Track article writing efficiency

To track article writing efficiency, you can use a combination of metrics, tools, and methods that evaluate time, output quality, and productivity. Here’s a streamlined system tailored for content creators like you:

1. Define Key Efficiency Metrics

• Words Per Hour (WPH): Track how many words you write in an hour. Use a timer and word count to calculate.

• Article Completion Time: Log how long it takes to complete articles from outline to final draft.

• Editing Time Ratio: Measure time spent editing versus writing. A lower ratio often indicates cleaner first drafts.

• Revision Count: Track the number of revisions needed before publishing. Fewer revisions = higher efficiency.

• Output Volume: Articles written per week/month.

• SEO Readiness Score: How many articles meet your SEO standards on first pass?

2. Use a Tracking Sheet or App

Create a simple tracking sheet in Excel or Google Sheets with columns like:

Or use tools like:

• Notion or Trello for visual tracking

• Clockify, Toggl for time tracking

• Google Docs activity log for writing sessions

• Grammarly/Hemingway for readability and grammar efficiency feedback

3. Weekly & Monthly Analysis

• Compare average WPH across weeks

• Identify bottlenecks (e.g., topics that take longer to write or require more revisions)

• Set goals (e.g., increase WPH by 10%, reduce editing time)

4. Optimize Workflow

• Template use: Use content templates for repeatable structure.

• Batch tasks: Research multiple topics at once; do outlining in batches.

• Dedicated writing time: Block uninterrupted hours.

• Voice typing: Try dictation for fast first drafts.

• Outlining: Speeds up drafting phase by reducing planning time mid-write.

5. Content Quality Feedback Loop

Track:

• Organic traffic growth per article

• Bounce rate and time on page

• Keyword ranking changes

High-performing articles with low revision needs indicate high-efficiency writing aligned with SEO goals.

6. Visual Dashboard (Optional)

Create a dashboard using Google Data Studio or Excel to visualize:

• Average WPH over time

• Time spent writing vs. editing

• SEO performance vs. writing time

By consistently tracking and reviewing this data, you’ll be able to identify trends, eliminate inefficiencies, and increase your overall productivity as a content writer. Let me know if you’d like a ready-to-use tracking template or article optimization checklist.