When Have You Revised Content Based On Audience Feedback?
Delving into the experiences of writing professionals, we explore how audience feedback shapes the revision process. From a CMO's perspective on simplifying technical content to an Owner's emphasis on valuing feedback for cohesive writing, here are four insightful examples these experts have shared.
- Simplify Technical Content for Readers
- Revise for Relatability and Engagement
- Ensure Clarity for Audience Understanding
- Value Feedback for Cohesive Writing
Simplify Technical Content for Readers
I once worked on a blog post for a client that was initially aimed at a general audience. After publishing the draft, we received feedback indicating that the readers found it too technical and not engaging enough.
I took this feedback seriously and revised the content to make it more accessible. I simplified the language, added more relatable examples, and adjusted the tone to be more conversational. The revised version resonated better with the audience, leading to increased engagement and positive comments. This experience underscored the importance of tailoring content to the needs and preferences of the target audience.
Revise for Relatability and Engagement
Once, we received feedback that an article on adventure travel was too technical for our readers. They found it hard to relate to the content, which was aimed at seasoned travelers. To address this, we revised the article to simplify the language and include more practical tips and personal stories. We also added a section on common questions from beginners to make it more accessible. After these changes, engagement improved significantly, and we saw a 40% increase in social media shares. Listening to audience feedback and adapting content accordingly helped us connect better with our readers and enhance their experience.
Ensure Clarity for Audience Understanding
This has happened to me several times while managing a food blog for an Italian client. One common issue is that readers often find the ingredients unclear. When you've been cooking a dish for a long time, certain steps and ingredients might seem second nature, which can lead to assumptions in how you describe them. However, for someone new to the recipe, precise details are essential. This lesson applies to all types of writing: Clarity is key. Despite being detail-oriented, I’ve learned that re-reading your work from the perspective of your audience is invaluable. It’s the best advice I can give, both to myself and to others.
Value Feedback for Cohesive Writing
My college creative writing class was structured in a way to give the students feedback on their work. Each week, three of the students' pieces were assigned as the weekly 'readings'. During the three-hour class, we spent about an hour on each short story. A ton of feedback was given to each student, who then had to revise the work before turning in a final draft for evaluation.
I found this process extremely valuable. While my story made perfect sense to me, the audience was able to point out logical discrepancies and ask follow-up questions that really made me think about the cohesiveness of my work. Because of this experience, I feel that beta readers or a second opinion is always valuable. There are almost always things the author will miss in the draft phase.
