Tools to test your articles' readability level

How user-friendly is your writing? If you are writing for the public, you know that it's wise to avoid using professional jargon.

Other factors are also important, especially when writing online:

• Make your paragraphs short - they are easier to read when they don't exceed 5 lines.
• Use headings, sub-headings and bullets - makes your content jump out at the reader
• Keep sentences brief, but vary the length and structure, so that your article doesn't read like a grade-school primer.
• Write in a conversational tone - speak to your reader.
• Write at a level that is easy for most people to understand - from 12-year-olds to your grandmother.

You can test the readability level of your articles. Microsoft Word has this built in.

There are also online tools, available here. Simply copy your text, paste it into the box, and you'll get instant feedback on several readability dimensions.

Pauline

p.s. Join my monthly Q&A calls, where I will answer your questions about marketing. Get more info here.

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5 ways to position yourself as an expert

If you have specialized knowledge and experience to help others, then you are an expert.

HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR EXPERTISE:

1. Give talks and lectures in your community. Even if you don't get paid, you are building your reputation as an expert - which can generate business for you in the future.
   


2. When you give a presentation, pass around a sign-up sheet for people to write in their names and email addresses. Then follow up by sending them your e-newsletter, tips or other helpful information.


3. Get someone to interview you, asking you questions about your area of expertise, and record the interview. All the better if the other person has some name recognition in your field or in your community. Place the recording on your website.
   


4. Write articles. Here's a link to several of my blog posts on tips for writing articles.
   


5. Under your signature add one or two tag lines - not only showing your professional designation, but also promoting your expertise. Thus, your signature on emails and letters might look something like this:

John Doe, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
...Helping couples fall in love again

Jane Smith, CPA
Public Accountant
Family business expert

Why position yourself as an expert? These days, with fewer consumer dollars to go around, more people will turn to experts, in order to get the most value for their investment.

Get more visible online, so that people can find YOU and learn more about how you can help them.

I've removed the guesswork for you, in my step-by-step home-study course, Market With Authority: Build Credibility and Professional Name Recognition on the Web.

-- Pauline