Digital Writing Rule: Cut the Fluff

You ever scroll through a post and think:

“Jeez can you GET TO THE POINT??”

Well, the likelihood is you have. But the likelihood that you started to think this, then ditched the post entirely and kept on scrolling to the next one…is high.

You’re not alone.

Social media is as fast paced as the London Underground on a Monday morning. And content often falls victim to this awful plague. The Fluff Plague.

Think about it:

You find long-winded posts that dance around the main point
You skim because the writer’s buried the lead
You’re left feeling annoyed/unfulfilled
Because any potential you thought there was, got lost.

But here’s the twist. You might be guilty of it too.

Maybe without even realising, you’ve peppered your posts with fluff that drags it down this same path. A few pointless words here, a redundant phrase there…

Suddenly, you:

Lose out on engagement because the pace is off
Ruin your authority because the content is not convincing
Watch your once readers bounce because they can’t quickly get the gist
It’s okay. I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.

But guess what? Your writing doesn’t have to fall into this trap.

There’s a smarter way to craft your messages:

Choose each word intentionally
Be precise to save your reader time
Create more impactful and engaging content
So, how do you achieve this?

Embrace this one simple rule:

Cut the fluff.

Let’s dive into 5 hyper-actionable tweaks that will transform your digital writing game…today:

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1. Delete “just”
“Just” weakens your writing.

Every time “just” slips into a sentence, it minimizes the impact. It softens your point of view. Readers see it as hesitation and as a result, confidence in the message gets lost. This one single word can dilute your authority.

Let your statements stand tall without it.

2. Delete “I think”
“I think” undermines your authority.

When you start with “I think”, it sounds uncertain. Instead of presenting as an expert, you come off hesitant. The reader begins to question your knowledge. Trust in your insights starts to fade. Speculation isn’t a great base for building credibility.

Be assertive; drop the doubt.

3. Delete “also”
“Also” disrupts your content’s flow.

It’s an additive word, but not always necessary. When used carelessly, it feels like an afterthought. Each point or statement should be robust. They should be able to stand on their own, without add-ons. Overreliance on “also” makes your content feel patchy.

Streamline your sentences for more OOMPH.

4. Delete “I doubt”
Questioning yourself hinders persuasive power.

Showcasing doubt isn’t helpful in persuasion. If you’re not convinced, why should your reader be? “I doubt” projects uncertainty. It opens doors to skepticism. Your reader needs clarity, not ambivalence.

Present with confidence, not with reservations.

5. Delete “really”
“Really” is a redundant emphasis.

It’s an attempt to intensify, but often falls flat. By relying on “really”, you miss the chance for richer descriptors. Your writing deserves better than lazy emphasis. Opt for vivid language over filler words. Let your content shine with its own strength.

Make more impact by choosing words wisely.

TL;DR:
Make each word earn it’s place.

Every word should serve a purpose. And add clear value to your sentence.

By deleting unnecessary fillers, you create with clarity, concision and impact.

Remember:
On social media, attention is brief. Concision is your friend in holding reader engagement.