If web content is king, and free web content is key to getting yourself noticed, then it’s critical to learn how to write fast!
(I’m deliberately ignoring other kinds of content, such as video and podcasts as they usually play a less significant role than written content, and assuming most people hold down regular jobs).
Writing fast isn’t easy. Especially if you set a high standard for the quality of writing you want to produce. But like everything else, improvement is only possible with practice.
Here are five critical aspects to learning how to write fast.
1. Perform idea/brainstorming sessions
If you sit down to write without an idea of what you’re going to write, you’re going to spend valuable time thinking over a blank screen, just to come up with the ‘right’ topic.
The thing is, while you come up with this topic, you’ll think of other article ideas which won’t be suitable for that time, and you’ll pass over them without recording what they were.
An awful waste.
Once a week/month, sit down and just brainstorm ideas for articles. Divide large subjects into a series of articles, and learn the art of chunking.
Each morning look at the list of possible article subjects, choose one, and think about it over the course of the day when you get the chance (like during your work commute).
Then, before you even sit in front of your computer you’ll have a fair idea of what you’re going to say, making it much easier to crank out a decent article in less time.
2. Set yourself limits
If you have a whole evening with little else to do, it’s very easy to give that whole evening up to writing an article. You begin at 6pm and before you know it, it’s 10pm and you’re barely finished.
If your going to publish content for free, then you’re going to have to discipline yourself to time restraints.
Perhaps time yourself in 20 minute slots, and be totally determined to get as much done as possible in that time.
3. Write something
Just get writing. Don’t spend an age looking for an article on a similar topic for inspiration. You know this stuff, that’s why you started a blog about it. Stop doubting yourself; write!
4. Make it perfect later
Don’t fix absolutely everything as you go. Keep going with your train of thought.
Also, if you’re not getting anywhere, go and do something else. Take the dog for a walk. Talk to your spouse. Spend time with your kids. After half and hour or so, return to the task with an attitude of intent and purpose. This can be surprising effective.
5. Ignore distractions
Your email won’t die if you ignore it for an hour. Neither will you have a heart attack if you ignore your iPhone until you’re finished. That programme on T.V. isn’t necessary to your existence either.
If you’re serious about gaining exposure online by producing free web content, then you’re going to have to make a few sacrifices.
Lastly, don’t get too frustrated. Things happen to hinder you. For example, my wife walked in while I was writing this with things to tell me after being out shopping. As a result, this article took me slightly over an hour.
Such is life.