Great advice on writing and branding for builders

Great advice on writing and branding for builders

Writing is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Tim Urban, the founder of Wait But Why, shares his experience of writing 300 blog posts between the ages of 23 and 29 before starting his successful venture. He emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice, tone, and style. Even when experimenting, if something isn't working, it's essential to figure out why and make necessary adjustments. Keep fiddling until it clicks.

One key tip from Tim Urban is to read a lot. Reading acts as fertilizer for writers, allowing them to absorb different styles and techniques. Urban suggests starting by imitating other writers you admire, gradually finding your own unique style. The goal is to start somewhere in the middle of the imitation-innovation spectrum and work your way up as you mature as a writer. This approach allows for growth and development while still maintaining authenticity.

When seeking feedback as a writer, it's crucial to consider the source. Urban advises receiving feedback from people who believe in you, are rooting for you, and understand that you're still experimenting and trying to find your voice. The ideas behind the writing are more important than the quality of the writing itself. Having great ideas with pretty good writing is more valuable than the other way around.

Moving on to branding for builders, it's important to have a clear understanding of what a brand represents. According to the author, a brand consists of several components. The positioning model includes the positioning, customer benefit, and personality of the brand. The brand pyramid adds two additional elements: aspiration and emotion. These elements work together to create a comprehensive and impactful brand.

To define your brand using the positioning model, it's essential to use clear and concise language. Aim for sixth-grade level language to ensure easy understanding. Answering the question of personality involves imagining how you would want your product or company to be described if it were a person at a cocktail party. Additionally, identifying the one word you'd like to own in the long-term for your brand is crucial.

Emotion plays a significant role in the brand framework as it makes things memorable. Acknowledging and incorporating emotions into the brand helps create a lasting impression on consumers. It's important to consider the product attributes, benefits, and emotional benefits when building a brand. Understanding how your product improves customers' lives and makes them feel is vital for a successful brand.

The idea of something bigger is another essential aspect of branding. If your product delivers all the benefits described and exceeds customers' expectations, how might it dent the universe? This question encourages thinking about the long-term impact and potential of your brand.

Incorporating all these elements into the brand pyramid model helps create a holistic approach to branding. It provides a clear direction and purpose for your product, allowing it to come to life in the market.

In conclusion, here are three actionable pieces of advice for writers and builders:

1. Experiment and find your own voice: Don't be afraid to try different styles and approaches to writing or branding. It takes time to find what works best for you, so keep experimenting until you find your voice.

2. Read extensively: Reading is an excellent way to learn from others and expand your knowledge. It's like fertilizer for your writing or branding skills. Explore different styles and techniques to enhance your own abilities.

3. Seek feedback from the right people: When receiving feedback, ensure it comes from individuals who believe in your potential, are rooting for you, and understand that you're still growing. Choose feedback sources wisely to ensure valuable insights and guidance.

By implementing these three tips, you can improve your writing skills and create a strong and impactful brand. Remember, finding your voice, understanding the elements of branding, and seeking feedback from the right sources are essential steps towards success.