The 6-step business writing process

You sit in front of your computer.

The page is blank in front of you.

The cursor blinks at you, mockingly.

You decide to do the dishes.

Fold laundry.

Clean your office.

Two hours later, you realize you haven’t written anything. (But your kitchen counters are clean).

One of the biggest challenges business owners tell me they face when it comes to writing is this: the process.

Here’s what most of us think the process is:

1. Sit down.

2. Write.

And when that doesn’t happen, you get mad and start saying horribly abusive things to yourself.

But the truth is, few of us actually write in that mythical two-step process. Which is why it may seem like there is a whole lot of procrastination, laundry-folding, and staring-at-a-blank-screen going on.

In my time helping business owners express themselves with more power, clarity and boldness, I delight in teaching what I call the “Business Writing Process.”

Here it is, in all its glory:

Step 1: Define your goal. If your writing project were perfectly executed, what would happen? For many business owners, this question alone will save you much wasted time and heartache. Common goals are: get 5 new 1-1 clients. Build my list. Sell my first group program online. Drum up initial sessions with my teleseminar. Get clear on what you want to have happen.

Step 2: How will you get there? Once you’ve got your goal, then you ask yourself, “what do I need to do to achieve that goal?” Here’s a hint – a lot of the time, it’s NOT writing. For example, if you want more 1-1 clients, typically you need to actually reach out and invite your leads to do an initial session with you.

There are writing project you can use to do this, like a simple 3 email sequence to your list inviting them to sessions. But 9 times out of 10, the shortest path is to actually ASK PEOPLE. This can be intimidating and fear-triggering, which is why a lot of business owners spend months “writing their website.” I’m not judging. I’m just saying.

Step 3: Craft your message. For your writing to resonate and sell, you need to know who your audience is and what they are looking for. Many business owners never bother to do this step, which is why their copy is boring and looks like everyone else’s. Oh, and doesn’t get people to act or buy. Let’s not forget that piece, either. There are actually 6 pieces of a money-making message, that I’ll cover in a separate article.

Step 4: Use a template. Templates are patterns you can use to give your writing project – whether it’s an Awesome Free Gift, teleseminar opt-in page, email campaign or website – a structure. When I take my clients through a writing process, I give them a template to follow. Not to limit them. But to show them the flow of ideas it takes to persuade readers to take action. Templates are everywhere; you can start a swipe file of your favorites (I keep my swipe file in Evernote; it’s a great free online service for web clippings and notes. Travel with an empty mind!). Best of all, using a template cuts your writing time in half. Or more.

Step 5: Write. Now that you’ve set yourself up for success, you write. There are a whole crop of obstacles, hobgoblins, and distractions that pop up at this stage, but at least you’re showing up armed with clarity and a solid strategy.

Step 6: Test & tweak. Get your project out there in the world, then listen. One of the biggest myths out there is that there are people who nail their message on the first try. The truth is, your message evolves over time. And it’s actually not about you guessing what your people want – it’s more of an experiment. Where you put your best guess out there, and then notice what resonates and what falls flat. This is the biggest difference I see between newer business owners – who pressure themselves to Find The Perfect Words – and successful business owners – who hone their instincts about what their audience wants by putting ideas out in the field and seeing what works (and what bombs).

I recently taught this process to a group of business owners who came to Montana to write with me at the Writing Intensive. And after I presented, I asked them, “Where in this process do you tend to get hung up?” What’s interesting is that we all tend to have one or two steps that we tend to skip or get stuck in. That’s natural and totally normal. . . it just means you need to add a bit more attention to that phase of the process.

I’m curious – where in this process do you tend to get hung up? Post it – and any tips you’ve found that help you in your business writing process – in the comments below.

Stella Orange is the founder and creative director of StellaOrange.com, an agency that helps coaches and online businesses nail their message and get their writing projects done faster, bolder and more profitably. As a teacher, Stella shows her students how to craft their money-making message and find their voice so they sell more online with a quirky, human touch. She is based in Cincinnati, but returns to Montana several times a year, hosting sold out writing workshops for people who enjoy riding horses and drinking whiskey. Find out about upcoming production labs and events and get your free copy of “They Won’t Pay You Gourmet Prices if Your Copy Screams Fast Food” at www.stellaorange.com.