Content writers can be an eager group, but sometimes eager to a fault. We get invested in a topic, jump straight to the page to apply the words, and skim for typos. But when writing our own work, we quickly grow familiar with it and learn it from the inside and out. Because of this, we may easily overlook or fail to proofread and edit our own work properly.
Many larger writing teams and publications have dedicated editors to provide an outside look for this reason. However, not every writer gets the privilege of having an editor sidekick. In many cases, especially as a marketing content writer, you will need to be your own editor. So how can you avoid the common mistake of overlooking your own mistakes? With the right skill sets and tools, you can write great articles that can be well-edited and perfect for publication.
First in the process of editing comes the segment every writer thinks of initially: the general editing. For some marketing writers, they might believe general editing to be the only real step in the process. Reading and adjusting mistakes based on your reading is no doubt crucial, but far from the only step.
Furthermore, you should go beyond just reading your own work. Instead, read it like a reader, as if you are the consumer. Is your own work convincing from a customer’s point of view? Are you utilizing any jargon that the average reader might not know or understand? Does it achieve in informing, entertaining, and convincing the reader about your topic or sell them on products or services?
Moreover, even when you have read your work and confirmed these details, go beyond simply correcting your mistakes. Read your work, then read it again. And again. And again, once more. Once you have read your work from the inside and out, then you can finish the general editing process.
Every worker has their tools. An artist has their paintbrushes, carpenters have their hammers, and accountants have their calculators. A writer of any kind is no exception, as we use various tools to perfect our writing. Word processing programs such as Microsoft Word measure your word and character counts, spelling, and sentence length. During publication, WordPress plug-ins or even extensions like Grammarly help monitor these qualities in web browsers.
Using these tools not only catches errors you might have overlooked but also provides feedback. If, for example, you tend to write run-on sentences, these tools will catch this issue or even make suggestions, such as cutting word count. By providing scores and feedback, tools help you improve and strive to do better in the future.
As we write, it becomes easy to get carried away and write in a stream of consciousness mindset. But doing so can make us fall into writing wordy, long-winded run-on sentences and paragraphs. The true secret is writing short sentences filled with powerful punches. Getting straight to the point leaves greater impressions. Avoid choppiness, but slim down your work.
But you can go beyond just using shorter sentences and trimming the fat. Consider addressing the audience directly, with “you”s and providing directions. With clear information speaking directly to the reader, they will be more inclined to remember your content.
Cut sentences. Cut paragraphs. Find the general mistakes and utilize tools for those you overlook. If you find yourself struggling to learn the basics of proofreading and editing, you can be helped. Through services such as law firm marketing, social media management, and blog distribution networks, Actionable Agency can help you. By offering many marketing solutions and web development for law firms across the country, we extend their reach and develop their business. At Actionable Agency, we can provide an analysis of your current strategy and website of your firm to help formulate new solutions. For more information, call us toll-free at (855) 206-9689.
