Tip: Don't just edit terrible web content—rewrite it

by Rachel McAlpine on 23 March 2010 · 1 comment

Tip: rewrite bad content from scratch. Contented.com


When editing web content, be bold. Speak the truth.

If the truth is that a web page is pointless, incomprehensible or garbage, don’t even think about tinkering with it. No amount of timid word-shifting will save it.

Start again. Start with the crucial questions.

  • Is this page necessary? (If the answer is No, stop right there.)
  • Why does this page exist? What’s the point?
  • Who’s it for?
  • What do your real live intended readers need to know? They. Need. To know. (Not what do I want to tell them.)

Chuck out the rubbish and if there really is a good reason for this page, don’t just cut and paste. Don’t tinker.

Rewrite it.

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