Erica Schneider - Why editing your content is as important as creating!
Aug 24, 2023
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Erica Schneider, an expert in content writing and editing, discusses the importance of editing in content creation. They explore the transition from writing to editing, strategies to overcome editing challenges, and the power of writing with authority. They also touch on using data to improve writing quality, building a personal platform, and the joy of reading with a child.
Writing with authority is crucial in creating content that resonates with readers.
Becoming a thought leader takes time and expertise.
Writing is a creative process, while editing is a process of recreating and refining your content.
Deep dives
Writing with Authority and Building a Personal Platform
Writing with authority is crucial in creating content that resonates with readers. Active language, power verbs, and direct statements help establish authority in your writing. Building a personal platform, rather than focusing on creating a personal brand, allows for authenticity and genuine connection with your audience. By prioritizing your unique personality and opinions, you can stand out in a sea of content creators. Shift the power away from the platforms and take control of your online presence. The key is to have fun, be yourself, and engage with your audience.
Becoming a Thought Leader in Writing
Becoming a thought leader takes time and expertise. Focus on honing your skills and developing a deep understanding of a specific topic or industry. By consistently sharing your perspective and opinions, you can establish yourself as a thought leader over time. Emphasize the value you bring and seek to solve problems and address pain points for your target audience. Remember, thought leadership is about leading thoughts and providing unique insights, so make sure your content stands out and resonates with your audience.
Editing and Recreating: The Essence of Writing
Writing is a creative process, while editing is a process of recreating and refining your content. Give yourself permission to write with abandon, allowing the best ideas to flow as you go. Editing is the analytical lens through which you fine-tune your content for clarity, structure, and impact. Emphasize the importance of drafting without judgment and then revising with a critical eye. Effective editing involves evaluating every word and idea, ensuring that they contribute to the overall message and flow of your content. Practice self-editing and focus on improving specific aspects of your writing over time.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media Content
Social media content is most effective when it is specific, emotionally resonant, and curiosity-provoking. Be specific in your language and avoid generalities. Craft your content to resonate with the pain points and emotions of your audience. Build curiosity by leaving readers wanting more, compelling them to click and engage further. Don't give away all the details upfront. Instead, use the hook to capture attention and create intrigue. By employing these strategies, you can create social media content that captivates and drives engagement.
Balancing Work, Parenthood, and Content Creation
Managing multiple responsibilities, such as work, parenthood, and content creation, requires effective time management and prioritization. Designating specific time blocks for different activities helps maintain focus and productivity. Establish a routine that aligns with your unique circumstances and commitments. Remember that self-care and personal well-being are crucial for managing multiple responsibilities effectively. Find joy in the process, create boundaries, and embrace the support of others to navigate the challenges of juggling various roles efficiently.
Erica shares lessons on content writing & editing leading B2C and B2B companies towards engagement & conversions. She's edited 3M+ words and is an amazing thought leader on Twitter and Linkedin with 70K+ followers. She's currently a Head of Content at @getgrizzle and founder at Power Your Platform.
๐๐ผ About the Host:
Sharath is a founder, creator, and community builder. He is also a serial maker who built and shipped 15+ projects using no-code tools. His SaaS product Shoutout generates $30k ARR, which was sold to a UK-based product studio. Prev, Sharath worked for world-changing startups like Product Hunt and On Deck, where he helped build and nurture communities. He also grew his audience on Twitter from 200 to 20,000 using give-first principles and creating high-value content. Currently, he is the Head of Community at Threado and runs a newsletter called Sharath's CliffNotes alongside hosting this podcast.
๐๐ผ Description:
Tune in as Sharath and Erica discuss the process of writing, editing, creating, and becoming a consistent thought leader.
Timestamps:
00:00: Episode Highlight
1:43: Introduction to Erica Schneider
2:49: How did being an English teacher help with being a creator?
5:47: Different personas required as a writer vs an editor
9:49: How can writers become editors?
11:51: Does editing stifle creativity?
13:23: Where do writers stumble in editing?
15:06: Where do you stop editing?
16:07: How to write with authority
19:10: Social media writing vs brand writing
21:44: Best types of writing types for social media
24:10: Best types of writing types for long-form content
25:03: How to become a thought leader
28:21: Day-to-day as a Head of Content
31:05: How does data help as a writer?
32:57: Why did Erica start a Twitter following?
35:26: How to make it work on social
36:40: How to manage idea blasts as a writer
39:10: How to manage envy and competition
42:35: Balance between consuming and creating content
45:38: Day-to-day as a mom
48:15: Editing and writing habits
50:25: Becoming an authentic person online
52:56: Rapid Fire 5: From favorite creator to favorite book
1:00:00: Outro and closing thoughts
๐๐ผ Resources:
Amanda Natividad: https://amandanat.com/
Best Book for Kids: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/283676.The_Story_of_the_Little_Mole_Who_Went_in_Search_of_Whodunit
