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Your Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Content Like a Pro

If you’re a self-powered blogger or entrepreneur trying to DIY your content, the process of putting your thoughts onto paper can be daunting. Sure, you’ve got a lot of know-how in your head, but how in the world are you supposed to get it out in a way that makes sense and actually...you know...gets people interested?

If you've found yourself in this boat, the good news is: you're in plentiful and fabulous company. The bad news is, it's going to keep slowing you down unless you put a solid process in place to guide your efforts. Since we know your brilliance shouldn't be missed, here's our 7 step process for transforming “brain dump" content into powerful, polished prose:

 

Step 1) After You Write It, WALK AWAY!

This step may seem unnecessary to the overachievers {or rush-and-get-it-done-rs} out there, but its importance CANNOT be overstated. After churning out a sparkling fountain of cognitive magic, your brain is creatively maxed out and less likely to:

a) See where you need to say less

b) See where you need to explain more

c) Catch syntax, grammar and spelling errors

d) See how you can hone or add content in a way that increases value

Truth be told, this is a step I used to ignore myself and when I revisit my high school essays, it shows. Luckily, I’m now a wise writing sensei and can pass this helpful tip on it you so you can avoid my erroneous ways. ;)

Step 2) Give Your Copy A Crystal Clear Voice & Direction

Once you’re ready to review your copy again, put yourself in the shoes of a reader who's never had an introduction to your business before or is coming into the “conversation” completely uneducated about your topic. Looking at your copy through this lens, ask yourself:

a) What is this copy trying to tell me / teach me / sell me?

b) Does this copy take me from an obvious point A to point B?

c) What takeaways do I have after reading this?

d) Is the intention of the copy clear? {i.e. to educate me on a process, to teach me a skill, to sell me a product, to tell me a story, to get me to subscribe to something, etc.}

e) Does it have a consistent voice throughout? {i.e. funny and informative, educational and reassuring, authentic and inspiring, etc.}

Step 3) Trim the Fat

One of the most common mistakes I see clients make