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How to Double Your Writing Speed Without Lowering Its Quality ?
Week after week, I find myself crafting extensive and valuable blog posts that resonate with readers effortlessly. Perhaps you can relate to this as well, and maybe you consider me one of those writers. Let me take you through a typical week in my blogging journey:
On Quick Sprout, I publish two posts, each ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 words, and top it off with an infographic. On the NeilPatel.com blog, you’ll find another two posts, each approximately 5,000 words in length. I also contribute two guest posts to other well-known blogs, with each post clocking in at around 1,500 words. As for the Crazy Egg blog, I dedicate 0.5 to 1 blog post per month, typically around 2,000 words. Altogether, my weekly word count reaches around 17,000 words, averaging 3,400 words per weekday. It’s a volume I’ve managed to sustain for years.
Now, I must confess, in technical terms, I wouldn’t consider myself the greatest wordsmith. My journey to writing wasn’t paved with a degree in English or creative writing. Yet, I have the privilege of having thousands of devoted readers who genuinely appreciate my content.
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So, how did I achieve this feat? I invested significant time and effort in mastering the art of crafting high-quality blog posts efficiently.
Although time is my most precious resource, I dedicate a substantial portion of it each week to writing. Why? Because I recognize the power of content marketing in propelling a business forward.
And I’m not alone in this struggle. Contently found that 41% of businesses face challenges in generating sufficient content.
Now, imagine this: wouldn’t it be a game-changer if you could write content faster? Imagine being able to produce high-quality posts in half the time you currently spend. That kind of efficiency would open up a world of possibilities, from writing more posts to focusing on other crucial aspects of your business.
If you’re eager to learn how to write exceptional blog posts, check out my guide to crafting data-driven articles. But if you’re already a pro at delivering top-notch content, and the only barrier is time, then this article is tailor-made for you. I’m about to reveal 11 key concepts that you can start implementing today to supercharge your writing speed.
Imagine the potential impact of producing a few more posts each week—your business’ growth could skyrocket, possibly saving you years of effort. Let’s delve into these concepts, and before you know it, you’ll be mastering the art of writing faster than ever before!
No matter how focused and quick-thinking you are, if your typing speed is not up to par, you’ll find it challenging to write efficiently.
If you’re still typing with one finger at a time, it’s time for an upgrade.
You don’t need to be a typing master, but being able to type at least 60 words per minute (60 WPM) is essential. Imagine being able to type at that speed for an entire hour, resulting in a whopping 3,600 words per hour. While that might not be entirely realistic, you can still achieve a considerable fraction of that productivity.
Let’s put your typing skills to the test. Take a minute to check your typing speed on Key Hero:
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Feel free to repeat the test a few times to get a more accurate result.
If your speed falls below 60 WPM, it’s time to work on improving it before diving into other aspects of writing. I know it might not be the most exciting task, but trust me, it will greatly benefit you in the long run.
Step 1: Use the proper hand placement
To type properly, you should be resting the four fingers of each hand on the keys of the middle row, with your thumbs hovering over the space bar.
If you don’t already do this, it will take a bit of practice for it to feel natural.
Step 2: Don’t look at the keyboard
Mastering the art of typing with your eyes closed may sound like a challenge, but it’s a skill worth acquiring. Imagine effortlessly tapping away on the keyboard without the need for active focus—the unconscious taking over. To achieve this level of typing proficiency, practice is key.
Your typing posture plays a crucial role in your ability to type without constantly glancing at the keyboard. If you find yourself hunched over while sitting, it’s natural to keep your line of sight on the keys. However, adopting a straight and upright sitting position can significantly improve your typing experience. Sit up straight and maintain good posture when writing to enhance your typing skills. With practice and proper posture, you’ll soon find yourself typing effortlessly, even with your eyes closed.
Step 3: Practice, practice, practice
Are you one of those who didn’t get the chance to practice typing from a young age? Don’t worry, there are plenty of online tools available now to help you improve your typing skills. One such tool is Key Hero, which offers excellent practice exercises. However, if you’re looking for more comprehensive instruction right from the beginning, consider using a typing tutor tool.
Alternatively, you can explore speech-to-text software as an option.
There are various tools like TalkTyper (free), Ivona (paid), and Dragon Naturally Speaking (paid) that allow you to speak directly to your computer while it converts your words into text, including punctuation.
While speaking is undoubtedly faster than typing, there are some downsides to this approach.
The free or inexpensive tools may not always be completely accurate, and you might end up spending a considerable amount of time correcting errors made by these programs. Even the more expensive options are not flawless and may require a bit of a learning curve in the beginning.
While it’s not my first choice for improving typing skills, using speech-to-text software can serve as a decent backup option if you’re unable to type quickly for any reason.
Remember, practice and determination are the keys to mastering any skill, and with the right tools, you’ll be typing like a pro in no time!
Do you find yourself struggling to come up with engaging blog post ideas? It can be challenging, especially when you’re writing multiple posts each week. But worry not, there’s a better way to tackle this creative task – introducing the idea list.
Creativity is not always readily available on demand. It ebbs and flows as we experience different aspects of life. Even accomplished book writers may take years to pen their novels. So, instead of expecting your brain to magically generate great ideas on command, you can strengthen your idea muscle to spark creativity throughout the day.
James Altucher, the brain behind the concept of an idea muscle, suggests regular practice to hone your idea-generation skills. Challenge yourself to come up with at least 10 ideas daily. Not all of them will be groundbreaking, but some might lead you to brilliant concepts.
The next step is to record your ideas. You can keep a simple notepad from the dollar store or follow Buffer’s lead by using Trello:
An Alternative Approach: The Repeatable Strategy
Stealing ideas for your next blog post can be a game-changer. Embrace this strategy as an ongoing source of inspiration. However, relying on the “need-them-as-you-write” approach isn’t efficient. Instead, allocate a specific block of time, say an hour every week or month (depending on your post volume), and employ this strategy to generate a wealth of ideas.
By dedicating focused time to idea generation, you’ll achieve far more than coming up with a single idea in 10 minutes. Once you gain momentum, you’ll discover the power of exponential creativity.
With this approach, you’ll streamline your idea generation process and have more time and energy to invest in crafting exceptional blog posts. So, let’s get started and unleash the potential of your blog with the Idea List Strategy!
Dealing with Distractions: Boosting Writing Speed
In the digital age, distractions seem to be lurking around every corner, particularly when we’re working on the computer. The irresistible urge to check emails, browse social media, or visit favorite websites for a quick break can be quite tempting. Even the allure of monitoring search engine rankings or website traffic can distract us from the task at hand – writing a post.
The impact of these distractions on our productivity is undeniable. Whether we give in to these urges or not, they linger in the back of our minds, hampering our ability to be as productive as we desire.
And when it comes to real-life workspaces, the distractions are even more pronounced, especially for those who work from home. The chaos of kids running around, people chatting on the phone or watching TV, and the constant temptation to take a break and grab a snack can further hinder our progress.
Indeed, distractions are ubiquitous.
While we may never completely eliminate all distractions, we can certainly minimize their impact to boost our writing speed significantly. By implementing a few strategies, we can regain focus and productivity. Let’s explore some ways to overcome distractions and unleash our full writing potential.
Distraction elimination #1: Work in an office or quiet space
Uninterrupted focus is essential for productive writing. The distractions of noise can be detrimental to your creativity and flow. To ensure a serene environment, consider designating a specific room in your home as your office. When the door is closed, let your family or housemates know that you need to concentrate and should not be disturbed.
In an office or co-working space, keeping your door closed while writing can signal your need for privacy and concentration. Kindly inform your friends or colleagues to refrain from interrupting you unless it’s an emergency.
If finding a quiet space at home or work proves challenging, a library can be your sanctuary. Libraries are known for their tranquility, offering dedicated rooms for those seeking a hushed atmosphere to focus on their work. Embrace the silence and watch your writing productivity soar.
Distraction elimination #2: Turn off the tunes
Who doesn’t love some background music while working? It can add a touch of enjoyment and make the task at hand seem less tedious. Taylor Swift’s catchy tunes might seem like a tempting choice, but when it comes to writing, it’s best to consider the impact of music on your productivity.
Research has shown that music, especially lyrical music, can be a distraction and slow down complex thought processes. So, while jamming to your favorite songs might boost your mood, it might not be the best choice for writing.
However, there’s more to the story. A 2012 study found that low to moderate levels of ambient noise can actually enhance creativity. So, instead of complete silence, you can opt for some background noise to stimulate your imagination.
Similarly, baroque classical music has shown to be beneficial for mood and productivity. Unlike modern lyrical songs, classical music rarely has any lyrics, making it less distracting. Its soft and consistent melodies can create a serene atmosphere, conducive to focused work.
In light of this, you have two options: either work in complete silence or embrace low to medium volume ambient noise or classical music to create a conducive work environment.
To introduce some ambient sound into your workspace, you can utilize tools like A Soft Murmur or Simply Noise. These platforms offer a variety of soothing background sounds that can help you stay focused and productive while writing.
So, the next time you sit down to write, consider the impact of music on your workflow. Choose wisely between silence, ambient noise, or classical melodies, and let the creativity flow while you craft your masterpiece. Happy writing!
Distraction elimination #3: Lock-down distracting websites
If staying focused is a constant struggle, worry not! There are effective ways to help you stay on track. Consider using plugins like Strict Workflow for Chrome, which allows you to block specific distracting websites for a set period. Simply choose which sites to block and for how long, and you’ll be able to focus without temptations.
Moreover, when working on web-based applications like Google Docs, you can further eliminate distractions by hiding your bookmarks bar. Just right-click on an empty space in the bookmarks bar and uncheck “show bookmarks bar.” This simple step can create a cleaner workspace, enhancing your productivity and concentration.
Distraction elimination #4: Write offline
In the battle against distractions, going offline can be a powerful weapon. By disconnecting from the Internet, you can create a focused writing environment, free from the allure of online distractions. Offline writing allows you to immerse yourself fully in the creative process, enabling a flow of ideas without interruption.
Distraction elimination #5: Finish all important tasks before writing
Often, our minds are preoccupied with other pressing tasks, making it challenging to concentrate on writing. To overcome this hurdle, prioritize and complete essential tasks before diving into your writing session. By addressing these distractions beforehand, you can clear your mental space and enhance your writing speed and efficiency.
Give yourself the freedom to focus solely on your writing without the weight of pending tasks in the back of your mind. Tackle the distractions head-on, and when you return to your writing, you’ll do so with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
Creating a blog post that captivates readers requires a well-thought-out outline. Before I start writing any post, I always make sure to outline it meticulously.
An outline provides a clear roadmap for delivering the main message and ensures that I include all the necessary research and resources to make the article compelling. Every post typically consists of an introduction section, setting the tone for what’s to come, and a concluding section to wrap up the discussion.
Depending on the type of post I’m working on, the section headlines may vary. Over time, I’ve identified 12 main types of posts, and I have general outlines prepared for each of them.
Creating the outlines doesn’t require much time, but it ensures that no vital piece is missing from the puzzle. It helps maintain a structured and cohesive flow throughout the post.
In the outline, I meticulously jot down all the subheadlines (H2s) that will appear in the article. Beneath each subheadline, I briefly note the main bullet points I intend to cover. This approach acts as a helpful reference while I’m writing, as I don’t need to recall everything I had in mind for each section—it’s already organized and readily available. This streamlined process allows me to focus on delivering high-quality content without getting sidetracked or missing crucial details.
By adhering to this outline-driven approach, I can consistently produce engaging and informative posts that resonate with readers. With a well-structured plan in place, my writing process becomes smoother, and the final product is enriched with valuable insights and thoughtful perspectives.
When it comes to choosing a topic to write about, I often find myself leaning towards discussing how to write a good blog post rather than how to ride a horse. The reason behind this preference is simple – writing about blog posts is a subject I have ample experience and expertise in.
The key to crafting a compelling piece lies in becoming an expert on the topic at hand. Writing about something you know well is a breeze, while attempting to put together scattered information on an unfamiliar subject can be quite challenging.
Take, for example, my nutrition blog case study. Although I’m not a nutrition expert, I realized I didn’t have the time to delve deep into the subject to write about it credibly. Hence, I entrusted Mike to take over content creation.
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be an expert from the get-go, but you must familiarize yourself with the specific topic before diving into writing. Otherwise, task switching can hinder your writing speed and productivity.
What exactly is task switching? It refers to the act of shifting between different activities, such as transitioning from writing mode to research mode due to a lack of understanding on a specific concept needed for an article.
Research conducted by Dr. David Meyer and his team in 2001 sheds light on the effects of task switching. Subjects were asked to switch between tasks, such as solving math problems and naming geometric objects. While simple tasks incurred minimal time loss, complex tasks resulted in significant time loss with each switch.
Although it’s difficult to precisely quantify the cost of switching, Meyer estimated that for complex tasks, it could reduce productivity by up to 40%. Writing and researching are undoubtedly complex tasks, making task switching an energy-draining and time-consuming endeavor.
The key takeaway here is to equip yourself with comprehensive knowledge about the topic before penning a single word. Prioritize gathering relevant statistics, resources, and findings from studies beforehand. This approach sets the stage for a seamless and focused writing process, ensuring your thoughts flow effortlessly onto the page. So, take the time to delve into your chosen topic and become an authority before you start writing – your productivity and quality of content will undoubtedly benefit from it.
Ernest Hemingway, the legendary 20th-century author, once famously said, “The first draft of anything is garbage.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with all writers, whether novice or accomplished. Hemingway’s literary genius, evident through his Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, only makes us wonder how he would perceive our own initial drafts.
When it comes to crafting a post that truly shines, there are two approaches you can take. The first involves constant editing as you write, meticulously shaping each sentence and paragraph as you go along. The second, favored by prolific writers, is to unleash your thoughts in a first draft and polish it later during the editing phase.
Both methods can lead to well-written articles, but let me share why the second option stands out as the superior choice.
Task switching, the constant back-and-forth between writing and editing, can be detrimental to the creative process. It forces your brain to toggle between two distinct modes, hindering the flow of your writing and compelling you to restart after every sentence or paragraph.
On the other hand, when you fully embrace the act of writing—just writing—you can immerse yourself entirely in the process. With undivided focus, your mind can concentrate on the current words on the page and seamlessly transition to what comes next. Editing, when approached separately, becomes an opportunity to refine your work without the burden of simultaneously generating new content.
In my own experience, I can attest that Meyer’s estimation of a 40% decrease in productivity due to task switching is quite accurate. By adopting the practice of writing first and editing later, you can tap into your creative flow more efficiently and produce higher-quality work.
So, take a cue from the great Hemingway and trust in the power of the first draft. Allow your thoughts to flow freely, knowing that you can refine and polish your masterpiece during the editing process. Embrace this method, and you’ll witness a remarkable improvement in your writing and productivity.
The importance of taking breaks cannot be overstated. We all have our limits, and even the most hardworking individuals need some downtime. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, finding the right balance between work and rest is crucial.
One effective technique to manage your productivity is the Pomodoro Technique, named after the tomato-shaped timer used by its creator, Francesco Cirillo, in the 1980s. This technique has gained popularity over the last decade as a powerful tool for boosting productivity.
Here’s how it works:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and fully concentrate on your work during this period.
- When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to relax and recharge.
- Repeat the cycle for four Pomodoro periods, which amounts to approximately two hours of focused work.
- After completing four Pomodoros, take a more extended break of 15-20 minutes.
To keep track of your progress, start your day by creating a to-do list of tasks you wish to accomplish. After each Pomodoro period, mark an “X” beside the completed tasks to measure your efficiency.
It’s essential to address both internal and external interruptions during your work sessions. If you find yourself distracted by thoughts or tasks, jot them down on your to-do list and deal with them later. For external interruptions, such as phone calls or emails, try to handle them swiftly and inform the person that you’ll get back to them during your break. By managing interruptions effectively, you can maintain your focus and stay productive.
The Pomodoro Technique is designed to keep you focused and refreshed while maximizing your productivity. With consistent use, you’ll likely notice significant improvements in your work or study process within a short period. For optimal results, aim to practice this technique daily for seven to twenty days.
To implement the Pomodoro Technique, you can use a traditional pomodoro timer or opt for an online tomato timer for added convenience.
Remember, finding the right balance between work and breaks is essential for maintaining peak performance and overall well-being. So why not give the Pomodoro Technique a try and experience the positive impact it can have on your productivity and focus. Happy writing!
Parkinson’s law, a powerful concept, suggests that work expands to fit the time allotted for its completion. In other words, if we give ourselves too much time to complete a task, it’s likely to take longer than necessary. This is true for various aspects of our lives, including studying for tests and writing blog posts.
Take studying, for instance. Many of us tend to procrastinate until the last minute and then cram all the material in a rush to meet the deadline. While not the most effective learning strategy, it does highlight our ability to work swiftly when there’s a pressing deadline.
As professional writers, we often fall into the trap of giving ourselves ample time to complete a blog post. We say, “If I finish early, I’ll start working on something else.” But the reality is that the work expands to fill the time we have, and we rarely finish early. To combat this, it’s crucial to set a deadline for writing the post that is reasonable and aligned with the minimum time we need.
Remember, the key is to have a clear outline of what we want to include in the post before we start writing. This ensures that we stay focused and don’t get caught up in unnecessary details. The real magic happens during the editing process, where we refine and polish our work to perfection.
Setting deadlines doesn’t apply solely to writing; it can be extended to other areas of our daily routine. For instance, checking emails can be a significant time drain if left unchecked. By setting a strict deadline for email checking, like two 10-minute sessions in the morning and evening, we can regain valuable hours in our day.
In conclusion, Parkinson’s law serves as a valuable reminder for us to set realistic deadlines and avoid unnecessary time-wasting. By focusing on the essentials and having a clear plan in mind, we can accomplish tasks more efficiently and free up time for other meaningful pursuits. Embrace the power of well-defined deadlines and witness the positive impact it can have on your productivity and overall well-being.
9. Write during your most productive time
The age-old debate of morning people versus night owls has intrigued us all. We often hear about the “early birds” who thrive in the morning and the “night owls” who prefer the night. Interestingly, scientific research backs up this phenomenon, shedding light on how our brain composition influences our sleep patterns.
German scientists have delved into this matter and discovered that night owls and early risers possess different brain structures. This difference directly impacts our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates our sleep schedule and alertness throughout the day. Dr. Katherine Sharkey’s research revealed that night owls have longer circadian rhythms compared to early risers.
So, how does this scientific knowledge relate to our writing habits?
The answer is simple: Listen to your body’s natural rhythm and write during your most productive hours. If you find yourself bursting with creativity and energy in the morning, embrace it and write during those early hours. On the other hand, if you experience peak productivity during the evening, that’s your cue to get writing when the night sets in.
The key here is to capitalize on your most productive moments. Quality writing stems from focused and efficient work, not from spending countless hours struggling to concentrate. Instead of trying to force yourself to write at a time that doesn’t align with your natural rhythm, go with the flow and make the most of your peak productivity hours. In just one hour of writing during your prime time, you’ll achieve more than in several hours of battling distractions and mental fatigue.
So, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, let your body guide your writing schedule. Embrace your natural productivity cycle, and you’ll witness the magic of words flowing effortlessly onto the page.
10. Use simple words
Have you ever found yourself pausing while writing, trying to come up with the perfect word? It’s a common struggle, but it might be costing you valuable time. When it comes to creating blog posts or any type of web content, simplicity is key.
People’s attention spans are limited, and they prefer to skim through content. Jakob Nielson’s data shows that an average visitor only reads about 20-28% of the words in a post. If they can’t skim through it easily, they often skip it altogether. This means that even if you’ve found the perfect word, it might go unnoticed by most readers.
Complex words and sentences can be time-consuming to read and understand. They are not commonly used in everyday language, so readers need to take more time to process them. Not only do they confuse and deter your audience, but they also slow down your writing process. Instead of getting stuck on finding the perfect word, opt for the simplest alternative that comes to mind.
For example, use “complex” instead of “convoluted,” “poor” instead of “disastrous,” and “skill” instead of “proficiency.” The idea is to make your writing clear and accessible to a broader audience.
Still not sure if your writing is hitting the mark? You can use a readability score calculator to assess your blog posts’ readability. Keep in mind that some popular writers, like myself, aim for a 4th-grade reading level. If you frequently use complex words, your score will likely be higher.
By embracing simplicity in your writing, you not only make it easier for readers to understand and engage with your content but also save valuable time during the writing process. So, next time you sit down to write, remember to keep it simple, and your audience will thank you for it.
11. The one factor behind all great writers
In the previous sections, I’ve shared ten valuable concepts that can help you improve your writing speed without compromising on quality. However, it’s essential to understand that becoming a fast writer doesn’t happen overnight; it requires dedicated practice.
Malcolm Gladwell’s famous rule of 10,000 hours to master a skill may seem daunting, but remember that progress is gradual. If you consistently dedicate five hours a day, five days a week, you’ll see improvements along the way. While I might be getting closer to that 10,000-hour mark, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve remarkable progress in a shorter time.
Be patient with yourself and don’t be discouraged if you’re currently writing only 300 words per hour. With consistent effort and a genuine focus on improving your speed, you’ll notice the incremental growth. Perhaps soon, you’ll be writing 310, then 320, and eventually 350 words per hour.
Imagine the impact of such progress in just a year or two. You could be comfortably writing 1,000 words per hour, effectively doubling or tripling the value of your time. That’s a game-changer!
So, embrace the journey of mastering your writing speed. Every step you take brings you closer to a more efficient and productive writer. Keep pushing yourself, and in no time, you’ll see remarkable improvements. Writing faster is a skill that can elevate your productivity and open up exciting opportunities for you. Stay committed to the process, and the results will undoubtedly be worth it.
Conclusion
Imagine increasing your writing speed by over 10% within just a few days. Sounds incredible, right? Well, it’s entirely possible with the simple yet effective concept we’re about to reveal.
Let’s do the math. If you currently dedicate 20 hours a week to writing, typing away at a pace of 500 words per hour, a 10% improvement can bring you an extra 1,000 words per week. That’s like having an additional article to publish every week on your blog or a whopping 52 extra articles in a year – without investing any extra time!
But wait, there’s more. These concepts have the potential to transform your writing speed even further. By wholeheartedly embracing and implementing multiple strategies, your improvement could be beyond your wildest imagination.
It’s time to unleash the full potential of your writing prowess. Brace yourself for a journey of enhanced productivity and unparalleled success!
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