10+ Content Writing Mistakes to Avoid (Based on SaaS Experts)
10+ Content Writing Mistakes to Avoid (Based on SaaS Experts)
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Table of contents
1. Writing ‘water is wet’ content
2. Not interviewing subject-matter experts
3. Blindly following the brief and outline
4. Disregarding Time-to-Value (TTV)
5. Not focusing on the narrative flow
6. Not backing content with relevant examples
8. Leaving out practical takeaways
9. Adding statistics just for the sake of adding them
10. Not linking statistics to the original source
1. Writing ‘water is wet’ content
Writing ‘water is wet’ content is one of the biggest content writing mistakes I have seen so many writers make, including myself.
This involves including obvious information that adds no real value to the readers.
For instance, if you’re writing an article on top project management software, don’t start your introduction with:
“Project management is hard. It has a lot of moving parts, including tight deadlines, complex team dynamics, and constantly changing requirements.”
Instead, grab their attention with something more compelling and insightful.
2. Not interviewing subject-matter experts
If you’re writing an article on Google Ads mistakes yet have very little experience yourself, you must talk with subject-matter experts (SMEs).
By not interviewing SMEs, you risk sharing inaccurate, generic, and/or ineffective advice, potentially leading your readers astray.
3. Blindly following the brief and outline
Don’t follow briefs and outlines blindly. Briefs and outlines are only meant to guide you, not restrict your creativity or your exploration of the topic.
Make sure to thoroughly review it before diving into the writing part. This involves:
- Performing thorough SERP analysis to understand the intent and what should be included in your article.
- Reviewing the outline and brief for accuracy.
4. Disregarding Time-to-Value (TTV)
Disregarding time-to-value in your writing is a serious mistake. Time-to-value refers to how quickly a reader can gain value from your content.
For example, if you’re writing a guide on setting up an email marketing campaign, ensure your introduction isn’t too long and provides actionable insights quickly.
5. Not focusing on the narrative flow
It’s crucial to maintain a consistent narrative flow. Every sentence and paragraph should build logically on the previous content.
Think of your content as a story—it needs a clear beginning, middle, and end.
6. Not backing content with relevant examples
Simply stating facts, ideas, or concepts without illustrating them with relevant examples makes your content vague and hard to understand.
Always support your ideas with clear, tangible examples that the readers can visualize or relate to.
7. Not using the active voice
Active voice is generally more direct and engaging. Try to use it most of the time to enhance clarity and reader engagement.
8. Leaving out practical takeaways
After demonstrating a concept, make sure you provide readers with actionable information or advice they can apply in their own context.
9. Adding statistics just for the sake of adding them
Statistics should add credibility and authority to your content. Don't include irrelevant statistics just for the sake of it; always provide context and analysis.
10. Not linking statistics to the original source
Make sure to credit the original source of any statistics you include. This adds credibility to your content and avoids misleading your readers.