Great Advice on Writing and the Psychology of Social Sharing

Great Advice on Writing and the Psychology of Social Sharing

Writing is a craft that requires time and practice to master. Tim Urban, the founder of Wait But Why, shares his insights on writing and emphasizes the importance of finding your voice and style. He encourages writers to experiment, rewrite, and keep trying until they find what works for them. This process may take years, but it is essential for growth and improvement.

One crucial aspect of becoming a better writer is reading. Urban compares reading to fertilizer, as it nourishes and enriches your writing. He suggests starting by imitating writers you admire and gradually developing your unique style. It's a journey from imitation to innovation, where you gradually move away from copying and start creating something entirely your own.

Feedback plays a significant role in a writer's development, but it's crucial to carefully consider the source. Urban advises seeking feedback from individuals who believe in you, support your growth, and understand that your writing is a work in progress. These are the people who can provide constructive criticism and help you refine your voice.

While the quality of writing is essential, Urban reminds us that the ideas behind the writing hold even more significance. It's better to have great ideas with decent writing than the other way around. The power of your ideas can outweigh any shortcomings in your writing style.

Now, let's delve into the psychology of social sharing. CoSchedule Blog explores why people share content and identifies several key motivations. Firstly, sharing allows individuals to inform others about products they care about and potentially influence opinions or encourage action. It's a way of bringing valuable and entertaining content to others.

Additionally, sharing helps people define themselves to others. By sharing content that aligns with their values and interests, individuals give others a better sense of who they are and what they care about. It's a form of self-expression and identity reinforcement.

Furthermore, sharing content helps individuals grow and nourish their relationships. It allows them to stay connected to people they may not otherwise interact with regularly. Sharing information online becomes a way to maintain social connections and foster a sense of community.

Self-fulfillment is another driving force behind social sharing. When individuals share information, they feel more involved in the world around them. It gives them a sense of contribution and participation in broader conversations.

Sharing content also serves as a means to get the word out about causes or brands that individuals care about. It becomes a way to support and promote issues that align with their values and beliefs.

Interestingly, some users share content as a form of "information management." Sharing helps them process information more deeply, thoroughly, and thoughtfully. It becomes a way to engage with the content on a more meaningful level.

To make your content more shareable, it's important to provide value and entertainment. The quality of your content directly impacts its shareability. If your content is informative, entertaining, and engaging, people are more likely to share it with others. It's the combination of valuable insights and an enjoyable reading experience that makes content highly shareable.

Another crucial aspect of shareable content is the inclusion of conversation. When readers can attach a conversation to a piece of content, they are more inclined to share it with others. It allows them to engage in discussions and share their thoughts and opinions.

Ultimately, the key to getting people to share your content is consistently producing great content. When you consistently deliver valuable and entertaining content, people will naturally want to share it with their networks. It's a testament to the quality and impact of your writing.

In conclusion, becoming a better writer requires finding your voice and style through experimentation and practice. Reading is crucial for growth and development. Feedback from trusted individuals can help refine your writing. The psychology of social sharing reveals that people share content to inform, define themselves, nourish relationships, fulfill themselves, promote causes, and manage information. Producing great content consistently is the ultimate way to encourage social sharing.

Actionable Advice:

1. Experiment and keep trying until you find your voice and style as a writer. Rewrite, start over, and try new approaches if something isn't working.
2. Seek feedback from individuals who believe in you and support your growth as a writer. Consider their understanding of your writing as a work in progress.
3. Focus on delivering valuable and entertaining content consistently. Provide insights and entertainment that make your content highly shareable.

Remember, writing is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Embrace the process, and with time and practice, your writing will flourish.