Business Writing Rules

Any time you write for your business - in a blog or on your website - the message must be easily understood.  Here are a few rules you can use to stay on track.   You can be your own copywriter.

• BE ON TARGET - Your business message should have a target audience in mind.  When you write for your business its not about you but about who you are attempting to reach.  Knowing your audience for the message is the first step.
  
• ADJUST YOUR READING LEVEL - Im not saying dumb down your message, but make it easy to read and consume.   Even your genius friends will be able to read your copy.   Your message must be written in language that your customer is familiar with.  Use short words.
  
• HIT SOME HOT BUTTONS - Your business message should answer something that the customer is concerned about.  Your text must address some emotional need right up front.
  
• USE POWERFUL STYLE - Read the "Elements of Style" by Strunk and White.  A small book but jam packed with style tips.  Use simple sentences with action verbs.    As a start - just avoid the passive tense.
  
• COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE - Never forget to weave in the reasons you are better than the competitors.  This is your basic reason for being in business.
  
• USE GOOD FORMAT - The message should be easy to read.  Use bullet points and bold some sentences to draw the reader into your message.  Appeal to both the skimmer and deep reader.
  
• CALL TO ACTION - Like any good landing page - business messages need to tell the reader what to do next. Dont miss the opportunity to get them into your sales funnel.