You're sitting in front of the screen, your fingers are hovering over the keyboard and you're about to start typing.
But where do you start?
What is it you really want to achieve?
Before I even sit down to type, I've developed three simple yet powerful questions that help me focus my message.
These questions ensure that what I write is not just words on a page, but words with purpose and impact.
Question 1: What change do I want to create in the reader?
Writing is not just about transferring information.
It's about creating a change.
- Do you want to inspire action?
- Convince of a point of view?
- Or maybe educate on a topic?
Think about it: What do you want the reader to know, feel or do after reading your text?
- Should they sign up for your webinar?
- Buy your product?
- Or just gain a new insight?
When you're clear about the change you want to create, it becomes much easier to choose the right words and arguments.
Question 2: What does the reader get out of spending time on my text?
We live in an age of information overload.
Your reader has a thousand other things they could be spending their precious time on.
So what do you give them in return?
- Is it new knowledge that can solve a problem?
- An entertaining break from everyday life?
- Or perhaps access to an exclusive offer?
If you can't clearly answer what the reader gets out of reading your text, why should they?
Question 3: How does this text lead to my next step?
Every text should be a step towards a bigger goal.
Where does this text lead?
- Is it the first contact with potential customers?
- A step towards a sale?
- Or perhaps building your position as an expert?
By thinking strategically about where this text fits into your larger communication plan, you can ensure that every word works for you - not just now, but also in the future.
The outcome of the three questions
Once you've answered these three questions, you've effectively created a mini-brief for yourself. You know:
- What you want to achieve with the text
- What value it creates for the reader
- How it fits into your overall strategy
With this clear focus, writing becomes much easier.
You know what to include and, just as importantly, what you can leave out. Your text will be more focused, more relevant and more effective.
So the next time you start writing - whether it's an email, a blog post or yes, a newsletter like this one - start with these three questions.
It only takes five minutes, but could save you hours of rewriting and frustration.
Happy writing!
Kind regards,
René Hjetting
Your friend with the sharp pen 🖊️
I’ll teach you how to craft compelling words, engage your audience, and turn your writing into sales. Sign up for my newsletter, The Sharp Pen, and get weekly inspiration straight to your inbox.