Take a Course

Taking a writing course allows you to focus on a specific area you want to increase your writing skills, like long-form journalism, memoirs, or blogging. While you’ll likely have to invest some money, writing courses are easy to find in schools, online, and through private groups.

Books on Writing

A much more affordable option than most writing courses is to read books on writing. Try well-known classics like On Writing, Bird by Bird, or Eats, Shoots & Leaves. You can also do your own search on Amazon or in your favorite bookstores to see which books appeal to you.

Listen to Client Feedback

When a client gives you feedback, you may have a natural instinct to shy away from their feedback or choose to ignore it altogether. But even if your client isn’t a strong writer, they’re looking at your work with fresh eyes. Take their feedback into consideration and decide what you should put into practice next time around.

Take Notes When on Good Writing

Start a dedicated notebook or file so that when you come across a piece of good writing, you can jot it down. When you read compelling advertising copy, make a note of why you liked it. When you finish reading an article that hooked you immediately, make a note of how it pulled you in so quickly. By studying different writing techniques and keeping notes, you’ll absorb more great writing skills.

Read More

It seems that everyone is becoming increasingly busy these days but if you want to improve your writing, you’ve got to make time to read more. You can spend time reading books on writing, but don’t feel like you need to limit yourself to those kinds of books. For the greatest impact, read a variety of material and read outside your usual genre.

Write More

It should go without saying that if you want to improve your writing skills, you simply have to write more. Consistency is key, so try setting a daily goal for yourself like one thousand words, thirty minutes, or two pages. As you build a habit of writing consistently, you’ll see your writing skills increase naturally over time.

While you’re improving your skills as a writer, keep in mind that you won’t necessarily see results overnight. Becoming a stronger writer is an ongoing process, one that will continue throughout your entire career.

If you commit to improving your writing though, you’ll soon notice your skills and your confidence growing. And of course, the best part - you’ll find better writing opportunities and more chances to share your work.