SEO Ann Arbor - Guide to Distraction Free Writing

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, online marketing is all about content. It’s about sharing helpful information, writing for your company’s website, writing social media posts to keep connected to your customers, and much, much more.

The key to creating good content comes down to: 


Actually creating content.

With today’s technology, it is easier than ever to get distracted. Emails, texts, social media, phone calls; we live in a world of keeping track of everything, except we often keep track of everything except what needs to be done.


Having the chance to sit down and do nothing but write is a rare treat these days. This is unfortunate, since well-written and focused content is extremely important for your online presence (And hey, we’re all about writing good content).

So, in order to help you write more effectively, here is SEO Ann Arbor’s guide to distraction free writing.


1. Download a distraction free writing program.
        
Distraction free writing programs are text editors or word processors that are fullscreen and minimalist, and don’t clutter up your screen with buttons and options. They help you to ignore the constant attention-stealing programs and websites on your computer (no more checking Facebook every 10 seconds).


Some people who are a little more dedicated to focus just use a desktop computer with no internet connection. Even bestselling author George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire) still writes his books on an ancient computer that can only handle text editing. This may sound simple, and it is, but it’s surprising how many people don’t know about them, or choose not to use them.


If you’re interested, one of our favorite programs is Focus Writer. It’s a free, fullscreen word processor with customizable backgrounds and themes to keep it from being boring. (It also happens to be the program I’m currently using to write this article.) If you’re interested, you can download it here.

2. Get In The Zone

When we say, “Get in the Zone”, what we actually mean is “Get in YOUR Zone”. What is your zone, exactly? Well, it’s whatever you need it to be. Your zone can be your office with a closed door, or listening to classical music, or even simply sitting outside. Your zone is anything that helps you to stay focused.

While everyone is different, there are a few methods that are tried and true that you should follow, and have the people around you follow as well.

    1. If your door is closed, it stays closed until you open it
    2. Headphones on = Personal time
    3. No internet, ESPECIALLY social media. Facebook is the death of productivity

Barring emergencies, or anything that cannot wait, you should be left alone to work in your zone. If you can’t find the perfect set-up, do the best you can. Maybe where you work doesn’t have a door, or you aren’t allowed headphones. This is fine. The point is to do whatever you can in order to make you more productive, more focused, and eliminate distractions.

3. Don’t Stop Until You’ve Reached a Goal

Whether your goal is to write 500 words a day, to finish one blog post, or write for 30 minutes, make sure you accomplish your goal. Being distraction-free doesn’t help if you don’t work hard to get to the finish (Stephen King has a daily goal of 3000 words). Set a realistic goal for yourself, and don’t stop until your project for the day is complete.

This isn’t just for blogging or social media, either. Distraction free writing can help you finish reports faster, stay focused, and stop you from trying to multitask.

(‘Multitasking’ is a different way to say ‘doing several things poorly’)

Putting It All Together:

If you are just skimming this article, the main point you should take away is that you need to set yourself up for success. You have to give yourself the right tools, and put yourself in the right environment to create good content.

Trying to do everything at once is an impossible goal. You’ll end up overwhelmed, frustrated, and less productive than you would normally be. Do not allow yourself to fall victim to distrsaction.

Looking for More?

If you’re interested in any more information about writing for the web, check out seoannarbor.com for more great free information on web copy, SEO, SEM, Social Media Management and more!