Social Media Tools for Writers
People have different communication styles. There are several types. Some like speaking more than writing, which is why they do a podcast show. Some others prefer writing than speaking in public, which is why they blog. For me personally, I have a tendency of equally enjoying both. For example, there are tons of public speaking opportunities with the group (NY Entrepreneurs Business Network) I’m organizing. But how about writing skills? Two words: Social Media.
Let’s go through 4 simple techniques here with regard to how social media can make you a better writer.
1. Tweeting
Twitter is a microblogging tool. It goes without saying that in order to get your point across, you must be able to communicate well with others via writing. So how exactly does Twitter cultivate your writing skills? Well, let’s look at the 3 following pointers.
I. Twitter helps you brainstorm for topics
Before you tweet out a message, you’d better think it twice. Mundane, boring or negative tweets reflect badly on you. On the other hand, your tweets need to be educational and informative. If we draw a parallel, brainstorming for topics is a crucial component for article writings. It definitely helps your brain exercise better and define a good writer if you can think on your feet and come up with interesting topics.
II. It helps you to write concisely and to the point
The 140-character restriction prevents redundant content from appearing in your tweets. This is a good thing since nobody’s time is going to be wasted reading irrelevant content given that we are so occupied nowadays with 1 million things to do every single day. Most importantly, brevity makes you a really good writer. The 140-character restriction is, indeed, very helpful.
III. It improves your editing skills
Whenever I am finished composing a tweet, I usually proof read my message and edit it so there are no amateurish grammar mistakes or typos. With 140 characters only, most people would think deep in terms of what vocabulary to choose. Over time, we will all find dramatic improvement in our editing skills.
You can also check out this great article by Copyblogger about “How Twitter Can Make You A Better Writer“.
2. Blogging
Bloggers & Authors
There are posts written on WebStudio13 that teach you how to blog. There is no doubt that blogging is a wonderful way to improve your writing skills if you can do it consistently. As a matter of fact, writing blogs can be a launch pad for lots of authors. There is no lack of examples where bloggers turned into New York Times Best Selling Authors. If you doubt it, just check out Gary Vee’s most recent book “Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion” .
3. Following The Right People on Twitter
Do you have a Twitter List of authors/writers that you follow? If not, hope you can get some writing inspirations from the following list:
Darren Rowse (@ProBlogger) – Founder of Problogger.net and a couple of other blogs
Brian Clark (@Copyblogger) – Founder of Copyblogger. Cofounder of DIY Themes
Guy Kawasaki (@GuyKawasaki) – Famous blogger, managing director of Garage Technology Ventures, and columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine
Chris Brogan (@ChrisBrogan) – Founder of chrisbrogan.com, which explores the use of social media and social networking tools, as well as helping individuals work smarter
Robert Scoble (@Scobleizer) – An American blogger, technical evangelist, and author
Seth Godin (@thisissethsblog) – Founder of Squidoo.com, author, blogger.
Tim O’Reilly (@TimOReilly) – Founder of O’Reilly Media, supporter of Web 2.0 and free software, blog at radar.oreilly.com
Dan Schawbel (@danschawbel) – The leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y. Author of Me 2.0, blogger, speaker, publisher and social media specialist at EMC
Jeff Jarvis (@JeffJarvis) – Author of What Would Google Do, blogger and j-school prof
Gina Trapani (@GinaTrapani) – Founding editor of Lifehacker
In addition, you can refer to these lists from oDesk, Online Colleges, and Editor Unleashed.
4. Finding Good Books to Read on Different Blogs
Reading books is a great way to practice your writing skills. Mashable has some great lists of top-notch social media books. Here are a handful:
- Top 5 Must-Read Social Media Books
- 10 Must-Read eBooks for Social Media Lovers
- Top 10 Free E-books For Bloggers
- BOOKS TOOLBOX: 50+ Sites for Book Lovers
Moreover, you can check out a list of recommended Web 2.0 books on WebStudio13.
This is, so far, our simple guide on how to improve your writing skills via social media. Let us know if it’s helpful. Feel free to comment and share your tips.
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