Despite the prevalent misconception that audiences always prefer short and concise content, long-form content has a rightful place in your content marketing plan. Many audiences rely on deep-dive resources that can answer their questions, explain how they can work more efficiently, and provide a deeper analysis than can be achieved in a 500-word blog post.
In this #ContentChat, we’re joined by Chris Craft (@CraftWrites), co-founder of NeoLuxe Marketing and editor-in-chief of InspireFirst, to discuss how marketers can use the 3×3 writing process to accelerate the creation of long-form content. Read the full chat recap below, where we explain what the 3×3 writing process is, share tips to overcome the hurdles of writing long-form content, and discuss how to ensure your content meets its intended goals (from start to publish).
If you’re looking for more resources about how to navigate your content length, you can learn where shorter content fits into your content marketing strategy here, our double-down on in-depth content with these tips to make the most out of long-form content.
Q1: What is the 3×3 writing process, and why should marketers follow it when creating long-form content?
The 3×3 writing process is a framework to optimize your content creation. It has roots in academic writing, but can be applied to most content.
A1: The 3×3 writing process is a writing framework that helps writers get organized and produce well-researched content efficiently. I wrote about it here:https://t.co/UYFO6i5SVF#ContentChat
— Chris Craft (@CraftWrites) January 11, 2021
A1: The 3×3 writing process was mostly used for academic writing until I stumbled upon it and experimented with using it for crafting blog content. It has worked tremendously for our agency’s content and client content. #ContentChat
— Chris Craft (@CraftWrites) January 11, 2021
The writing process is designed to help you write higher quality content faster by following a specific set of steps. The community recommends that you revise your copy after you’ve finished the first draft, because editing as you go can bog down your creative process.
For me, 3 x 3 writing involves:
✔️ Besting with an ugly first draft
✔️ Rewriting the draft do you’re writing for the reader this time
✔️ Editing and finalizing things#ContentChat— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 11, 2021
It’s so important to get that initial draft done BEFORE you start revising/editing. I think the ease at which we can edit as we go often impedes the content creation process. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 11, 2021
Absoutely! It will ultimately create better content and save you time if you get everything out, rather than editing as you go. I think the same applies for editing — read through it, get the big picture first before diving into the details. #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@WriterGirlMel) January 11, 2021
One editing caveat for your first draft: ensure that basic proofreading is complete before you dive into the next steps.
I agree with on caveat—sometimes as an editor you receive content that hasn’t had basic proofreading done before you got it in hand…in those scenarios, I often have to do that first so I can read it without that interfering with taking in the ideas. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 11, 2021
Per Jennifer’s question, Step 3/Revise is ongoing, but you should focus on publishing content once it is finished (for the time being) and updating it at a later time.
Do you find that Step 3 is ongoing, due to optimization and performance? #ContentChat
— Jennifer L. Dawson (@JLDContentQueen) January 11, 2021
@JLDContentQueen – Yes, there is always room for improving the content. BUT, it shouldn’t keep you from shipping/publishing. The beauty of the web is that you can always update your content later. #ContentChat
— Chris Craft (@CraftWrites) January 11, 2021
Yess! 🙌 And lately, I’ve been trying to focus on one thing so I can hit publish: progress over perfection.
You don’t want to stop creating just because you can’t make the content perfect. #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 11, 2021
[Read more…] about January 11, 2021 Content Chat Recap: Long-Form Writing Tips and Best Practices
