3 Steps to Successful Writing on the Web

There are really only 3 steps to becoming successful at writing:

1. Keep writing - you have to write a ton of bad stuff before it can get better
2. Keep reading - you must read good writers in order for the good stuff to sink in
3. Keep learning - you need to take courses in order to really learn your craft

These three tips come to me by way of Paul Hollingshead, a co-founder of AWAI, a copywriter promoting good copywriting skills through the American Writers & Artists, Inc.

Even if you don't want to become a full time, freelance copywriter, you'll need to learn how to write your sales pages if you want to use the Internet to grow your business. That's why I've signed up for the AWAI Copywriting Masters Program. I think they have a special discount rate on through Friday, July 18, 2008, so don't delay.

In fact, I'd say that copywriting skills are important for more than just writing sales letters. You need to understand the psychology of copywriting so you can apply the principles to all of your content marketing. It just makes sense. Copywriting is any kind of writing to persuade and influence. And that means blog writing, articles, and web content.

Here's what Hollinghead says about what "good copy" is:

"As you well know, good copy doesn’t scream “buy this” at your prospect. Good copy establishes a trusting relationship between you and your prospect. Good copy is empathetic toward his or her wants and needs. Good copy establishes a tone of authority – without talking “down” to your reader. That’s what I mean by the right voice … and when you combine the right voice with a good, solid, well-structured letter – watch out!"

That's what I mean by learning to write good content that markets you, your services, your products and your business. It's not about "buy this now," it's about how do you build relationships and trust with your words.