How to Avoid Common Revision Requests

At  The Content Authority, we see many common issues that prompt revision requests from both editors and clients. Knowing these frequent issues and understanding how to avoid them can lessen or even eliminate many of the revisions requested of writers.

Keyword Density Keyword density is a recurrent revision request. Often times, the client will include the percentage in which they want the keyword utilized in the article. This can be calculated by visiting the [TCA Keyword Density Calculator]. It is very important to follow a client’s instructions in regards to keyword density.

Keyword Usage If there is no mention of specific keyword density, it is always important to include the exact keyword phrase in the article, at minimum, in the beginning and near the end of the article. Make sure you are using the exact keyword given by the client in the article, even if it is misspelled or is grammatically incorrect. It is also important that, unless otherwise requested, the exact main keyword be included in the unique title you create. The “MAIN” keyword is always the first shown in the list of keywords, unless otherwise noted in the instructions. The main keyword should always be the focus of the article, and not just a mere mention. Other keywords, if present, should be worked naturally into the article in their exact form.

Client Instructions It is very important to read over all of the instructions provided by the client. One or two words in the instructions can make all of the difference in going the right direction with the article. Take a few minutes and make sure that you understand what the client is looking for with the order. Make sure to stay on topic and review any sites the client has given for reference. If the client has requested the keyword be used in a specific location in the article, make sure to do that; there is a reason and a purpose for that and each request the client has made. If the client took the time to write out specific requests in his or her instructions, they will likely take the time to make sure the writer met those requests and if not, will request a revision.

Grammar & Spelling Many grammar and spelling issues can be resolved by simply proofreading your work carefully before submitting it. Writing in a word processor can also be very helpful in pointing out issues that may otherwise be overlooked.  The most popular program to use is Microsoft Word, but if that is not an option due to expense, there are free alternatives that can be very helpful, such as [OpenOffice] or even [Google Docs]. After proofreading to make sure the article you have written reads well, makes sense, has a point, and uses proper grammar, always run a quick spell check, which are plentiful and free on the Internet. Punctuation is also a common issue with higher tier articles. Changing the settings in the word processor you choose to use to show “style issues” will show many punctuation errors. It may also be helpful to do a quick review and refresh on punctuation usage through one of many online sites available. [http://www.wikihow.com/Use-English-Punctuation-Correctly]

Duplicate Content We recommend doing the research for your article online; however, it should be from at least two, but preferably more sources and always written in your own words. Copying even one exact sentence from another source online can cause a duplicate content issue. To avoid this issue, you should gather relevant information from a variety of sources and generally outline the article you plan to write. Then, in your own words, use the information you have researched and compile it into an article that is unique.

Article Information After writing your article, make sure that it is interesting, truthful and would be helpful and/or informative to the reader. Avoid fluff, filler sentences just to meet word count. Make sure that you would be satisfied with reading the content you have written if you were to find it on the Internet while looking for information on that topic. Your article will be read by real people looking for information on the internet, therefore, make sure your articles reads well and is accurate in its information.