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You're a financial advisor, not a writer. But even if you don't consider yourself a wordsmith, chances are that you sometimes need to put pen to paper. Whether you're crafting client emails, blog posts or market commentaries, you want your writing to be read, understood and (if you're lucky) enjoyed by your intended audience. But translating your thoughts onto the page (or computer screen) can be a challenge even for those who enjoy writing, and it may seem like a Herculean struggle for those who find writing more of a chore than a joy.
Fortunately, there's no shortage of people who are willing to give advice on becoming a better writer. If you're looking for inspiration, encouragement or just some basic writing tips, check out these resources.
From comma questions to investment writing tips
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Grammar Girl: Mignon Fogarty (aka "Grammar Girl") answers your pesky questions about grammar, punctuation and style. If you have trouble remembering the difference between "affect" and "effect" or aren't sure when to use "which" instead of "that," chances are Fogarty has a clear explanation (or even a clever mnemonic device) to help you get it right.
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Investment Writing Blog: Writer, editor and Chartered Financial Analyst Susan Weiner's blog offers writing tips tailored to those in the financial industry. Her new book, Financial Blogging: How to Write Powerful Posts That Attract Clients, is also a must-read for financial advisors who blog (or are thinking about doing so).
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Wendy J. Cook's Blog: Financial writer Wendy J. Cook shares advice on everything from deciding how to refer to your firm in written communications (it's more complicated than you might think) to what to consider when redesigning your company website.
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Copyblogger: Copyblogger's articles and ebooks aren't specifically tailored to financial advisors, but they offer valuable guidance for anyone who is publishing content online. Interested in writing a book? Check out "Why You Need to Become an ‘Independent Publisher.'" Struggling with low open rates for your emails? Read: "37 Tips for Writing Emails that Get Opened, Read, and Clicked."
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Business Writing Blog: Lynn Gaertner-Johnson helps make your everyday business communications outstanding, with tips on proofreading, avoiding jargon and writing with your reader in mind.
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The Elements of Style: William Strunk Jr.'s slim, classic text (first published back in 1918), is required reading in freshman composition classes across the country, and for good reason. Strunk offers sensible advice on usage and composition, as well as a list of commonly misused words. The original text is available for free online, or you can purchase a newer edition, revised to reflect modern usage and featuring an introduction by acclaimed author E.B. White.
- Writing that inspires you: To become a better writer, you need to read. Reading things that excite and inspire you can help you find the spark to improve your own writing. When looking for sources of inspiration, don't restrict yourself to authors or publications focused on financial issues. You may find that articles and posts about sports, politics, culture and other topics also offer ideas that you can apply to your own work. Finding your own sources for new and exciting ideas is an important step on your journey to becoming a better writer.
Megan Elliott is the senior copy writer with Wealth Management Marketing, Inc., a firm specializing in outsourced marketing department services to Registered Investment Advisors and fee-only financial planning firms. For more information, visit www.wealthmanagementmarketing.net.
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