Editorial frameworks or standardized editorial processes are critical for supplying customers with cost-effective and speedy content that ranks and gets used by humans and AI tools alike. AI tools can outline and draft content rapidly. The problem is that content isn’t just a compilation of data and facts made into sentences. AI-written content comes out well-structured but flat. Flat and filled with potential inaccuracies.
People are still required to create digital content. Thank your fellow humans for being smarter and less trusting, and thank AI systems for rapidly developing tools built on mixed-quality data. Finally, thank technology leaders like Google for enforcing quality and accuracy in content created for and read by humans.
A successful content strategy still requires human intervention to satisfy search engine algorithms, AI tools, and human customers. Establishing an editorial process can turn AI-generated content into high-performing business assets. Let’s explore the 5-step editorial framework that turns AI content into ranking masterpieces that connect to human audiences.
Step 1: Research & Plan a Content Strategy
All successful content starts as part of a well-researched content strategy plan. The reason is that the majority of content doesn’t generate traffic. Ranking content that generates not only website traffic but also results requires a plan to compete with all the other content on the internet. A content strategy plan starts with research to determine the following:
- The target audience, or the customers you want to connect with
- What your target audience is looking to do and how
- The next action you want your target audience to accomplish
A content strategy plan enables businesses to create and publish content that aligns with the business’s objectives and the needs of potential customers. The goal of digital content marketing is to grow business revenue by providing solutions to the questions customers are asking using content.
A solid content strategy also creates efficient practices so work stays on schedule. The plan covers what SEO and AIO optimization are necessary to make the content visible, citable, and well-read. A plan ensures content creates a consistent brand image and holds significant business value.
Step 2: Generate an AI Draft With Standard Structure
Standardizing content structure is one way content is optimized for AI systems. Content with structure is easier for AI systems to comb through. Include four sentences or fewer per paragraph. Short paragraphs are easier for AI tools to parse for answers. Enter a variety of prompts to ensure the AI-generated draft includes all the points desired, and then add:
- Headers and titles
- Subheadings
- Bulleted or numbered lists
- Tables
- Graphs
- FAQs
Generate a final draft and assign it to a writer. Once the writer’s work is complete, they notify the assigned editor.
Step 3: Edit and Optimize for Humanity & Google E-E-A-T
Human writers and editors transform content by reviewing it and adding the human elements required to meet Google E-E-A-T. Start by adding real-world data, metrics, and analysis. Write with an opinion and be certain to add your human experience. Include localization as needed to match the understanding of the target audience.
Add internal and external links that are localized to match the audience and the brand tone. Review the content to verify it’s people-first and aligns with Google E-E-A-T principles.
Human-focused content that is helpful, reliable, and accurate improves both SEO rankings and AI prompt queries. Following E-E-A-T helps add business value to content by including human experience and expertise to create credibility and authority.
Authority is where customer trust is created and retained. E-E-A-T and SEO favor highly structured, data-driven, and accurate content. Accuracy and quality are indispensable for getting cited as a resource in AI answer summaries or ranking high in search results.
Writers must omit any repetition or filler text with little or no value. Review content for the proper tone and verify that information is not repeated. Replace all links and statistics. Finally, rewrite sections that sound robotic and replace any suspect statistics. While writing, keep in mind that the audience you are targeting has pain points or problems to solve. Include useful and accurate examples within prompts used or for every answer provided.
Step 4: Edit and Optimize for Rhythm, Flow, and Tone
Once a writer humanizes the content, an editor optimizes it for rhythm, flow, and branding tone. For example, most generated content has a monotonous tone. AI is typically written with long sentences connected by commas. Editors must ensure sentence lengths are consistent and employ appropriate grammar and tone that reflect the client’s desired tone.
Editors frequently vary sentence lengths to improve readability and reduce a “choppy” reading experience. Some editors find that AI text overuses many words, including “delve,” “tapestry,” and “furthermore,” and it’s important to note this.
Next, insert human insight that answers the target audience’s questions. Be certain all examples are accurate, and links are relevant. Use external and internal links for added authoritativeness and credibility.
Review the FAQ sections for schema markup so AI systems can easily parse and pull data. Add working links to credible sources and write as if telling a story. Storytelling helps engage human readers by providing background, results, and actions. The fuller the story, the more credibility the answers have. Added credibility builds trust in content over time.
Finally, review readability so content is easy to understand. The standard structure enables AI systems to find and use your content. When it’s optimized for both humans and AI systems, it is more likely to be cited and ranked. High-quality content can become evergreen. Evergreen content engages audiences longer. Evergreen content creates business value by attracting customers year after year.
Step 5: Validate, Publish, and Schedule Future Updates
Once content is humanized, optimized, and edited, it’s time to publish. Before final publication, consider running it through an AI and a readability scanner. There are numerous options available for free online or through paid tools.
Also, do a final fact-check on all statistics, claims, and quotes. Confirm answers to questions aren’t hidden by tabs, expandable menus, or images. AI systems struggle to pull data reliably from images, tabs, or menus. Use consistent punctuation for periods and commas. Avoid using decorative items or symbols.
Do a final review of headings, subheadings, and brand tone. After publishing, create an update schedule. Content ranks higher when it’s fresh and updated on a regular basis. Next, track each content piece published. Analyze how well the content performs and make improvements via updates to your Editorial Framework. After all, it’s only a matter of time before the “rules” for ranking content change.
Having Trouble Ranking Content Masterpieces?
Contact Better Content Matters for expert help creating content that ranks as a masterpiece with professional content writing, editing, and brand development. We can help you leverage AI content and create business value that lasts and grows.
