Why Is Writing Important to the Success of My Business? (10 Writing Strategies for Every Microprenuer)

Courtesy of Google Images.

At first glance, this question seems like it could be answered in just a sentence or two. For example, “Writing is important to my business because I am a writer, and writing is my business. In order to be successful at being a writer, I better know how to write some Darn* Fine Words!” 

(*Please excuse my change of your title, James. I don’t curse and I have a reputation to uphold!)

However, I never like to use a word to describe itself, and prompts like this one, really do require more thought. Besides, I am using my writing skills for more than just my writing business. My husband and I are in the process of developing a multi-faceted homestead business, and I believe that high quality writing will be the key to our success in all of our ventures.

Courtesy of Google Images. What is writing for yourself worth to you? To me, it's everything.

I think the same goes for every micro entrepreneur. Think of all the money saved if you could do all your own writing. You won’t have to pay someone, or wait on their turn around times! On the flip side, high quality writing does take a time and effort.

There are lots of ways to learn how to write well. If you’re like me and are trying to build a house AND start a business, you take advantage of all the free advice there is out there. I sign up for tips and tricks from other authors, copywriters, and content marketers every chance I get. I've even taken a few cheap courses on online sites like Udemy.

However, I think one of the best ways to learn how to write successfully is to dedicate yourself to taking a more in-depth course, whether it is online, through a community education program, or some other institution. Paying your hard-earned dollars, and spending the time necessary to actually learn how to write, will be well worth the effort.

Below I've listed 10 Writing Strategies (in no particular order) that I am currently using, or plan on using, to enhance our businesses and achieve success. I hope this list will help other microprenuers to do the same!

1. Have a High Quality, Well-written Website
In today’s world, you NEED to have a website to get your business out there. A website needs to be user-friendly, graphically pleasing, and well-written in order to be an effective business tool.

I currently run two websites. One for my writing and photography (that’s this one), and one for our homestead business, www.havenhomestead.com. I know there are errors. I know I can do better. I am learning more!

2. Utilize Social Media
Social media is one of the best ways to build an audience and stay in touch with them. I have a hard time with social media because I always get lost in the fluff, but I do use it. I have 3 Facebook pages; one personal page, one author page, and one for Haven Homestead. Again, I need to learn how to use this tool better. If anyone has any suggestions on how not to get lost on Facebook, I’d love to hear it! Share your comments below.

3. Advertising and Sales Copy
Ad copy has got to be powerful, concise and clear. You need to be able to convey feeling and induce a need in your target audience with just a few words. Sales copy has got to be compelling and converting.

I learned a little about ad and sales copy in a couple of different classes that I’ve taken, but I know there is more to learn. What I really want to know (as I’m sure most people do) is how to write great sales copy that isn’t cheesy or pushy or fake. I can do it, but I know there’s a better way than agonizing over every little word! Will someone teach me please!?

Courtesy of Google Images.

4. Write E-books, Text books, etc.
When used properly, a well written e-book series can provide you with a sizable passive income, and a larger, more eager audience. I’d like to experience this for myself. It’s only a matter of time before I start publishing some of my own!

Also, one of our homestead business facets is the School for Sustainability. We want to teach others how to live a sustainable life. In order to further that goal, I want to write our own text books to use in the classes we teach, complete with photos, interviews from experts and more.

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5. Do Some Grant Writing
There are lots of grants, government and private, that could apply to just about anyone. It takes some skill to ferret out what’s there, but there is money to be had!

As a small farmer, my husband and I have government grants available to us. I am working on a grant right now for 2016, that will enable us to do some experimenting with sustainable orchard management practices. Wish us luck!

6. Press Releases and News Articles
PR is not the most effective tool for reaching younger audiences, but this form of writing still holds it’s own.

This is actually how I started my writing career. I took a news writing class in college, (where I majored in mass communications), had an internship at a news paper, and started free-lancing for another news paper. I have a passion for writing feature pieces and press releases, but it wasn't worth the stress for me to do it for a regularly published rag.

In our own business ventures, it will definitely pay to be able to use my skills to write our own PR.

7. Write a Blog
Writing a good blog is a great way to get a higher ranking for your website in Google. IF you write high quality content posts on a regular basis, Google will rate you higher for your keywords and topics. I don’t know all the nitty-gritty, but that’s what I gather anyways!

I have 3 blogs; one on each of my websites, and a blog for Grit Magazine. Grit is a well-known magazine and has a HUGE following. This third blog garners more interest in my other two. Someday, my blogs will be powerful, success driving tools for my businesses. Until then, I will strive to be better every chance I get.

8. Newsletters and Email Marketing
Email Marketing is THE most effective way to build an intimate relationship with a large audience. I've heard it is a more effective marketing tool than any of the social media sites combined. I've been investigating Convertkit, MailChimp and other email marketing sites in order to get a better handle on how to do the technical stuff. There is a lot to learn!

I’m starting by writing a quarterly newsletter for our very small following. It is incredibly important to me that I publish useful information. I don’t want to be just another bad writer who writes nothing but fluff. You should do the same!

9. Writing for Hire
If you can do this, great! As for me, this aspect of my business will be very small. I’ve done a lot of writing for hire in the past two years, but I don’t feel as passionate about writing for others as I do about writing things for myself. Go figure!

10. Write a Business Plan and Keep a Business Journal
An important concept for more than just business is to have a plan for what will happen, and keep a record or journal of what has happened. Together, these bits of writing will tell the story of our businesses and our lives, and from those pages we will be better able to adapt to the ever-changing world around us in effective ways.

Courtesy of Google Images.

So…
My business and my life are infused with writing of all sorts. I know that to be a successful writer, I need to consistently, proficiently, and prolifically create content that is useful. I know that I will be more successful in my business, as I get a better handle on writing.


P.S. I wrote this post as an entry into a writing contest. I am trying to secure one of the two scholarships for the Darn* Fine Words Course put on by James Chartrand of Men With Pens.
(*Again, please excuse me! I hope you understand. Thanks for your consideration.)