Concise Blogging: Preserving Story and Detail While Eliminating Excess
You know how sometimes you pack for a weekend trip, and you end up bringing half your closet? Clothes you never wear, shoes you never put on. It just weighs down your bag and makes finding what you actually need a hassle. Writing can be like that too.
We sometimes pack our blogs with extra words, sentences, even whole ideas that just weigh the piece down. Concise writing is like packing smart – bringing only what’s essential for the journey, making it lighter and more effective for your reader.
In my experience working with writers, especially now with AI changing the game, getting straight to the point while still telling a good story is more important than ever.
You need to show your value, and that often means respecting your reader’s time.
Why Bother Being Concise?
Let's be honest, people are busy. They’re scrolling, scanning, looking for answers or a connection quickly. If your writing is rambling or stuffed with unnecessary words, they'll likely click away.
Being concise isn't just about being short; it's about being clear and delivering value efficiently.
Every word should earn its place. When you write with intention, cutting out the fluff, your message hits harder. It shows respect for your audience and makes your content stand out. Frankly, in a world flooded with content, clear and purposeful writing is a skill that gets noticed.
Getting Your Writing Lean: Practical Steps
Creating sharp, focused blog posts isn't magic; it's about deliberate choices before and during writing.
Know Your Destination Before You Start Driving
Before you even write the first sentence, ask yourself: What's the one thing I want my reader to take away from this? Having a clear goal keeps you from wandering off track. I’ve found that sketching out a simple outline – intro, main points, conclusion – helps me stay focused.
Just jotting down bullet points for each section forces me to think through the structure before I get lost in the words.
Tell a Story, Don't Write a Novel
Stories are what make blogs stick, right? They connect with readers. But you don't need pages and pages. Sometimes, a short, focused story packs the biggest punch.
Think about a single moment or a specific challenge and its resolution. Use words that paint a picture quickly. Instead of saying someone "walked slowly because they were old," maybe try "shuffled," which gives a clearer image with fewer words.
Choose those details that really matter.
Sharpen Your Word Choice
This is where the real trimming happens. It’s about picking the right tool for the job:
- Cut the Repeats: If you've said it once clearly, you don't need to say it again in different words. Trust your reader got it.
- Use Active Voice: Instead of "The blog post was written by me," say "I wrote the blog post." It’s more direct and uses fewer words.
- Stronger Words: Swap out weak words and phrases. Instead of "He was very angry," maybe "He seethed" or "He raged." Find that single powerful word.
- Ditch the Qualifiers: Words like "really," "very," "quite," "basically" often add little meaning. Cut them and see if the sentence is stronger. I often find they just clutter things up.
- Mix It Up: Use a blend of short, punchy sentences and slightly longer ones to create a good rhythm.
The Editing Bay: Where Conciseness is Forged
Okay, you've got a draft. Now comes the part where you need to be ruthless, like a mechanic stripping down an engine to its essential parts.
Ask "So What?"
Look at every paragraph, every sentence, maybe even every word. Ask yourself, "Does this really need to be here? Does it add real value?" If the answer is no, or you hesitate, cut it. I’ve had to learn this the hard way – sometimes deleting a sentence I liked hurts, but if it doesn't serve the reader or the core message, it has to go.
Combine and Condense
Often, you might have two or three sentences saying related things. See if you can merge them into one stronger, more efficient sentence.
Check Your Facts (and Your Words)
Make sure names, dates, and details are right. Fixing errors later or having to explain inaccuracies can add unnecessary words.
Think Beyond Paragraphs
Sometimes, walls of text aren't the best way. Could that list be bullet points? Could that data be a simple table? Use subheadings to guide the reader. These aren't just formatting tricks; they make information easier to digest quickly.
Finding the Balance: Storytelling Without the Weight
The real art is keeping the heart of your story – the details, the emotion – while trimming the fat.
Focus on Details That Matter
You don't need to describe everything. Pick the specific details that create the most impact or evoke the right feeling. What small thing makes the story vivid? Share that.
Focus on what you want the reader to feel.
Keep the Flow Simple
Even a short piece needs a sense of movement. Think: problem, struggle, solution. Use clear topic sentences to lead your reader from one point to the next without needing wordy transitions.
Keep the tone conversational, like you're talking directly to them.
Watch Out for These Word Traps
We all fall into these sometimes. Being aware helps you avoid them.
Filler Words: Trying to hit a word count? Don't pad your writing with fluff. It weakens your message. Shorter and stronger is always better than longer and weaker.
I learned that focusing on quality over quantity makes a bigger impact.
Too Much Backstory: Give only the context needed for this specific post. Readers often scan, and too much setup can make them tune out before you get to the good stuff.
Saying the Same Thing: Avoid repeating the same idea just using different words. Make your point clearly once, then move on.
Bringing It Home: Value in Every Word
Writing concisely isn't about slashing your word count just for the sake of it. It's about precision, purpose, and respect for your reader. It’s like tuning an engine – you remove what isn't necessary to make it run more powerfully and efficiently.
When you focus on delivering value with every word, you naturally cut the excess while keeping the stories and details that make your writing connect. Your blogs become sharper, clearer, and more memorable.
You provide exactly what your reader needs, without wasting their time on what they don’t. And in my book, that’s how you build trust and show your real value as a writer.