Remarkable Lessons From 2 Years Of Weekly Writing

How I have transformed my writing over the years to bring more value to my readers and my future self.

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As we transition from 2024 to 2025, I find myself reflecting on how my writing—and specifically my newsletter—has evolved over the past years. This journey has not only enhanced my communication skills but also deepened my understanding of audience needs and expectations.

As a product manager, I’ve learned that effective communication is just as crucial as technical skills. My journey to become a consistent writer has been transformative, not just for my career, but for the success of my products and teams.

Let’s dive into how I improved my writing and iterated my newsletter. 🚀

The Newsletter Transformation

Back in 2023, my newsletter was a mix of insights and updates, but it often lacked focus and clarity. I aimed to share valuable information, yet I sometimes overwhelmed my readers with excessive detail and jargon. The content felt more like a chore than an engaging read.

Beginning: Wordy and Wandering in Concepts

Looking back at my earlier writing, I cringe a little. It was:

• 👔 Overly formal: I used complex language, thinking it made me sound more professional.

• 🛹 Lengthy: I’d ramble on, afraid I’d miss something important.

• 📰 Unstructured: My ideas were there, but they were buried under unnecessary details.

The New Concise, Precise, and Impactful Version

Fast forward to today, and my writing has undergone a major transformation:

• 📋 Straight to the point: I’ve learned to cut the fluff and focus on what matters.

• 🔮 Structured for clarity: I use headers, bullet points, and emojis to make my content scannable and engaging.

• 💬 Conversational tone: I write like I speak, making my content more relatable and easier to digest.

Key Changes That Made the Difference

As I approached 2024, I recognized the need for a shift in strategy. One thing that stuck in my mind to make this change was:

If you were your own reader, would you really subscribe to this?

Does it really add value to you?

🤯

Of course, my answer was NO.

The evolution of my newsletter can be summarized by the following key changes:

1️⃣ Embracing a Conversational Tone

I ditched the corporate jargon and started writing like I talk. I infused a more conversational tone into my writing. This helped foster a connection with readers, making them feel more engaged and valued. This made my content more:

• Approachable

• Engaging

• Memorable

2️⃣ Structuring for Scannability

I learned that most people don’t read—they scan.

Since attention span seem to be getting shorter each time. It’s getting harder to get people’s attention. I focused on delivering core messages without unnecessary elaboration.

This not only made the newsletter easier to read but also ensured that key points stood out. So I started:

• Using more clear headers

• Breaking text into short paragraphs

• Utilizing bullet points and numbered lists (even with emojis to guide the eyes)

3️⃣ Incorporating Visual Elements

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? I started using:

• Emojis to add personality 🎨

• Simple diagrams to explain complex concepts

• Screenshots to provide context

4️⃣ Focusing on the Reader’s Needs

I shifted from balancing what I wanted to say to what my readers needed to know. To understand my audience I solicited feedback, did some surveys, and learned what topics resonated most with readers.

What this meant:

• Starting with the most important information

• Providing clear action items

• Anticipating and answering potential questions

• Including more relevant content that directly addressed their interests

Evolving is Mandatory

When I was reflecting on this transformation, it’s clear that a sense of maturity has emerged in my writing style. With each edition of the newsletter, I’ve grown more confident in expressing my ideas while being mindful of how they are received by others. I thought about it:

If I had kept writing the same way year after year, I would have failed to myself.

Growth is the result of a commitment to your future self to be better.

Some things cannot remain immovable when you want a change.

Illustration by Dzianis Vasilyeu.

This maturity stems from:

• ⏳ Experience: Navigating various challenges as a product manager has equipped me with insights that enrich my writing. Sharing real-world experiences makes the content relatable and trustworthy.

• 🧘‍♀️ Patience and Practice: Writing is a skill that requires continuous practice. The evolution of my newsletter is a testament to the patience I’ve cultivated over time, allowing me to refine my voice and approach whenever is necessary.

Writing Positively Influenced My Career

This evolution in my writing style has had a profound impact:

• 🎙️ Clearer Communication: My teams understand product requirements better, leading to fewer misunderstandings and faster development cycles.

• 🤝 More Engaged Stakeholders: My updates are now eagerly anticipated, not dreaded, because they’re concise and actionable.

• 🤔 Improved Decision-Making: By presenting information clearly, I’ve enabled faster and more informed decision-making at all levels.

• 🤲 Stronger Relationships: My more personable writing style has helped me build better relationships with team members and stakeholders alike.

Check out this post for more details! 👇

Wrapping Up

Improving your writing isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about effectively conveying ideas and inspiring action. As product managers, our ability to communicate can make or break our products and our careers.

The changes I’ve made in 2024 reflect not just an improvement in writing but also a deeper understanding of effective communication as a product manager. This journey has taught me that:

Anyone can become a better writer through dedication, feedback, and the courage to share their thoughts.

Last Tips for Improving Your Own Writing

Remember, great writers aren’t born—they’re made. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

1. Read widely: Expose yourself to different writing styles and voices.

2. Write regularly: Practice makes perfect. Start a blog or volunteer to write internal newsletters.

3. Seek feedback: Ask colleagues to review your writing and provide honest feedback.

4. Edit ruthlessly: Write your first draft, then cut it down by at least 20%.

5. Know your audience: Tailor your writing style to who you’re communicating with.

Don’t forget, this journey takes time and patience. But with consistent effort and a willingness to learn, you too can transform your writing from a weakness into a superpower. 🚀

What about you? How has your writing evolved over your career? Share your experiences in the comments below!