26,000,000+
That's how many impressions my tweets have accumulated.
8 questions I ask myself before writing any of them:
That's how many impressions my tweets have accumulated.
8 questions I ask myself before writing any of them:
I ask myself 5 questions before I type a word and 3 after I completed the first draft
These questions make it easier and more enjoyable to write.
I hope they help you too. Let’s go:
These questions make it easier and more enjoyable to write.
I hope they help you too. Let’s go:
Q1: What is the topic?
Staring at a blank screen is my nightmare.
To prevent that, I keep 100s of ideas in notion ready to use whenever. This question calls me to action to select one for the occasion.
If you need help with ideating, check this out:
Staring at a blank screen is my nightmare.
To prevent that, I keep 100s of ideas in notion ready to use whenever. This question calls me to action to select one for the occasion.
If you need help with ideating, check this out:
Q2: What’s the style?
You can turn 1 idea into 10.
Ex:
If it’s “Marketing”:
- Observation: The best marketing tip is empathy
- List article: 9 marketing books you must read
- Actionable: How to run a Facebook ad
This question is my compass.
You can turn 1 idea into 10.
Ex:
If it’s “Marketing”:
- Observation: The best marketing tip is empathy
- List article: 9 marketing books you must read
- Actionable: How to run a Facebook ad
This question is my compass.
Q3: What is the goal?
If you don’t set a goal, the algorithm will set one for you — you won’t like it.
These days, my goals are:
- To build trust
- To generate leads
- To connect with my audience
- To add more email subscribers
This question keeps me from going off course.
If you don’t set a goal, the algorithm will set one for you — you won’t like it.
These days, my goals are:
- To build trust
- To generate leads
- To connect with my audience
- To add more email subscribers
This question keeps me from going off course.
Q4: Who is it for?
You can’t write to someone you don't know
Identifying your reader helps you pick a:
- tone
- language
- writing level
...which helps you deliver an exceptional experience for your reader. Don't ignore this.
You can’t write to someone you don't know
Identifying your reader helps you pick a:
- tone
- language
- writing level
...which helps you deliver an exceptional experience for your reader. Don't ignore this.
Q5: Why should they care?
There are a million places your reader can be, so why should they pick you?
Some things people search for:
- To laugh
- To feel validated
- To learn something new
- To learn something old, but in a new way
Deliver any of this and you’re good.
There are a million places your reader can be, so why should they pick you?
Some things people search for:
- To laugh
- To feel validated
- To learn something new
- To learn something old, but in a new way
Deliver any of this and you’re good.
After answering those, I draft for 60 minutes or less — any more and it’s a chore.
Hard to write = Hard to read
Next, I distract myself from the task, which allows my subconscious mind to find new ways to improve what I wrote.
24 hours later, I ask myself these questions:
Hard to write = Hard to read
Next, I distract myself from the task, which allows my subconscious mind to find new ways to improve what I wrote.
24 hours later, I ask myself these questions:
Q6: Is this easy to consume?
Hard to read = Easy to exit
Some editing prompts I abide by:
- Add headers
- Use fewer words
- Beware of adverbs
- Use simple language
- Use lots of white space
- Don’t overuse the commas
Format the material to look easy on the eyes
Hard to read = Easy to exit
Some editing prompts I abide by:
- Add headers
- Use fewer words
- Beware of adverbs
- Use simple language
- Use lots of white space
- Don’t overuse the commas
Format the material to look easy on the eyes
Q7: What did I make my reader feel?
People love Taylor Swift because she makes them feel something. We are emotional beings, after all.
Use words that help you pass your message.
If you’re more aggressive, say “smash”.
If you’re calmer, say “hit“.
People love Taylor Swift because she makes them feel something. We are emotional beings, after all.
Use words that help you pass your message.
If you’re more aggressive, say “smash”.
If you’re calmer, say “hit“.
Q8: Is the hook captivating?
Viral-worthy content and powerful hooks go together.
Some prompts to supercharge yours:
- Add a clear CTA
- Lead with short sentences
- Input credibility (like I did in this one)
- Use pattern interrupts (i.e numbers, emojis, images)
Good example:
Viral-worthy content and powerful hooks go together.
Some prompts to supercharge yours:
- Add a clear CTA
- Lead with short sentences
- Input credibility (like I did in this one)
- Use pattern interrupts (i.e numbers, emojis, images)
Good example:
That’s it!
I hope this helps you write something for millions to enjoy.
If you enjoyed this:
1) Follow @francis_oleh for more business and branding tips
2) Help others to learn by retweeting the tweet below
I hope this helps you write something for millions to enjoy.
If you enjoyed this:
1) Follow @francis_oleh for more business and branding tips
2) Help others to learn by retweeting the tweet below
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