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Overview

Editing is a crucial step in the content creation process. This guide covers how to edit articles in Genseo for clarity, structure, flow, SEO alignment, and formatting best practices.

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The Editing Process

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Why Edit Generated Content?

Even AI-generated content benefits from human editing to:
  • Ensure accuracy: Verify facts and information
  • Match brand voice: Align content with your brand
  • Improve clarity: Make content more readable and understandable
  • Optimize SEO: Fine-tune SEO elements
  • Add expertise: Include your unique insights and perspective

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Editing for Clarity

Clear content is easier to read and understand, which improves user experience and SEO.

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Simplify Language

  • Use simple words: Replace complex words with simpler alternatives when possible
  • Shorten sentences: Break long sentences into shorter, clearer ones
  • Remove jargon: Explain technical terms or replace them with accessible language
  • Be direct: Get to the point without unnecessary fluff

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Improve Readability

  • Use active voice: Prefer active voice over passive voice
  • Vary sentence length: Mix short and long sentences for rhythm
  • Use transitions: Connect ideas with transition words and phrases
  • Break up text: Use paragraphs, headings, and lists to break up dense text

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Check for Clarity

Ask yourself:
  • Is this sentence clear and understandable?
  • Does this paragraph have a clear point?
  • Will readers understand this without prior knowledge?
  • Is the flow logical and easy to follow?

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Editing for Structure

Well-structured content is easier to read and better for SEO.

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Heading Structure

Ensure proper heading hierarchy:
  • H1: Main title (one per article)
  • H2: Major sections
  • H3: Subsections within H2 sections
  • H4+: Further subdivisions as needed
Maintain a logical heading hierarchy. Don’t skip from H2 to H4—use H3 in between.

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Section Organization

Organize content logically:
  1. Introduction: Hook readers and introduce the topic
  2. Main content: Develop the topic in clear sections
  3. Conclusion: Summarize key points and provide next steps

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Use Lists and Formatting

Break up text with:
  • Bullet points: For lists of items or features
  • Numbered lists: For step-by-step instructions
  • Bold text: For emphasis on key points
  • Italic text: For emphasis or foreign terms
  • Code blocks: For code examples or technical terms

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Editing for Flow

Smooth flow keeps readers engaged and makes content easier to follow.

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Logical Progression

Ensure content flows logically:
  • Start broad, get specific: Begin with general concepts, then dive into details
  • Build on previous points: Each section should build on the previous one
  • Use transitions: Connect ideas with transition words and phrases
  • Maintain focus: Stay on topic and avoid tangents

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Paragraph Structure

Structure paragraphs effectively:
  • One idea per paragraph: Each paragraph should focus on one main idea
  • Topic sentences: Start paragraphs with clear topic sentences
  • Supporting details: Follow topic sentences with supporting details
  • Concluding thoughts: End paragraphs with a conclusion or transition

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Connection Between Sections

Connect sections smoothly:
  • Use transition sentences: Bridge gaps between sections
  • Reference previous sections: Refer back to earlier points when relevant
  • Preview coming sections: Hint at what’s coming next when helpful

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Editing for SEO Alignment

SEO alignment ensures your content ranks well in search results.

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Keyword Placement

Place keywords strategically:
  • Title: Include the primary keyword in the title
  • H1: Use the keyword in the H1 heading
  • First paragraph: Include the keyword early in the introduction
  • Headings: Use variations of the keyword in H2 and H3 headings
  • Body: Use the keyword naturally throughout the content
  • Meta description: Include the keyword in the meta description
Don’t overuse keywords. Focus on natural, readable content first, then optimize for SEO.

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Internal Linking

Add internal links strategically:
  • Link to related content: Link to other articles on your site
  • Use descriptive anchor text: Make anchor text descriptive and relevant
  • Link naturally: Place links where they make sense contextually
  • Don’t over-link: Too many links can hurt readability and SEO

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Meta Elements

Optimize meta elements:
  • Title tag: Keep under 60 characters, include primary keyword
  • Meta description: Keep under 160 characters, include keyword and call-to-action
  • Alt text: Add descriptive alt text to images
  • URL slug: Use a clean, keyword-rich URL slug

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Formatting Best Practices

Good formatting improves readability and user experience.

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Use Headings Effectively

  • Clear, descriptive headings: Make headings descriptive and informative
  • Consistent style: Use consistent heading styles throughout
  • Proper hierarchy: Maintain proper heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3)

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Format Text

  • Bold for emphasis: Use bold to emphasize key points
  • Italic for emphasis: Use italic for subtle emphasis or foreign terms
  • Code formatting: Use code formatting for technical terms, code, or file names
  • Avoid over-formatting: Don’t overuse formatting—it can be distracting

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Use Lists

  • Bullet points: For unordered lists (features, benefits, items)
  • Numbered lists: For ordered lists (steps, instructions, sequences)
  • Parallel structure: Keep list items parallel in structure and style
  • Consistent formatting: Use consistent formatting for all list items

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Add Images

  • Relevant images: Include images that support the content
  • Descriptive alt text: Add alt text to all images for accessibility and SEO
  • Proper sizing: Ensure images are properly sized and optimized
  • Captions: Add captions when helpful for context

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Common Editing Issues

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Content Is Too Generic

Problem: Content feels generic or lacks specific insights. Solution:
  • Add specific examples and case studies
  • Include your unique insights and expertise
  • Reference real-world scenarios
  • Add data and statistics when relevant

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SEO Over-Optimization

Problem: Content is over-optimized for SEO, hurting readability. Solution:
  • Remove excessive keyword usage
  • Focus on natural, readable content
  • Use keyword variations instead of repeating the same keyword
  • Prioritize user experience over SEO optimization

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Poor Structure

Problem: Content lacks clear structure or organization. Solution:
  • Add or improve headings
  • Reorganize content into logical sections
  • Use lists to break up dense text
  • Ensure proper heading hierarchy

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Inconsistent Tone

Problem: Tone varies throughout the article. Solution:
  • Establish a consistent tone from the start
  • Review the entire article for tone consistency
  • Adjust sections that don’t match the intended tone
  • Use a style guide if available

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Best Practices

  • Edit systematically: Review clarity, structure, flow, and SEO in that order
  • Take breaks: Step away from content before final review
  • Read aloud: Reading aloud helps identify awkward phrasing
  • Get feedback: Have others review your content when possible
  • Focus on users: Prioritize user experience over SEO optimization
  • Be consistent: Maintain consistent style and tone throughout

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Next Steps