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
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