Writing Styles: 15 Types and the Dos and Don’ts of Each

Hiring the correct type of writer puts you on the fast track to success.

As a business owner, you know that finding the right writer is essential to achieving your goals. Whether creating a blog post, landing page copy, or technical manual, having a skilled writer on your team can make all the difference. But with so many different writing styles in the digital era, it can be tough to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled a guide to the 15 modern writing types, complete with dos and don’ts for each.

Basic Guidelines All Writing Styles Demand

Before we hop into the specifics of each writing style, here are some general rules that every writer should follow: 

  • Research is crucial to creating high-quality content, as is understanding the intent of your audience. 
  • Using relevant keywords is also vital for boosting visibility in search results. 
  • Of course, spelling and grammar are always necessary.
  • Always proofread your work before hitting “publish.” Follow the conventions of your writing style – formal or informal, academic or conversational.

Now that we reviewed some basics, please read on about the prevalent modern writing styles.

15 Modern Writing Styles

You don’t drive a screw with a hammer. Nor should you hire a novelist to write a technical manual for the latest Android phone. Yes. The novelist possesses the same basic skills. But the romance author has not honed their technical knowledge like someone specializing in tech writing. See the difference?

1 – SEO writing: 

As the name suggests, SEO writing optimizes search engine content that entertains or informs site visitors. These include creating blog posts, email newsletters, product descriptions, or web content. The goal of each is to rank well in search results. 

  • Dos: include using relevant keywords and creating high-quality, informative content. 
  • Don’ts: Keyword stuffing and writing content that’s overly salesy.

2 – Blogs and content writing: 

Blogging and content writing are all about creating engaging, informative content that keeps readers returning for more. These writers encompass several types of media: blog posts, social media posts, or newsletters.

  • Dos: Developing a clear voice and tone, using subheadings and formatting to break up content, and incorporating visuals. 
  • Don’ts: Writing overly promotional content and failing to engage with readers through comments and social media.

3 – Website or landing page copywriting: 

Website and landing page copywriting require a strong understanding of user intent and the ability to create persuasive, compelling copy that drives conversions. The goal is to turn website visitors into buyers, subscribers, or donors. They compel people to act.

  • Dos: Using clear, concise language, focusing on benefits rather than features, and incorporating calls to action. 
  • Don’ts: Using jargon or overly complex language and failing to optimize for mobile users.

4 – Business writing 

Business writing covers various formats. They might turn out emails, memos, reports, policy manuals, proposals, job descriptions, or employee handbooks.

  • Dos: Developing clear, concise language, focusing on the reader’s needs, and being mindful of tone and formality. 
  • Don’ts include using overly complex language and failing to proofread for errors.

5 – Academic writing: 

Academic writing is all about creating well-researched, informative papers and articles that contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field. 

  • Dos: Conduct thorough research using appropriate citation styles and a mindfulness of the field’s conventions.
  • Don’ts: Failing to cite sources correctly and using overly complex language.

6 – Journalism: 

Journalism is all about telling stories that inform and engage readers. Unless you label it as an opinion piece, it should be unbiased and factual. Journalists write for print and digital publications, including newspapers, breaking news websites, blogs, and magazines.

  • Dos: Completing thorough research, interviewing sources, and using a clear, concise writing style. 
  • Don’ts: Failing to fact-check information and using biased or persuasive language.

7 – Poetry: 

Poetry is a highly creative writing style that requires a strong understanding of language and imagery. 

  • Dos: Experimenting with form and structure, using evocative language, and creating a clear emotional impact. 
  • Don’ts: Using cliches or overly abstract language.

8 – Prose: 

Prose writing includes several formats, from short stories to novels. The primary intent is to entertain readers. 

  • Dos: Developing strong characters, creating vivid settings, and using a clear, engaging writing style. 
  • Don’ts: Using flat or stereotypical characters and failing to develop a clear narrative arc.

9 – Ghostwriting for fiction: 

Ghostwriting involves writing books, articles, or other content under someone else’s name. In fiction, ghostwriters must be skilled at creating engaging and believable characters, developing a compelling plot, and using a writing style that matches the author’s voice. 

  • Dos: Complete thorough research and collaborate closely with the author. 
  • Don’ts: Avoid straying too far from the author’s intended voice and failing to maintain consistent characterization.

10 – Children’s book writing: 

Children’s book authors master a strong understanding of age-appropriate language and themes and a knack for storytelling. 

  • Dos: Creating engaging characters and settings, using language that is accessible to young readers, and incorporating valuable life lessons. 
  • Don’ts: Using overly complex language or inappropriate themes for the target audience.

11 – White papers and case studies: 

White papers and case studies are formats used to provide in-depth analysis and research on a particular topic. 

  • Dos: Developing clear, concise language, providing relevant data and statistics, and using a logical structure. 
  • Don’ts: Being overly promotional or failing to provide enough detail.

12 – Scriptwriting: 

Scriptwriting is about creating engaging dialogue and visual storytelling for movies, TV shows, and other media. 

  • Dos: Developing compelling characters, creating a clear story structure, and using vivid descriptions and dialogue. 
  • Don’ts: Using overly expository dialogue and failure to create a clear visual image.

13 – Technical manuals: 

Technical manuals should provide instructions and information on a particular product or service. Precision is everything for a tech writer.

  • Dos: Developing clear, concise language, providing relevant illustrations and diagrams, and anticipating potential user questions. Don’ts: Using overly technical language and failing to provide enough detail.

14 -Product or item descriptions for online stores: 

Product or item descriptions for online stores require a clear understanding of search engine optimization and persuasive writing techniques. 

  • Dos: Using clear, descriptive language, highlighting product benefits, and incorporating relevant keywords. 
  • Don’ts include using overly promotional language and failing to provide enough detail.

15 – Speechwriting: 

Writing speeches requires a strong understanding of audience expectations and the ability to create persuasive, engaging content. 

  • Dos: Crafting appropriate language for the audience, incorporating personal anecdotes and stories, and using clear, concise language. 
  • Don’ts: Using overly complex language and failing to connect with the audience emotionally.
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Summing It Up: Different Writing Styles Achieve Different Goals and Results

Whether your business requires a skilled SEO writer, a creative fiction ghostwriter, or anything in between, there’s a writer out there for every need. The key is to match the writer’s strengths and style to your specific goals and audience. 

By following the dos and don’ts in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating high-quality content to engage and inform your audience. If you need more tips and insights into the writing world, follow Word Innovations on Facebook!

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