contributes to the amazing flexibility of English, remember to nominalize in moderation.
3. Presence of lengthy paragraphs
Years ago, it was acceptable to write long paragraphs to fill multiple pages with big block texts. Not. Any. More. Since everyone’s in a hurry on the Internet, make it easy for readers to skim through your article. Paragraphs should be a maximum of four sentences. Include shorter paragraphs, too, with only one or two sentences to punctuate great concepts.
4. Absence of a procedure
Don’t edit without finishing your first draft. Drop this poor writing style now. It’s easier to fix both micro and macro problems when you know how the entire piece appears. Likewise, you’ll finish your writing much faster, giving you more time for editing.
5. Usage of slang words
Instead of using slang words, communicate to your audience with strong terms. Besides, use language everyone will understand. If you put slang words often, it’ll be difficult for you to find your own voice.
6. Presence of a vague opening
You have only a few seconds to draw readers to your content, and you must do it at the start of your article. If you miss this chance, you’ll lose them. They’ll either click the back button or move to another website.
7. Usage of exclamation points
Don’t put exclamation points all over your article to convince people that it’s exciting. Punctuation isn’t really going to help. Instead, include a few exciting information so your readers will enjoy your article.
8. Absence of a routine
In setting a routine, you can shift from everyday life into a creative mood and stop yourself from delaying writing or letting other obligations interfere.
If you have no routine yet, start by identifying activities, places, and times of the day when you’re most productive. Once you know what boosts your efficiency, weave them into your schedule.
Download a copy of this infographic here.
Exciting ideas and interesting quotes will be useless if you’ll keep on doing these poor writing practices. Improve your writing and ditch them. Likewise, if you want to strengthen your brand’s integrity and prove your expertise on engaging and well-researched content, hire a professional. Check out our article writing service today.
Sources: blog.writeathome.com | blog.hubspot.com | grammarly.com | hephzysocial.com | grammarcheck.net | copyblogger.com