What Feedback Has Helped You Grow as a Writer?
Discover the transformative advice that seasoned writers cherish for professional growth. This article delves into invaluable expert insights, offering practical strategies for honing a distinctive, engaging voice and crafting stories that resonate. Learn from the wisdom that has shaped successful writing careers, tailored for individuals seeking to elevate their own narrative skill.
- Develop A Strong, Engaging Voice
- Write For Your Younger Self
- Inject Authentic Voice Into Content
- Start With A Compelling Story
- Explain Like To A Neighbor
- Focus On Reader's Needs
- Use Real-World Examples
- Include Actual Case Stories
- Share Authentic Transformation Stories
- Write For The Skimmers
- Study Human Writing Variations
- Show, Don't Tell
- Explain Like To Your Mom
- Write Like To A Smart Friend
- Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity
- Focus On Human Stories
- Transcribe Client Explanations
Develop A Strong, Engaging Voice
One of the most memorable pieces of feedback I've received as a writer came early in my career when a senior editor told me, "Your writing is good, but it lacks a strong, engaging voice." At first, I took this as a critique of my writing style, but over time, it became clear that the feedback was about authenticity and connection. My writing was clear, but it didn't always make readers feel something or engage them beyond the surface level.
This feedback pushed me to focus on developing a more conversational and personal tone in my writing. I started to think more about my audience-what they were looking for, how I could connect with them on a deeper level, and how I could make my writing not just informative, but relatable and engaging. It was no longer just about getting the information across; it was about making the reader feel involved in the story or message I was conveying.
For example, I began incorporating more personal anecdotes, humor, and casual language, which made the content feel less like a formal report and more like a conversation. This shift made my writing more accessible, and I noticed an increase in engagement, with readers commenting more often and sharing my articles.
The biggest lesson I learned from this feedback was that great writing isn't just about clarity or structure-it's about voice. A strong, engaging voice is what connects a writer to their audience, and it's what makes content stand out. Since then, I've focused on infusing more personality and authenticity into my writing, which has not only improved my work but also allowed me to build stronger connections with my readers.
Write For Your Younger Self
A student once told me my educational content was hard to follow because I was writing like I was trying to impress other teachers instead of helping learners. That simple observation completely changed my approach - I started writing as if I was explaining concepts to my younger self, which has made our UrbanPro learning materials much more accessible and effective.
Inject Authentic Voice Into Content
Early in my career, a client brutally pointed out that my writing was too 'corporate robot' and lacked personality. This pushed me to inject more of my authentic voice into content, including relevant stories from my own marketing experiences. The shift not only made writing more enjoyable but also resulted in better engagement and more positive client feedback.
Start With A Compelling Story
A colleague once told me 'your data is impressive, but your reader needs to feel something first.' This changed how I approach writing about real estate investments and market analysis - I now start with a compelling story or real-world example before diving into the numbers and market trends.
Explain Like To A Neighbor
The most valuable writing feedback I got was from a veteran real estate investor who told me to 'write like I'm explaining it to my neighbor over coffee.' Before that, my property listings were full of industry jargon that confused potential buyers. I started describing homes through the lens of daily life - like how the kitchen layout makes Sunday meal prep a breeze - and my engagement rates doubled.
Focus On Reader's Needs
One memorable piece of feedback I received as a writer was, "Make your writing more relatable by focusing on the reader's needs, not just the topic." This feedback truly shifted my approach to content creation. Before, I focused primarily on sharing information, assuming the audience would automatically find it valuable. However, this advice made me realize that the key to effective writing is engagement-tailoring content to address the specific interests, pain points, and questions of the reader.
To apply this, I started taking a more empathetic approach. Instead of just explaining concepts, I began to think about how to make the information relevant and actionable for the audience. For instance, when writing about leadership skills, I didn't just list qualities but framed them in the context of real-world challenges and provided practical solutions.
This shift improved the clarity and impact of my writing, making it more engaging for readers. It also helped me connect more effectively with my audience, ensuring they could relate to the material and leave with useful insights.
This feedback has had a lasting impact, reminding me that good writing isn't just about conveying information-it's about fostering a connection with the reader.
Use Real-World Examples
The most impactful feedback I received was when a customer pointed out that my product descriptions were too technical and alienating for casual DIYers. I started incorporating more real-world examples and everyday analogies, like comparing a multimeter to a doctor's thermometer for electronics. This simple shift not only improved our sales to beginners but also helped me develop a more inclusive writing style that connects with both novice and expert customers.
Include Actual Case Stories
As a legal marketing writer, the most transformative feedback I received was from a client who said my articles were 'too stiff' and needed more real-world examples. That feedback pushed me to start including actual case stories and client experiences in my writing, which instantly made my content more relatable and led to a 40% increase in engagement from our law firm's prospects.
Share Authentic Transformation Stories
Early in my consulting career, a client pointed out that my writing focused too much on credentials and not enough on the actual transformation process. This pushed me to start sharing specific examples of how leadership coaching changed real executives' approaches and team dynamics. I learned that authentic storytelling about growth resonates more than listing qualifications, which has become central to how I communicate with clients today.
Write For The Skimmers
"Write for the Skimmers"
One of the best pieces of feedback I ever received was: "Half your audience will skim, so write like you're leaving breadcrumbs for them." At first, it felt counterintuitive—shouldn't I write for the deep readers who hang on every word? But the reality is, in today's fast-paced world, most readers scan content for quick answers.
This advice changed how I approached structure. Now, I break up walls of text into short paragraphs, use bolded key points to highlight takeaways, and add subheadings that act as signposts. It's not about dumbing things down; it's about making information easy to access.
The result? My writing became more engaging, accessible, and actionable—not just for skimmers, but for everyone. After all, clear, concise writing benefits every reader. And here's the secret: when you make it easy to skim, you also make it hard to stop reading.
Study Human Writing Variations
While developing AI writing tools, my mentor pointed out that I was too focused on technical accuracy and missing the subtle variations that make text feel natural. This led me to spend months studying how humans actually write - their inconsistencies, personal quirks, and emotional undertones. I've learned that great writing, even when AI-assisted, needs those small imperfections and personal touches to truly connect with readers.
Show, Don't Tell
I learned the power of 'show, don't tell' when a colleague reviewed my property listings and said 'help buyers imagine living there.' Instead of writing 'spacious kitchen,' I started describing 'morning sunlight streaming through bay windows onto the granite breakfast bar.' This simple shift has consistently led to more interested buyers and faster sales.
Explain Like To Your Mom
The most impactful feedback I received was when my mentor told me to 'write like you're explaining it to your mom over coffee.' I started replacing industry jargon with simple explanations in my SEO content, and surprisingly, our plastic surgery clients saw a 40% increase in patient inquiries because the content felt more approachable.
Write Like To A Smart Friend
I recently received feedback from my marketing mentor that transformed my writing - she told me to 'write like you're explaining it to your smart friend over coffee.' Before that, I was stuffing my content with industry jargon and complex terms that distanced readers. Now I focus on being conversational yet informative, which has doubled our blog engagement and made our marketing messages much more effective.
Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity
One memorable piece of feedback I received was: "Write for clarity, not complexity." Early in my career, I tended to overcomplicate my writing, thinking it sounded more professional. A mentor encouraged me to prioritize simplicity and make every word serve a purpose. This advice helped me refine my style, making my work more accessible and impactful. It reminded me that effective writing connects with readers, not impresses them.
Focus On Human Stories
Early in my PR career, an editor brutally but helpfully told me my press releases read like 'corporate robot speak' rather than human stories. I began focusing on the people behind the technology - sharing how a cybersecurity tool helped a small business owner sleep better at night, instead of just listing features. That shift from writing about products to writing about impact completely transformed how I approach PR storytelling at Salient.
Transcribe Client Explanations
Writing used to be my biggest headache until someone suggested I record myself explaining things to clients and then transcribe it. That simple tip transformed my property listings from stiff, formal descriptions into natural conversations about what makes each home special. Now I spend less time stressing over perfect grammar and more time capturing the unique stories of each property, which has actually led to faster sales.
