Editorial Guidelines
Here’s a rewritten version that’s clearer and more aligned with your voice:
Editorial Guidelines for MrPhilTucker.com
These guidelines exist for one reason: to help us create content that actually helps local business owners grow their businesses. If you’re writing for this blog, here’s what you need to know.
What We Write About
Our content focuses on topics that matter to local service-based businesses:
- Local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization
- Website design and conversion optimization
- Lead generation strategies
- Content marketing for local businesses
- Digital marketing strategy
- AI-powered marketing tools and techniques
- Small business marketing fundamentals
Every article should answer a real question that business owners are asking or solve a problem they’re facing.
Our Voice and Tone
This isn’t a corporate blog. It’s a personal brand built on authenticity and trust. Here’s how we write:
Be Authentic: Write like a real person talking to another real person. No corporate jargon, no buzzwords, no fluff.
Be Clear: Use simple, everyday language. If you need to use a technical term, explain it simply.
Be Helpful: Every article should give readers something they can actually use. Actionable takeaways matter more than impressive vocabulary.
Be Honest: Don’t overpromise. Don’t hype. Tell the truth, even when it’s not what people want to hear.
Be Personal: Use contractions (I’m, you’ll, we’re). Use “I,” “you,” and “we.” Make it conversational.
Be Confident but Humble: Share expertise without talking down to people. You’re the guide, not the hero.
Formatting Standards
Paragraphs: Keep them short. Two to four sentences maximum. Use white space generously.
Sentences: Mix short and medium sentences. Active voice whenever possible. Lead with the most important information.
Subheadings: Use them to break up longer content and make it scannable.
No em-dashes: Use commas, periods, or parentheses instead.
No horizontal dividing lines: Use white space and subheadings instead.
One-sentence paragraphs: These are fine for emphasis.
Writing Standards
Original Content Only: Everything must be original. If it’s published elsewhere, it doesn’t go here. Properly cite any external sources.
No Plagiarism: This should go without saying, but plagiarism will get you banned from writing for this site. Period.
Fact-Check Everything: Verify statistics, claims, and information using credible sources. Link to original sources whenever possible.
Keep It Current: Digital marketing changes fast. Make sure your information is up to date.
Headlines and Structure
Headlines: Should be clear and specific. Tell people exactly what they’ll learn. No clickbait.
Subheadings: Break up content every 3 to 4 paragraphs. Make them descriptive so readers can scan the article.
Introductions: Hook readers immediately by acknowledging their problem or question. No long wind-ups.
Conclusions: End with clear, actionable next steps or a summary of key takeaways.
Word Count
Aim for 800 to 1,500 words for most articles. But don’t pad content to hit a word count. If you can say it in 600 words, say it in 600 words. If it needs 2,000 words to do it justice, take 2,000 words.
Quality matters more than quantity.
SEO Best Practices
Keywords: Use relevant keywords naturally. Don’t stuff them in awkwardly. Write for humans first, search engines second.
Meta Descriptions: Write compelling summaries that accurately describe the article and encourage clicks. Keep them under 160 characters.
Internal Links: Link to other relevant articles on this site when appropriate.
External Links: Link to authoritative sources when citing statistics or referencing other content.
Images and Media
Use Visuals: Include relevant images, screenshots, infographics, or videos when they add value.
Copyright Compliance: Only use images you have rights to. This means original photos, purchased stock photos, or properly attributed Creative Commons images.
Alt Text: Always include descriptive alt text for images (good for SEO and accessibility).
Editorial Process
Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity before submitting.
Editor Review: All content goes through editorial review before publication.
Revisions: Be open to feedback and revisions. The goal is quality, not ego.
Author Attribution
Include a brief author bio at the end of each article with:
- A short background (2 to 3 sentences)
- A link to your website or social profiles (if applicable)
- A professional photo (optional but recommended)
Using AI Tools
AI can be a powerful tool for content creation, but it’s not a replacement for human expertise and authentic voice.
How We Use AI:
- Research and ideation
- Grammar and clarity improvements
- SEO optimization
- Outline generation
- First draft assistance
What AI Can’t Do:
- Replace authentic personal stories and experiences
- Maintain our unique voice without heavy editing
- Make strategic decisions about what content to create
- Understand the nuances of our audience
Human Oversight Is Required:
Every piece of AI-generated content must be thoroughly reviewed, edited, and personalized by a human. The final article should sound like it came from a real person who knows their stuff, not a robot.
If you use AI to draft content, you’re responsible for ensuring it aligns with these guidelines and our brand voice.
Content That Follows the “They Ask, You Answer” Framework
We believe in radical transparency and honesty. That means we write about topics other people avoid:
- Pricing and cost (even when it’s uncomfortable)
- Problems and limitations (even with our own services)
- Comparisons (even between us and competitors)
- Reviews and recommendations (honest ones)
- Comprehensive guides (that give away real value)
Don’t shy away from tough questions. Answer them honestly.
What We Don’t Do
No hype or empty promises: No “explosive growth” or “guaranteed results” language.
No corporate jargon: Avoid buzzwords like “synergy,” “leverage,” or “disrupt.”
No salesy or pushy tone: Never pressure or manipulate readers.
No talking down to readers: Assume intelligence and good faith.
No overly religious language: Be authentic about faith when relevant, but never preachy or exclusive.
No generic stock phrases: Sound like a real person, not a template.
Bottom Line
These guidelines exist to help us create content that’s useful, honest, and authentic. If you’re not sure whether something fits, ask yourself: Does this sound like something Phil would actually say? Does it provide real value? Would it make a local business owner feel heard and supported?
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
Questions? Reach out.