A Writing GPS: The Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Next Piece of Content [Infographic]
A step-by-step process? Really? Why not just wing it? Why not just... write?
Because in writing, argues Ann Handley, process is necessary. Because, as she says, you need a road map to get you to where you need to be. Handley's handy GPS gets you from one place to another: "from discombobulated thoughts to a coherent, cogent piece of writing."
Numbered steps prompt you to pause and think:
What's your business goal?
How does your idea relate to your readers?
What credible sources and data support your idea?
What format would best communicate your point? (Blog post, infographic, case study?)
Who is your audience? (Write to one person. Period.)
Now start writing. Write, walk away, rewrite, walk away. Write, edit, edit again. Pass it by a co-worker or read it to your cat. Proofread. Polish. Is it ready to publish?
Call to action.
Check the 12 steps. Have you left readers hanging? What should readers do next?
Subtly prompt, nudge, guide, steer or drive in the right direction to reach the desired outcome or destination. Now push the button and pat yourself on the back. Stretch, breathe, crack your knuckles, relax.
Before you write your next post, read Ann Handley's Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Writing Ridiculously Good Content. Because, as Ann says, "in today’s content-driven world, writing matters more… not less."