If you’re looking for some effective business writing tips then we hope to help. Our aim is to provide you with some tips that will help you to be able to communicate better at work, progress in your career, and enjoy writing by means of improving your business writing skills. 

Consider 

Before you start to write anything you need to consider two very important aspects.  First, think about who your reader is. Secondly, you want to think about what you want your reader to do or to know. If you struggle to answer these two aspects then you need to stop writing. It is absolutely pointless writing something that doesn’t serve its purpose.

Begin at the easiest point

When writing a business document or an email, it’s not necessary to begin with the first sentence.  In fact, the first sentence is sometimes the hardest aspect to write. It is better to look at your headings and begin writing the section that you find the most interesting or easiest. You will find that once you start writing, your thoughts will start to connect together and your writing will soon also piece together. Overall, this will mean you’ll find it much easier to complete the whole document or email.

Effective planning

When writing a business email or document, you need to spend quite some time planning what you are writing. Ideally, you need to spend around fifty percent of your time focusing on the planning part. 

The plan followed by the draft

Appreciate the fact that you may spend more time drafting when planning an email or a document.  Quite often, when we draft something, we feel a sense of accomplishment,  Even though this may seem pointless, it is worth bearing in mind and is easier to draft something than it is to plan. 

Seek help

If you’re having one of those days when you just can’t get your brain to focus, then consider seeking professional essay help from an expert service such as Advanced Writers.  Alternatively, you could consider hiring a business writing coach who can provide you with feedback. Quite often, if you use either of these approaches you will improve and gain more confidence in your writing.

Editing

As well as planning what to write, you also need to spend time editing what you have written. Around the third of your time needs to be spent on editing.

Be aware of your audience

Good business writing is all about knowing your reader. Avoid thinking it’s about what you know, your focus should be your reader.

Headings

When you sit to plan a document, you need to make sure that you create a heading for every part of your document. To begin with, it’s not important to spend too much time thinking about how you will word your heading.

Concept maps

As a business writer, concept maps are compulsory.  It is very worthwhile mapping out a difficult document or email and concept maps will also help with the planning and drafting side of things too.

Use of headings

Headings are crucial as they allow your reader to scan your document or email. With headings, your writing will be more organized and this means your reader will be able to efficiently seek out the information that they are looking for. 

Use of non-sexist language

Avoid using constructions such as s/he or his/her and instead use the correct word i.e. his or her.

Paragraph usage

If you need to write a sentence that consists of just one sentence then do it, don’t feel the need to make paragraphs longer if they are not needed. Also, when it comes to paragraphs, remember that each new idea requires a new paragraph. If you’re feeling unsure, it’s better to start a new paragraph. 

Paragraph lengths

Any business writing that will be read online needs to be a certain length. Ensure that your paragraphs and no longer than seven lines. Note, this is seven lines, not seven sentences.  Research has highlighted that if you make your paragraphs any longer than this then your reader is likely to jump over what you are saying.

Use of verbs

Verbs are a crucial part of any sentence. Try and select strong verbs in your writing. Also, to help your writing to read clearly, you need to make sure you use verbs that are precise.

Active voice rather than passive voice

It is better to use an active voice in business writing as opposed to passive voice. In general, the active voice tends to be more lively and dynamic.

Avoid jargon

The use of jargon in business writing can be seen as a sign of insecurity. Jargon such as the below needs to be avoided:

• Think outside the box
• 110 percent 
• ASAP
• Buzzworthy
• Circle back
• First and foremost

Editing

First, you need to check that your writing suits and meets your writer’s needs. Secondly, you need to ensure that your writing is easy to scan over. To fulfill this, add headings, bold text, bullet points, etc. Finally, correct your grammar, spelling errors, remove fluff, and look at your sentence structure. 

Proofreading

If someone else asks you to proofread their document or email, make sure you find out who your audience is and what the purpose of their writing is. If you don’t ask these questions, then the only proofreading you’ll be able to do is check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.  

Write to express

When writing for business purposes, remember that you are writing to express and not to impress. Ultimately, you are trying to get your information and ideas across to your reader without trying to impress your reader with your wide range of vocabulary.