{"id":7162,"date":"2017-10-05T06:30:41","date_gmt":"2017-10-05T13:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/blog\/?p=7162"},"modified":"2021-11-27T15:22:19","modified_gmt":"2021-11-27T23:22:19","slug":"14-writing-and-productivity-hacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2017\/10\/14-writing-and-productivity-hacks\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Writing and Productivity Hacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Consistently producing high-quality content can be physically and mentally draining. It requires a combination of hard work, creativity, attention to detail and a desire to write content that readers will love.<\/p>\n

To help you work more efficiently and write more engaging copy, here are 14 writing and productivity hacks to keep you on top of your writing game.<\/p>\n

1. Stop Over-Researching<\/span><\/h3>\n

Do you sometimes find yourself staring at 20 pages of research material for a 700-word article you need to write? You need to cut down on research time. Look at past articles and see how many citations or research stats you used. Stop researching when you’ve reached this number, and save any extra ideas and stats for future articles.<\/p>\n

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2. Keep First Drafts in Check<\/span><\/h3>\n

To avoid writing a first draft that’s three times too long, you need discipline. Write subheadings for your article first, then divide the total number of words you need by the number of subheadings. For instance, a 900-word article with six subheadings needs around 150 words per section. As you write each section, keep this number in mind.<\/p>\n

3. Avoid Self-Editing<\/span><\/h3>\n

Write the first draft without stopping to edit each sentence. Don’t look up quotes or check spellings; insert a note and return to it later. That’s what the editing process is for.<\/p>\n

4. Set Fake Deadlines<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you have a week to write an article, challenge yourself to finish it in two days. Having a deadline focuses your mind and also helps you avoid over-researching and procrastinating. This strategy also gives you wiggle room if you do fall behind.<\/p>\n

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5. Make Headlines More Emotional<\/span><\/h3>\n

To make headlines more engaging, appeal to the reader’s self-interest. Intriguing headlines are good: “Ten Surprising Ways to Use Lentils.” However, appealing to the reader’s self-interest is often better: “Lower Your Cholesterol With These Ten Awesome Lentil Recipes.”<\/p>\n

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6. Start Strong<\/span><\/h3>\n

Don’t leave your best idea until the last paragraph; put it in the first sentence instead. Many readers will scan the beginning first, so putting your strongest point here will make more of an impact.<\/p>\n

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7. Set a Timer<\/span><\/h3>\n

Eliminate as many distractions as possible, then set a timer for 30 minutes. The only thing you can do in this time is write or research. When the timer goes off, take a 10-minute break and then repeat the process. Many writers find this technique increases their productivity.<\/p>\n

8. Add Interest<\/span><\/h3>\n

When you’re unsure how to improve your first draft, try the following:<\/p>\n