Hospitality Growth Through…Writing?

By Daniel Zolinski | July 3, 2024

This is going to surprise most of you, but the millions of views and the endless stream of customers and clients you wish to acquire have been left on the table simply because you aren’t writing enough. I made it a goal for myself to become a better writer and I wouldn’t even say I’m spectacular at it, but I’ve significantly improved from when I first started. It’s provided me with a solid social media following across 4 platforms and has garnered clients that I otherwise would’ve never received. The beautiful thing is that this works across every kind of industry (especially hospitality). You don’t need to be naturally gifted. There are tried and true principles of great writing that you can follow, and with some practice, you can hone your writing chops to develop your own signature style and voice that will have followers gobbling up your every word. Here are 11 writing lessons that I’ve learned along my journey:

1. Write every day. Set aside 30 minutes every day in the morning to practice. Write about the first things that come to your head, what you have planned at work, or the struggles and challenges you’re facing. Others will relate. You are human, not a robot. Let it flow.
2. Write for the ear. Use a conversational tone, as if you’re speaking to a friend. Avoid jargon and academic language. Read your work aloud to ensure it flows smoothly.
3. Cultivate an idea garden. Collect interesting ideas, phrases, and observations as you encounter them. Use them in your writing later. Great ideas create great content.
4. Trim the fat. Cut unnecessary words and phrases that don’t contribute to your meaning. Be concise and direct. Every word should earn its place.
5. Read every day. Want to write better? Read more. Practice active reading – ask yourself, “what makes this writing appealing?”
6. Use one-sentence stories. Ernest Hemingway once wrote a 6-word story: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” It’s short, concise, and
7. Front load key ideas. Put your most important points upfront so people read them.
8. Craft magnetic headlines. Your headline is the first (and sometimes the only) thing readers see. Make it irresistible. Provoke curiosity, promise a clear benefit, and use numbers. The body of your content may not be the problem, it may only be the headline.
9. Nail your opening. This ties into #8. You have mere seconds to catch your readers’ attention. Start with a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a gripping anecdote. Give them a reason to keep reading.
10. Use “you” and “your.” Speak directly to the reader. Make your writing about them, not you.

11. Choose strong, active verbs that convey action and emotion. Avoid passive voice. Don’t say, “he ran fast” but instead “he sprinted.”

The hospitality industry is perfect for anybody who wants to become a better writer or grow their company. Your newsletter, blog, and social media posts are the perfect outlet for growing a loyal fanbase that’ll be excited for the next piece of content you produce.