Do you write slower than an elderly turtle?
If you've ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, desperately wishing you could write faster, you're not alone.
We've all been there.
The good news?
You don't need a magic potion or lucky charm to boost your writing speed.
In this blog post, I'm going to share 23 foolproof copywriting tips that will help you double your writing speed starting today.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, these tips will get your fingers dancing across your keyboard.
After reading this, you will never scratch your head over “how to write faster” again.
Ready?
Let's dive in!
23 Insider Tips from a Veteran Copywriter on How to Write Faster
Any one of these copywriting tips can help you dramatically increase your writing speed.
Here we gooooo.
1. Set a Clear Goal
Begin each writing session with a specific goal in mind.
Whether it's completing a certain word count, outlining key points, or finalizing a headline, having a clear objective keeps you on track.
It's like having a roadmap for your writing journey.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Whenever I write, I write.
I do not look at my phone, browse emails or scroll through social media.
You will radically increase your writing speed IF you eliminate ALL distractions.
You want to write with laser focus and get in a flow.
So…
Turn off your phone notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and find a quiet space to immerse yourself in your writing.
Distractions can break your flow and hinder your speed.
Create a writing sanctuary that allows your ideas to flow without interruption.
3. Use Templates
I don’t use templates anymore.
However, they can be very helpful, especially for beginners.
If you’re new to copywriting and don’t understand the selling process, you should use proven copywriting templates.
Create a “swipe file” of templates for common types of copy you frequently write, such as email campaigns, headlines, sales pages, and so on.
Templates serve as a solid foundation, saving you time on structure and allowing you to focus on the unique aspects of each piece.
4. Mind Mapping
Before you start writing, create a mind map to visually organize your ideas.
This technique helps you see the connections between different concepts, making it easier to develop a coherent and well-structured piece.
I like to use mindmup.com.
It’s very simple and easy to use.
5. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
This tip isn’t really about the writing itself.
However, keyboard shortcuts can help you dramatically increase the time it takes to complete projects.
Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts in your writing software.
Whether it's copying, pasting, formatting, or navigating between documents, using shortcuts instead of your fat mouse can significantly speed up your workflow.
6. Write First, Edit Later
A BIG mistake I made as a beginner was to edit during my first draft.
I would write a sentence, and then edit it.
Then write another sentence, then stop. And go over it until it was sparkling clean.
This was AGONIZING.
It took me FOREVER to write even a 200-word email.
I learned this the hard way.
Don’t make this same mistake.
When you write your first draft…
DO NOT EDIT.
Write. Write. Write.
Keep going.
Keep pushing.
Don’t stop until you’re finished with the entire 1st draft.
Usually, your 1st draft will be unreadable gibberish filled with spelling errors, run-on sentences and long-winded words.
But that’s okay.
Your first draft is supposed to look like this.
This is how every top copywriter approaches the first draft.
The goal is to let all your emotions, thoughts and ideas flow out onto paper.
If you edit during the first draft, you will jam up the creative process and it will take you FOREVER to write.
By letting everything flow out in your first draft, you will write waaaay faster than if you jam up the process by editing.
7. Prioritize Tasks
Have a BIG copywriting project with a tight deadline?
It’s important to identify the most critical tasks on your to-do list and tackle them first.
By prioritizing, you ensure that the essential components of your project are addressed early on, preventing procrastination and building confidence as you progress.
8. Set a Timer
I ALWAYS write within VERY strict deadlines.
I do so on purpose.
You see, deadlines are the key to writing faster.
So, challenge yourself with timed writing sessions.
Set a timer for 25 or 30 minutes and focus solely on writing during that period.
This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can enhance concentration and boost productivity.
Eugene Schwartz set a 33.33 minute timer whenever he wrote copy.
Then, took a short break.
Then, wrote for another 33.33 minutes.
He repeated this writing routine until he finished whatever he was working on.
I recommend you do the same.
9. Break it Down
If a writing project feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks.
Create a step-by-step plan and tackle each component one at a time.
Completing these smaller tasks provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps your writing speed consistent.
10. Talk Out Loud While You Write
I learned this trick from Matt Furey.
Furey is a legendary email copywriter.
In one of his email copywriting courses, he explained that if you talk as you write, you will write a LOT faster.
Why?
We are natural talkers.
Talking comes easy to us.
BUT…
Most of us are NOT natural writers.
Plus, 80%+ of your editing job will be completely erased because talking out loud eliminates a lot of odd sentences, weird phrases and unreadable gibberish.
I’ve been doing this for 3 years and it’s transformed my writing.
- I write faster
- I edit less
- And more importantly, I write in a conversational tone (as if I’m talking to a friend. Which is what you want to do with everything you write).
The next time you write…
Talk out loud as you type.
I guarantee you’ll write a LOT faster.
11. Limit Research Time
Allocate a specific amount of time for research before diving into your writing.
It's easy to get lost in the sea of information.
Setting a time limit ensures you gather what you need without sacrificing precious writing time.
12. Create a Writing Ritual
Develop a writing ritual that signals your brain it's time to focus.
Whether it's a specific playlist, a warm-up exercise, or a favorite beverage, these rituals create a mental space for productive writing.
13. Stay Healthy
Physical well-being directly impacts mental agility.
Ensure you're taking breaks, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.
A healthy body supports a sharp mind, enhancing your ability to write faster.
14. Use a Distraction-Blocking App
Consider using apps that block distracting websites and notifications during your writing sessions.
This helps maintain focus and prevents the temptation to veer off into the black hole of social media.
15. Read Widely and Regularly
Reading expands your vocabulary and exposes you to different writing styles.
This, in turn, can influence your own writing speed and efficiency.
The more you read, the more words flow effortlessly from your mind to the page.
16. Batch Similar Tasks
Group similar writing tasks together.
If you have multiple articles or sections to write, focus on one type of content at a time.
This helps you stay in the zone without constantly switching gears.
17. Embrace Imperfection
How to write faster starts with “good enough” copy.
Understand that your first draft doesn't need to be flawless.
Embrace imperfection and prioritize getting your ideas down.
You can always refine and polish during the editing phase.
18. Reward Yourself
Set up a reward system for achieving writing milestones.
It could be a short break, a favorite snack, or anything that motivates you.
Celebrating small victories encourages consistency and boosts overall productivity.
19. Clear the Mental Clutter Before You Write
If you want to write faster, it's crucial to declutter your mind before diving into your work.
Here's a routine I follow:
- Meditation (10 minutes): Clearing mental chatter sets the stage for focused writing.
- Cardio Exercise (30 minutes): A stationary bike ride or jump roping boosts blood flow and energizes the mind.
- Nutrient-Rich Meal: Prioritize a bowl of fruits and vegetables for sustained energy.
- Hydration Boost: Drink two large glasses of water to stay refreshed and alert.
- Dark Chocolate Over Coffee: Opt for dark chocolate for clear energy minus the jitters.
- Fresh Air Break (15 minutes): Whenever possible, step outside for a breath of fresh air and sunlight.
Discover what works best for you and establish a pre-writing routine that clears the mental fog.
20. Cultivate the Habit of Daily Writing
The most effective way to enhance your writing speed is to increase your daily word count.
In my early days, a surge of clients compelled me to complete over 50 copywriting projects within months.
This accelerated my ability to write rapidly.
Since then, writing daily has become a habit.
I craft daily emails & blog posts for my copywriting business, and work on client projects.
Remember, the more you write, the easier it becomes.
21. Address One Person, Not a Crowd
While your writing might reach thousands, the key is to write as if you're addressing one individual—the ideal buyer for your client.
Craft your content aligned with their interests and desires.
This approach eliminates guesswork, making your copy more focused and engaging.
Writing to your ideal reader is the secret to producing top-notch copy.
Ensure your client has a clear target profile (buyer persona) for their ideal customer.
If not, work on creating one to further refine your writing focus.
22. The Power of Singular Focus
Some time ago, I stumbled upon an excellent productivity book titled "The One Thing," crafted by Gary Keller, the mind behind Keller Williams, the largest real estate company globally.
The essence?
Dedicate a substantial portion of your day to a single pivotal task.
In my world of copywriting, I've adopted this principle religiously.
By allocating a block of hours every morning exclusively to crafting compelling copy, I harness the peak creativity of my mind during those early hours.
2 big benefits of doing this:
- Optimal Productivity Hours: By using your most productive hours for writing, typically the first thing in the morning, you capitalize on your brain's sharpness and creativity.
- Ensured Daily Success: Even if the rest of the day is a whirlwind, focusing on your ONE THING guarantees a sense of accomplishment and success. It's about prioritizing what matters most – generating revenue through the impactful copy you create.
As a copywriter, identifying your ONE THING, be it writing copy or client outreach (if steady work is a challenge), should take precedence.
Let the less critical tasks wait until after you've finished your daily objectives.
23. Unlock the Power of Research
The true secret to expediting your writing process doesn't lie in typing words on your keyboard.
Instead, it's about the groundwork you lay before that.
Research should consume a substantial 80% of your time, with the remaining 20% devoted to actual writing.
Here are the top four elements to focus your research on:
- Market
- Product
- Competition
- Company
Among these, your market deserves the lion's share of attention.
As a copywriter, your primary task involves uncovering your reader's deepest desires, pains, problems, and hopes.
The more time invested in understanding your market, the smoother your writing process becomes
Conclusion
Woah, that’s a lot of tips on how to write faster.
Challenge:
I double donkey dare you to use one or more of these hot tips TODAY.
Also…
If you want daily tips to help you maximize your success as a freelance copywriter, enter your email below: