V.S. Naipaul’s rules for beginners
- Don’t write long sentences.
- Each sentence should make a clear statement.
- Don’t use big words.
- Don’t use words if you’re not sure of their meanings.
- Avoid using adjectives
10 Rules of Writing
http://lithub.com/ten-rules-of-writing/
Laroya’s rules
- Use simple sentences.
- Use the active voice rather than the passive
- Know your target audience
- Avoid using jargon as much as possible
- Don’t use complicated or fancy-sounding words
- Revise and rewrite after you’ve finished
10 Simple Rules for Good Writing
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-simple-rules-for-good-writing.html
Taylor’s rules
- Keep your message as brief as possible.
- Eliminate unnecessary items.
- Target your audience but don’t make it too narrow.
- Make your content unique and valuable.
- Strive for the magical 8% keyword density.
- Offer information readers can’t wait to share.
5 tips for writing compelling B2B marketing content
Orwell’s rules
- Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech you’re used to seeing in print.
- Never use a long word when a short one will do.
- If it’s possible to cut out a word, cut it.
- Never use the passive when you can use the active.
- Never use a foreign phrase, scientific word or jargon if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
Why Orwell’s rules for clear writing are the gold standard for B2B marketing content
http://thinkjpc.com/content/guidelines-b2b-marketing-content/
Van Rensselar’s rules
- Pay attention to the layout.
- Punctuate to facilitate comprehensive.
- Don’t repeat the same point twice and don’t backtrack.
- Use unmodified nouns and verbs.
- Be specific.
- Expand your reader’s vocabulary.
8 Tips for Great B2B Writing (Know the Rules and Selectively Ignore Them)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-tips-great-b2b-writing-know-rules-selectively-them-van-rensselar
Ford’s rules
- Be conversational.
- Don’t be desperate.
- Think beyond your product.
- Research.
- Respect your audience.
6 rules of Thumb for B2B Marketers
https://www.fastcompany.com/1689466/6-rules-thumb-b2b-marketers
Everybody’s rule
Write. And keep writing.
What rules would you add?
Image: CC0 Public Domain license via Pixabay
Alan Graner is Chief Creative Officer at Daly-Swartz Public Relations, an Orange County, CA business public relations and marketing content firm. For content that makes you stand out from the crowd, email Jeffrey Swartz at jeffreyswartz@dsprel.com. Or visit www.dsprel.com.