1. No clear objective

Do not start to write without asking “What do I want to say?” or “Who am I writing for?”. If you do not have a clear objective, this will be reflected in your writing, leaving your reader confused.

2. No planning

If you write down your ideas in the order you think of them, your text might be unclear. The better organised the text, the more likely it is that your reader will understand it.

3. Lack of cohesion

Use linking words and phrases in sentences and paragraphs to help your reader follow your ideas. Often, just inserting logical linking words like “therefore”, "also" and “alternatively” will immediately strengthen your writing.

4. Flowery language

Most readers prefer conciseness to long, flowery phrases. Write clearly and concisely so that your writing is read and understood. Time is money!

5. Inappropriate tone

Use the right tone with your reader. If you appear overly abrupt or rude, you are less likely to get the results you want. Also, if you get the level of formality wrong, you risk causing offence.

7. Errors in spelling and grammar

Errors in spelling and grammar can obscure your meaning and lead to misunderstanding. Proofread your writing carefully, not relying on automatic grammar and spelling checkers.

8. Ineffective punctuation

Punctuation is powerful! It can make a huge difference to the clarity of your writing. If you are not confident using punctuation, I recommend you refresh your knowledge of how to use it effectively.