Become An Exceptional eLearning Author With These Writing Tips
Many experts are unable to captive their online audiences. It's not because they provide inaccurate information or miss key discussion points. The reason why readers click away is delivery. The writer talks down to them or creates a dissertation instead of a concise tip-filled guide. So, how do you become a better author who's able to walk the fine line between industry authority and approachable eLearning pro? Improving your copywriting game is the first step. These writing tips will help you grab their attention and get to the point without inducing yawns or bombarding them with sales jargon.
1. Concentrate On Needs Instead Of Pitches
Many marketing articles miss their aim because the author and reader have conflicting goals. The marketer's objective is to pitch their product or service. They want people to buy or opt-in for their mailing list. While readers are looking for valuable tips or guidance, they also want to learn more about the software or trend to solve a problem or make a decision. For this reason, you need to focus on their needs instead of your own. Of course, there should be a persuasive argument for purchasing your product. The secret is subtlety and a POV shift. See things from their perspective and find creative ways to tie in your brand's offerings.
2. Avoid Industry Jargon
Readers shouldn't have to break out the dictionary to understand your guest post. A successful eLearning author sums up the takeaways in a way that's easy to understand, free of technical or industry jargon. Showing off your sophisticated vocabulary might even offend readers who feel you're talking down to them. This rule also applies to niche buzzwords that seem out of context. That said, feel free to incorporate terminology that does enrich the reading experience and gives them an inside look at the industry. For instance, terms they should know when purchasing a new LMS or designing an online course.
3. Keep It Short
Brevity is best in terms of the article, sentence, and paragraph length. Articles need to be at least 1000 words, but that doesn't mean you should write a full-fledged thesis about the topic. Try to keep sentences around 20 words (or less) and paragraphs under 150 words. Every section of the article should center on a sub-topic or idea that contributes to the whole. For instance, a tip that brings readers one step closer to better course design. Or a software selling point (AKA benefit) they should know about before making their purchase.
4. Steer Clear Of Repetition
You're passionate about your cause. Even if that cause is to promote your latest course or rapid authoring tool. Thus, you may be tempted to repeat yourself for the sake of clarification to let readers know you're serious about the topic and emphasize the takeaways. However, repetition compromises engagement and makes visitors click away. They might assume you have nothing else valuable to offer, so you're rehashing the same ideas.
5. Be Your Own Worst Critic Or Editor
I'm not suggesting that you beat yourself up over every line or grammatical error with this writing tip. Just that you should review every article before you publish. You might even get a second set of eyes to catch anything you missed and offer an unbiased viewpoint. They'll be able to tell you if the tone is on point and whether you should include additional data. This is also your opportunity to verify all the facts. Inaccurate information not only diminishes the value of your content but might get you in hot water. For instance, you include incorrect stats or selling points that mislead prospects. Consequently, they go on a social media rampage regarding the inaccuracies of your article and how you tricked them into a sale.
6. Include Organic Keywords
We've all had to endure online content that looks like a robot wrote it. There are so many keywords stuffed into the text that it's virtually unreadable. Chances are, you clicked away before you even gleaned any info from the article. As such, you should include keywords to improve SEO but take an organic approach. Make sure the content is intended for human eyes and that readers can actually understand your viewpoints. Instead of having to hop over longtail keyword hurdles in every sentence. Consider this as another reason to invite someone else to edit your content. They're able to read through the article as an outsider to see if it's natural and persuasive.
7. Do Your Homework
Every eLearning author should know their niche before they write a word of content. Let alone post eLearning articles online. Even if you're already familiar with the topic, doing your research is one of the most important writing tips. Explore the many nuances of the subject matter to come up with fresh ideas or tips. Take the opportunity to ensure that your facts are spot-on and that there isn't any controversy surrounding the topic. For instance, numerous critics claim the theory or technique is ineffective. If so, you might consider briefly addressing the criticisms head-on to give readers a holistic overview.
Another thing to consider is your writing style. Balance it between professional and conversational to improve relatability. Still, retain an authoritative tone. Readers should value your opinions and ideas because they know you've done your homework and aren't trying to push them into a purchase. You're willing to share your expertise without expecting anything in return. Such a thing makes them more likely to click through to your landing page and learn more about your products or services.
Becoming an authority in the eLearning niche does require a commitment. Download our eBook How To Become An Authority In The eLearning Industry By Guest Blogging and discover how to stay on top of trends and find a platform that suits your style and target audience.
