Best Writing Practices

Here are 50 best writing practices to help you become a better writer.

Powerful content – it’s as polarizing as it is influential.

Writing compelling content requires a certain finesse, which is difficult to master. But with practice, anyone will eventually become a master of their craft.

They say experience is the best teacher, and it’s true.

That said, you don’t have to spend a decade writing to become the best at what you do. If you go by these writing practices, you’ll be writing like a pro in no time.

Writing Practice 1 – Add some personality.

It’s your personality that makes your content distinct, relatable and memorable. By allowing your authentic self to shine through your words, you create a stronger emotional connection with your audience and build a distinctive personal or corporate brand. This immersive writing practice makes the reading experience more enjoyable, increasing reader engagement and loyalty.

Writing Practice 2 – Connect emotionally.

The best content evokes emotion and makes the reader feel something, and this couldn’t be truer in novels and short stories. The goal is to write with empathy, and in so doing, you make your readers feel like they’re part of the story.

Writing Practice 3 – Make it actionable.

When putting together content, see that you include an action item at the end of each article or post. This makes readers more likely to act instead of just reading and forgetting. By including a specific step that readers must take, you encourage them to move forward and get the most out of your content. This is a typical practice when writing marketing material and social media posts.

4 – Write with an ear for rhythm.

Writing isn’t just about words but also how they’re used. Reading it out loud is a sensible way to ensure your writing has a natural rhythm. Remember, readers like their content in bite-sized chunks and short sentences with plenty of white space. Therefore, vary your sentence lengths and break up large chunks of text into smaller sections.

Writing Practice 5 – Respect your readers’ time.

You want your readers to be engaged, but it’s also important to respect their time. Keep your writing succinct by avoiding unnecessary details and words to get to the point quickly. When possible, offer short summaries at the beginning and end of each section – it’ll give readers a clear idea of what to expect from your content.

Writing Practice 6 – Use vivid language.

Vivid descriptions help bring your content alive. Aim to use words that invoke emotion, i.e., those related to senses like sight, sound and smell. This makes your writing more riveting, meaning readers stay engaged for longer.

Writing Practice 7 – Be consistent with tenses.

You must be aware of the tense you’re using in your writing and make sure that it’s consistent throughout your piece. This applies to verb tenses and other grammar forms, i.e., pronoun usage, conjunctions, etc. A lack of consistency will ultimately create confusion and detract from the overall quality of your work.

Writing Practice 8 – Keep an eye out for typos.

Typos lead to confusion and make readers lose trust in the writer. Hence, make it a point to proofread your work before submitting or publishing it. You’re even better off asking a friend to read it for you and point out any mistakes that may have slipped by.

Writing Practice 9 – Embrace the use of placeholders.

Placeholders help you keep track of how your content is progressing. It’s a traditional writing practice that allows you to quickly refer back and fill in the gaps at a later stage. All it requires is you insert specific phrases (with brackets) when writing, which you can replace with actual words later.

Writing Practice 10 – Do away with cliches.

Cliches come off as unoriginal and will make the impression that your writing is tired. Instead of using the same overused phrases everyone else does, come up with fresh ideas to convey the same message. It’ll give your content a unique twist that readers will appreciate and remember long after reading.

11 – Make use of storytelling.

Storytelling taps into a person’s emotions. Helping people connect with the story conveys your message more effectively. It also encourages readers to finish reading to the end, as they’ll wonder what happens next in the storyline.

12 – Break up content using visual cues.

Breaking up a text block with subtitles, images, or other visuals keeps readers from getting overwhelmed. Visual cues also help the flow of your content and make it easier to read on smaller devices such as tablets and phones.

13 – Avoid the passive voice as much as possible.

The passive voice is often used to deflect blame or avoid responsibility. But it also comes off as distant and makes your writing sound weak. Use the active voice instead, as it’ll make your content easier to read and more direct. The reason is that the active voice emphasizes the subject, whereas the passive voice has an object-oriented focus.

14 – Strike a balance between fact and opinion.

Fact-based content is essential for certain topics, i.e., science, law and health. However, opinions help readers form their own perspectives on the issue. Remember that your audience wants to hear both sides of the story, so make sure your writing is balanced.

15 – Be mindful of how you use humour.

Humour effectively adds interest and sparks conversation. But be careful not to go overboard, as this can be unprofessional or offensive. As long as you exercise good judgment when adding levity, your readers will appreciate the lighter take on topics.

16 – Use metaphors and similes wisely.

Metaphors allow you to describe abstract concepts more visually, while similes help to compare ideas or concepts. But then again, you must not overuse them as they can lead to confusion, or there’ll be an adverse effect of making your writing too flowery or lengthy.

17 – Write with specificity.

Specificity is the key to effective communication. Instead of general terms, use precise words that make it easier for readers to understand what you’re trying to say. It’s crucial because ambiguity will cause frustration and lead people away from your content instead of piquing their interests.

18 – Keep a thesaurus at hand.

Studying a thesaurus helps you find new words that give your writing a fresh twist when you have writer’s block. Search for words that have similar connotations but different nuances so that you can find the best way to express your ideas.

19 – Try not to use jargon.

Jargon makes your writing difficult to understand and alienates people unfamiliar with the discussed terms or concepts. Therefore, avoid using industry-specific lingo as much as possible so that everyone reading your content will grasp what’s being said without any issues. This is quite true if your target audience is composed of laypeople.

20 – Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Experimenting with different structures and writing styles helps you discover new ways of expressing yourself. You’ll find that some unexpected ideas can work wonders in sparking interest among readers, so don’t be discouraged if your early attempts are unsuccessful. The key here is to keep trying

21 – Use concrete and specific examples.

Using concrete makes sense if you want to get your point across. Specific examples are easier for readers to comprehend, so try to include them wherever appropriate. It likewise enhances the comprehension of your content by providing meaningful and memorable context.

22 – Know when to use short or long sentences.

The length of a sentence has a highly specific impact, so it should be determined based on the point you’re trying to make. Longer sentences are designed for connecting thoughts and making your writing sound more sophisticated but avoid using them if they contain many clauses, as it’ll do nothing but confuse a reader. Short sentences, in contrast, are ideally used for emphasis or when you want to make a point clear.

23 – Include quotes, if needed.

Quotes add authority and credibility to your writing. But be certain that the source is reliable and reputable before including any quotes, as they strengthen your content’s credibility with readers looking for valid information on a given topic. Anything less than that, and you risk damaging your reputation as a writer.

24 – Make good use of templates.

Using templates allows you to create content faster and guarantees the consistency of your writing. Likewise, you spend more time producing quality content that accurately reflects your values. It’s especially helpful when there are strict formatting requirements, such as for press releases or blog posts. It means that you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

25 – Proofread the final copy multiple times.

Proofreading is an indispensable part of any writing process. Read your work aloud and see that it sounds natural before publishing it. You can also enlist the help of grammar-checking tools to identify any missed errors or typos in your copy. Remember that mistakes make you seem unprofessional, which is why proofreading is essential.

26 – Don’t hold back when the situation warrants you to be controversial.

You must understand when it’s appropriate to be controversial and take a stand on an issue. Don’t hesitate to express your opinion if you feel strongly about something. Being bold will make your writing stand out and grab the attention of more readers. Remember to back up your claims with facts and respect opposing views.

27 – Take a break from writing occasionally.

Writing can be draining, so taking a break now and then is essential to clear your head. It’ll give you the chance to come back with renewed energy and ideas that’ll help boost your creativity and productivity. Listening to music or giving yourself some alone time are effective ways to unwind and refresh your mind.

28 – Always remember your purpose.

This one’s often forgotten or overlooked, but it’s a critical part of writing. Keeping your purpose in mind helps you stay on target and guarantee that your content is effective. See that you ask yourself why you’re writing the piece and what readers should take away from it before you start churning out words.

29 – Check for readability.

Readability is a measure of how easily a reader understands your writing. The best way to improve it is by using plain language and short sentences, which help convey complex ideas more straightforwardly. Also, set the tone for the piece, depending on who you’re talking to.

30 – Include multimedia when necessary.

Some forms of writing, i.e., web content, call for the inclusion of multimedia such as videos and photos. Multimedia will keep readers interested, which is critical in keeping their attention. It also helps in relaying information or ideas more effectively than plain text.

31 – Make sure to use the right punctuation.

Punctuations play an irreplaceable role in making your writing understandable, so make sure you know how to use them correctly. For instance, the comma helps readers understand when one idea ends and another begins, while double quotation marks indicate that something is being quoted.

32 – Vary the length of your paragraphs.

The same goes for paragraphs as it does with sentences – they should come in different sizes to keep readers from getting bored. Keep them concise if you want to make a point quickly, or lengthen them if you need to explain something further.

33 – Work on expanding your vocabulary.

An extensive vocabulary is a must if you want to write easily and accurately. It’ll help you find the perfect words to communicate an idea or thought, and it can also aid in making your writing more interesting. You must be familiar with individual words and their use in sentences. It may sound cliche, but reading is the best way to develop vocabulary.

34 – Know when it’s time to let go of a piece.

Editing and rewriting are necessary parts of writing, but there comes a point where you must accept that it’s done. Don’t get too attached to your work, as this will stop you from seeing areas for improvement or mistakes that need correcting. Doing so will help you produce better pieces in the future and ensure you don’t get stuck in an endless cycle of rewriting.

35 – Learn from other writers.

It’s always a good idea to read the work of others and see what you can learn from them. It’s a sensible way to sharpen your skills, as you’ll witness different approaches to writing or topics you may not have thought about before. Appreciating another writer’s work also gives readers an insight into how much effort goes into producing quality content.

36 – Use apps, tools, and websites to enhance your writing.

There are countless tools available that can help you with everything from grammar to brainstorming ideas and more. Take advantage of these resources to produce better content in less time. Many of them have features such as built-in dictionaries and automated editing, which help you avoid common mistakes.

37 – Focus on the reader when writing.

You must embrace and see your readers as more than just an audience. When writing, you must think of their wants and needs so they won’t have to read between the lines or do extra research on a given topic. If you successfully do this, you’ll end up with a piece that contains valuable information and is enjoyable to read.

38 – Always find the right words to describe something.

We know it’s a painstaking process to come up with the right words for a description, but it’s essential if you want to make an impact. Don’t settle for generic terms or phrases when describing something; instead, take time to think of ways to express your ideas more effectively. Successfully doing this will allow you to paint a vivid image in readers’ minds and make them appreciate your writing even more.

39 – Rely on an outline all the time.

Having an outline is not only useful for planning, but it also helps you stay organized and focused. It’ll ensure you don’t miss out on any important points or leave room for mistakes. Writing with an outline speeds up the writing process since you already have a roadmap that guides your work.

40 – Always finish what you started.

Some writers have this bad habit of abandoning their pieces halfway through. It can be difficult to finish a piece when you don’t have anything else left to say, but it’s something that must be done. You’re more likely to complete a piece if you allocate specific times for writing and stick with them until the job is done.

41 – Listen to criticism.

You’re not always right, even if it concerns your writing. It’s difficult and almost impossible for some proud writers to take other people’s opinions or criticism, especially if it’s negative, but you must remember that they’re coming from a place of wanting to help. Consider their suggestions and consider how to use them to improve your writing.

42 – Turn back if you have to.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need to go back and review something you wrote. It’s a form of self-editing, so don’t be afraid to go through your work again and revise it. It can help you shape the piece more effectively by picking out mistakes or adding anything else necessary.

43 – Respect deadlines.

Deadlines are the bane of writers, but they’re essential for keeping things in order. You must set realistic deadlines that you can follow and strive to meet them without fail. Failing to do so may lead to serious consequences, such as losing communication and trust with clients or readers.

44 – Write whatever pleases you.

You won’t always be writing for someone else; sometimes, you must also write for yourself. It doesn’t matter what it’s about or how long it is – the main thing is that you get to express yourself without any boundaries. Writing whatever pleases you helps improve your skills and develop your unique writing style. It’s what separates the most successful authors from the rest.

45 – Open yourself to niches you never even heard of.

Writing for different niche topics can open a world of opportunity. Taking on tasks outside your comfort zone can teach you new writing methods and help you learn about subjects you may not have known. You’ll become much more versatile as a writer and help build your credibility in the process.

46 – Take notes during the process.

This is one of the most underrated habits of successful writers. Taking notes helps you remember essential information, i.e., quotes and sources, which are invaluable in producing quality pieces quickly. It also prevents you from forgetting ideas that may come to mind during the writing process or while going about your day.

47 – Stick to persuasive main ideas at all times.

Persuasive writing means making readers accept your argument. To do this, you must stick to convincing main ideas backed by evidence. Keeping a few persuasive points in mind will help focus your efforts and guide you toward producing compelling content for any topic.

48 – Remain consistent with the style.

Style is the way you deliver your work. Combining tone, word choice, sentence structure, and more will give your writing personality. Sticking with it throughout the piece allows you to send your message uniformly and make readers enjoy reading it even more.

49 – Avoid getting too technical when necessary.

Sometimes, you may feel the urge to get too technical when writing. This isn’t always a bad thing, but more often than not, it’ll cause your work to seem dry and dull. Keeping things simple is usually the best route since readers will likely understand your points better without feeling overwhelmed or confused.

50 – Practice, practice, practice.

You must write regularly if you want to improve as a writer. It doesn’t matter what it is or how long it takes; the important thing is that you do it. Writing will also help you speed up your workflow since you’ll be familiar with the process and know how to make the most of your time.

These best writing practices are, by no means, a set of strict rules. Remember that writing is a creative process, and it’s up to you to decide how to approach it. Experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them; the key is to embrace things that will help you grow as a writer.