Did you just write a great blog post? What about some powerful web site copy?
Well, then why isn’t anyone staying on your site long enough to read it?
Did you focus on writing for one person or for many people? Did you picture your “perfect” reader?
No? Well, maybe you should. When was the last time you read web site copy or a great fiction book that wrote to “everyone?”
The thing you should remember to start with is creating your “perfect” reader.
Who Are You Writing To?
Now that we understand how important it is to write to one person, let’s focus on whom we are writing to. After all, you can pick out any Joe Underpants off of the street to write to, but to truly get into their soul and make them feel what you are writing, you need to have that “perfect” reader.
So, who is it going to be? Are you writing a fictional story about another world of magic and mayhem? Perhaps you are writing sales copy for a web site or product you’re selling? What about a blog post of your rants for the day?
Whatever you write, see your perfect reader sitting across from you. Yes, they are sitting across from you! Don’t freak out, they aren’t a ghost or anything; you’re only imagining them there!
Now what do they look like? Are they male or female?
Do they have long or short hair?
What are they wearing? Now if I had a nickel for every time I heard that! Please try to keep them clothed…for now anyways.
What are their interests? What are they like?
Create Your Words Around the Reader
You see what I am getting at here? Create the person your writing to and sit them right in front of you. Have a conversation with them. Find out their needs and wants – then write for them.
Once you finish your first draft, ask your reader: “what do you think?”
If it doesn’t make your reader feel the way you want them to feel, you need to make some changes. If it doesn’t inspire your reader, make some changes.
You see what I am getting at? Your writing should touch your reader on a personal level. It should make them want to read more of what you write. It should make them go out and buy more of what you are “talking” to them about.
When you connect with your reader on this level, you now have a raving fan. They will buy what you want them to buy. They will tell everyone else they know how great you are and how they should read and buy your writing.
Who do you write for? No matter who it is, please, oh please, make sure they have some clothes on!
Need help with your business writing or just need some help finding that perfect reader? Check out my content creation and other services, and then contact me to start working on finding your perfect reader or customer.
Photo credit: sepblog
Related posts:
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I find it hard to really write something worthy for my readers. You really need to have the knowledge of what people are interested in. But I’m learning.
Hey there Walter.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I do appreciate it.
Yep, it is hard to find the right rhythm to your writing. When you find out what your perfect reader wants, then it’s all downhill from there!
Btw, checked out your blog and love it. I will be visiting there on a regular basis…great stuff!
Walter,
One great way people suggest to find your audience is to create your “avatar”.
With an avatar (much like how it’s explained in this post) break down every aspect of what your ideal persona would be you’d be writing to.
It’s very much like character development as you build their story, physical traits, what they’re looking for.
If you can envision this avatar sitting across from you, write as if you’re talking directly to them as you normally would.
Or, you could always print out a picture of someone occasionally remind yourself you’re writing for that “person”.
Hi Murray,
Thanks for the comment.
Yes, I soo love writing like this. I always picture someone there and we do have interesting conversations too.
Thanks for the idea of printing out a picture too. That’s a great idea!
Hi George, it’s nice landing on your blog. I think what you say is important here in order to have more people come back to read. It’s always important to create your ideal reader so you sort of know what kind of style you can produce and stay consistent with it.
I also find that if you can visualize them sitting in front of you, then producing content will be easier to write since you will be writing in the way you talk. But it also depends on what you’re writing about too. It takes a little bit more research for me to write my posts instead of just cranking out stuff from my mind. Anyway, thanks for sharing this. You have a great looking blog.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Hulbert.
Yes, I always have my perfect reader in front of me when I write. I go off of what they say when I edit and make the writing work.
Sometimes I do have to do some research on my writing, but mostly I am able to crank it out from all the ideas I put down in my notebook. I don’t go anywhere, well almost anywhere, without having my notebook with me – tons of great ideas in it.
Thanks! I am no designer, but I am doing the best I can with it. I also checked out your blog and it looks great as well