Content is the currency of any online business. Content attracts new customers, helps you stand out on search engine results pages, and helps build a loyal following.
But content takes time to create! While you should never rush your content online, there are a few ways to ensure you’re creating it as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality.
1. Don’t constantly edit
The first time you draft new content, let the words flow without editing as you go. Write the entire first draft before looking for misspellings or possible changes. Most people tend to edit as they go along and again at the end. This is a waste of time and will often stop the creative “flow”.
2. Eliminate distractions
When you know it’s time to write your content, be sure to eliminate distractions. This may seem obvious, but are you really doing it? Many people tend to keep their Facebook, Twitter, email, etc. open in their browser while they type.
Even if you don’t check them, notification sounds affect our concentration. Find a quiet place where you can focus, and only have sites that are relevant to your publication’s research open in your Internet browser when you write. If necessary, install a browser plug-in that blocks distracting sites (there are many free options available).
3. Make a plan
Do some basic planning before you start writing. While some writers are talented enough to write fluently as they go along, others can get stuck midway through and have a hard time continuing. Before writing your content, write a basic outline that lists each basic point from start to finish. Use this rough draft as a guide, and improvise if necessary along the way.
4. Write shorter content
If possible, keep your content shorter! This does not mean deliberately writing short posts that do not add any value. Instead, it means saying what you need to say but in as few words as possible. As long as your readers can get what they need from your post and feel that you are delivering value, then there is no difference between a 500 or 1000 word post! Many readers will lose interest anyway if you don’t get to the point!
Lastly, remember that you will simply get faster with practice, and especially when you “bundle” your content creation process to create many posts at once. So keep writing and creating content!
