Trying to stand out and create unique, engaging, and interesting content in a market saturated with competition can seem as tough as actively trying to be picked from all the other pieces of hay in a haystack. If you want to entice more views and actions and stand out from the crowd, the best way is to actually be better than the average content on the web.
If you are looking to raise the bar on your content, read on to see how you can start ‘cutting the fat’ today.
What do we mean by ‘cut the fat’?
Cutting or trimming the fat is an idiom referring to the removal of anything unnecessary or superfluous, much like one might cut the excess off a joint of meat before eating it. In this way, you are taking off the bits that you don’t need, and keeping the parts that are necessary and also good for you.
When it comes to business and marketing, this can mean cutting down on what is seen as excess spending or personnel, or really anything seen as extra to the job. Whether you are a small business or a larger company, there is almost always room to trim the fat.
In content writing, this can mean removing additional words, phrases, and even whole pieces that aren’t adding anything to the content or the customer.
How can it help your content?
When creating content, it can be easy to get lost in flowery words and additional information, but it is important to keep in mind that all content has a purpose. Content is created for a particular customer and to convey certain information, to engage or entertain. This can be better achieved if said content is clear and concise rather than rambling and vague.
When trying to communicate a certain message or idea to your customers, content that has had its fat cut is far more likely to get your point across and move from merely acceptable to outstanding and exceptional.
How can you ‘cut the fat’ in your content today?
You can take a number of steps to cut the fat in your content starting with its conception through to writing and editing after the fact. You can begin by:
- Carefully considering what it is that you want to say – make sure that your idea for your content is sound, that it will answer the question, or convey the information that you need to achieve your goals.
- Writing an outline of your key points – knowing your main points will help you stay on topic and also ensure that they come across clearly.
- Using simple language – unless you are the exception to the rule, content is far better delivered in simple language free from jargon and over-complicated words. You don’t always need to use 6 words when you could use 1, or give technical details when they aren’t required.
- Edit – this may sound obvious, but you should always go through and check for any errors and then go through again to cut the fat. Reading your content out loud allows you to hear and see more clearly where you have run on, belabored the point, or used superfluous language.
If you find your content is still a little heavy on the fat, consider hiring out for your SEO management in Sydney and see how experienced professionals can help you lose those few extra pounds.
Final thoughts
Content is created to answer a purpose, written for your customers to entice, engage or interest them in a manner that hopefully then achieves your aims. Cutting the fat and ensuring that your content is clear and concise is one of the biggest changes you can make to take your content writing from average to extraordinary today.
