We began Do Your Thng with a simple goal – to help creators do what they love. We wanted to give you a platform that made content creation simple. We also wanted to build a community where everyone had a chance to amplify their voice.
To that end, we are starting a new type of campaign. It is open to all creators.
You can now write for DYT.
If you’re a blogger, poet, storyteller or simply someone bursting to put pen to paper, we are looking for you.
Who can write for DYT?
- If you know the inside-out of social media.
- If you have experience creating content.
- If you know a thing or two about marketing on social media.
- If you live, breathe and sleep pop culture.
- If you know tips, tricks and hacks on socials or content.
Essentially, if you have something to share that can help other creators, we’re happy to give you the stage. In case you’re interested, here is a guideline that you must follow.
What rules to follow while writing for DYT?
When you write from the heart, you forget little things like your vs you’re. As inconsequent they may seem, it is these minutiae that make all the difference.
A missing comma can literally change the meaning of the sentence. So, if you’re thinking of submitting a sample to us, follow these rules.
First, the basics of writing.
- People love to read stories. So, your article should have a narration. Make it conversational, not a news report.
- Don’t use fancy words. Keep the language simple. It makes the article more readable.
- Ensure it has a proper flow. Remove clutter and anything that doesn’t add value to creators.
- We love humour. So go ahead make the voice and tone as light-hearted as you want.
- Make sure that the language you use is UK English on Microsoft word. That means utilise not utilize, colour not color.
- If something is attention-worthy, make it bold. It helps people scan the article.
- Keep the content between 500 to 1000 words. Any longer, and you lose the audience’s attention.
Second, pay attention to structure.
- Make the title action-oriented like 5 Ways To Make Your Instagram Pop.
- Then write an introductory paragraph.
- Don’t use long paragraphs anywhere in the article. Keep them below 70 words.
- Follow it with a Heading 2 Tag. It is a good SEO practice and tells the reader that we’re getting to the brass tacks. In this blog, the H2 is “Who can write for DYT?”
- Write a couple of more lines explaining what the reader should look forward to and then dive into the topic.
- Use Heading 3 Tag for all your subheadings.
- You can use at the most three Heading 2 for an article. The golden rule is to make the first and the last heading of the blog as Heading 2.
- Heading 3 or Heading 4 can be used as many times as you want, like when writing a listicle.
- There should not be more than 200 words between two headings.
- If you’re adding statistics to the article, always link the source.
- Always double-check data and facts to ensure they are not outdated and accurate.
- If you’re quoting someone, always use blockquotes.
Third, always proofread.
Even J K Rowling has to proofread her work. Compared, we’re just peanuts. So, always, we repeat, always review what you have written.
- Consider the first version of your article as a draft. Read it, edit it. Then submit it.
- A great way to catch mistakes is to use apps like Grammarly. Even the unpaid version helps. Or you can use:
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- Linguix – similar to Grammarly.
- Ludwig – use to find out if you’re using a phrase or word correctly.
- Hemingway app – use it to make your writing better.
- Language Tool Extension for Chrome
- Every blog article MUST be run through Grammarly or a similar app.
- Also, use the spelling and grammar check on Word and Google docs.
Fourth, don’t ignore SEO.
No matter how kicka$$ your blog is, no one will get to read it unless it is optimised for search engines. Hence, follow these SEO practices:
- Pick a keyword for your article. For this article, it’s “write for DYT.”
- It should be related to what you are writing. E.g., Instagram hacks or brand collaborations or travel content.
- Use the keyword 3 to 5 times in the blog.
- It should be present:
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- Once in the Title
- Once in the Heading 2
- Once in the introduction paragraph
- Once in the conclusion.
- Try including variations of the keyword in the article. E.g., hacks for Instagram, collaborating with brands, or creating travel content.
Fifth, keep pictures in mind.
Plain text is boring. Images help break up the monotony. They also give the reader visual cues like the image above tells you where to look for Heading 2,3 and 4 on Microsoft word.
- As a rule, never copy images from someone else. How would you feel if another creator took credit for your content?
- No image should have a watermark or branding of another creator or business.
- Don’t use large file sizes. That’ll just make your article heavy. Keep the image size less than 150kb.
- A .JPG file is lighter than .PNG images. If the picture is still too big, reduce it using tools like:
- Stick to stock images. They are free. Use sites like:
- If you’re picking up images from an official Instagram blog, then always give credit like this:
- When you download an image, rename it. You can either use a keyword or something related to the article. E.g., instagramhacks.jpg or writingblogs.jpg.
- Never repeat the filenames. Each photo must have a different name.
Note: adding pictures is not mandatory, although they help. Another way to make your blog readable is to use bullet points.
Finally, never plagiarise.
This is an obvious rule – never, ever, ever copy your blog. It includes plagiarising from someone else or an article that you have written previously.
- Keep your content 100% original.
- Don’t rewrite or rephrase someone else’s content to avoid plagiarism.
For example: “It creates a win-win situation. You get to be more inclusive, and the brand gets to tap into a deeper and wider audience. Did you know 88% of Gen X and 90% of Millennials say that diversity helps a brand’s reputation?”
Should not be rephrased as….
“88% of Gen X and 90% of Millennials accept that diversity helps the reputation of a brand. The situation is win-win because the brand gets access to a deeper audience, and the creator gets to be more inclusive.”
- Any submission with more than 6% plagiarism will be rejected.
- Run your content through tools before submitting them. You can use:
Tips to writing better for DYT
Now that the rules on how to write for DYT are out of the way let’s get cracking on how you can hook in readers.
- The first sentence is the most important one. If it doesn’t tempt a reader, they won’t read further.
- Don’t use long sentences. Make them short. They are easier to read.
- Get rid of useless words, jargons and frills.
- Passive voice is not your friend. Avoid it.
- Don’t add exclamation marks to every other sentence. Use them sparingly. And always once! Never like this!!!
- Write like you speak. It will give your content more personality.
- Read what you have written out loud. It’s a game-changer in making your writing better.
- Write the first draft quickly. Then do something else like drink coffee or complete house chores.
- Come back and then edit. The time away gives you a new set of eyes.
- Edit ruthlessly. It is the most important part of creating any content.
Now, go write for DYT!
This guideline we’ve given is not just for when you are writing for DYT. Make use of it everywhere, and you’ll be better for it.
Also, we can’t wait to read what you have for us. So, go forth pour us an ocean of words!
Contact us now if you wish to write for us!
