You have a flair for writing and want to have a career in it. But you have little idea about how to be content writer. This blog post will fulfil the quest of How to Be a Content Writer and launch yourself in the job market. The blueprint of the solution is prepared after days of hard work.
A few years ago, I faced a similar situation. There were many doubts in my mind, like if can I write well? Or Can I follow my passion for writing and make a promising career out of it? and most importantly How to be content writer?
If you are also sailing through this rough patch of confusion, then WELCOME. You landed on the right page.
(If you still have no idea about content writing as a career, then spare some time and read this page; I am sure you would like to save it for the future).
Let’s start our journey from How to be Content Writer to a professional content writer.
Ok, so here we go.
So If I ask, what is Content?
You will say it’s the written form of information.
And further, if I ask you to give some examples of Content.
You will name Blog based Content, articles etc.
But as I am going to mention some examples, you will realize how far the Content is essential and present in our day to day life.
You wake up and pick up your newspaper – Newspapers has Content.
The pamphlet that just dropped from the newspaper;
Milk that you removed from the fridge after checking the expiry date on the container;
Morning news that you enjoy during your breakfast time;
Your favourite TV show;
That radio ad you listened to during your run from home to office; are all Content examples.
If you think Content can only be written, you are wrong; it can be in audio, visual, and written form. But the core idea of Content will be to convey the message.
This message can be a sales appeal, a piece of information, and a movie or ad script.
[su_quote]So here is my first TIP of content writing: To broaden up your horizon.[/su_quote]
Let us understand what content writing is first. Although I will unfold the guide step by step, as I am going to uncover many Tips thus I would request my readers to make a note of them. I am sure that after reading this complete guide, you will not ask how to be a content writer again.
[su_heading size=”18″]Unlock the secret of How to be content writer.[/su_heading]
What is Content Writing?
If I tell you theoretically, then content writing starts with content planning and involves writing and Editing for specific online users.
(You must be thinking -What is new about it, I already knew it.)
But relax; let me break all these three parts of Content writing.
Our dependence on technology has increased, so is the means of assessing information.
Our modes of social interactions are changing, people are becoming more n more techno-savvy. Facebook, Twitter, shopping portals like amazon, kindle or Goodreads for ebooks have become part of our lives.
We simply google for a small piece of information and want the best of our knowledge at fewer clicks.
This change impacted search engines like google and gave rise to analytics.
Did you notice why I am telling you this?
Because content writing is not easy like any vanilla recipe.
Let me break down the whole process of Content writing one by one.
[su_highlight]But before indulging in answering how to be content writer and what is Content Planning? I would like you to get familiar with various types of Content Writings.[/su_highlight]
Types of Content Writing
Web Content
All types of information that is available on any website is web content. Be it the ‘About us page or ‘Home page’. Web content is like the base of any website. It can be in audio, visual or textual form, and visitors’ overall experience while visiting any website.
You must have noticed taglines, cheering slogans etc. Web content not always emphasizes business but reflect’s its customer philosophy.
[su_box title=”Example” style=”bubbles”]Information regarding upcoming events, declared results, the press release of dividends, and slide shows related to previously held exhibitions on the Website are examples of web content.[/su_box]
By creating useful web content, we focus on drawing positive and engaging user experiences.
Blog Posts
Blogs are a significant SEO booster extension of web content.
Blogs are personal opinions. People pen down their memoirs, ideas, share knowledge through blog posts. There are many types of blog posts like Travel Blogs, ‘How to’ blogs, transactional blogs.
We read lots of blog posts on day to day basis. The length of blogs depends on the blogger or on the editor of the post.
[su_highlight]As per Hubspot, Business houses that put more than 11 blog posts in a month gain more than 4 times extra leads than those who put blog posts four or five times.[/su_highlight]
Generally, blog posts use a conversational style of writing. But your writing style depends on your Blog’s Niche too.
Now, What is this Niche?
Relax! ( I will explain the Niche just after discussing various types of content writings).
While writing blog posts, one needs to take care of the SEO technique, as SEO helps our blogs reach the target audience better.
[su_box title=”Fact” style=”noise”]An ideal blog post should have 2,100-2,400 words for SEO purposes. (Source: Hubspot). You will be amazed that many bloggers earn really well by writing reviews or influencing their followers.[/su_box]
Article
Articles are unbiased facts. These represent information that is backed by theories or studies. Generally, articles reflect both sides of pieces of information.
You must have seen news-related articles, medicine based articles etc.
Many people related blogs with articles. But Articles are entirely different from Blogs as they hold broader information and are beyond personal interpretation and judgements.
Article writing draws a lot of research and has the support of data or statistics as well.
Press Release
Yes, a Press release is also one type of content writing. You must have read various types of press releases in newspapers.
Official statements are delivered to media houses to convey the specific nature of the information.
Sometimes businesses or authorities make direct official statements to direct the public through media.
Many writers make a press release about the launch of their books.
Companies publish press releases about mergers, the exit of key personnel. Etc. Sometimes businesses hire PR agencies to draft press releases.
Govt departments to businesses, small outlets opening to the public tender invitation, various types of press releases are circulated by personals on a regular basis.
White Papers
White papers are a formal way of writeups. They are persuasive, authoritative and detailed in nature. Such a type of writes highlights a problem and offer a definite solution for it.
White papers can be of many genres like Technical, political, administrative.
I downloaded one game online; after submitting my email id, one document popped up on my screen. Which guided me through the installation and common problems and their solutions.
Commercial Writings
This type of content writing is done for commercial purposes, with the motive to reach customers. The idea can be generating a lead or creating brand awareness among clients.
Product Descriptions
Digital marketing is a major function of eCommerce. Content writers prepare punchy product descriptions that can have an impact on customers and generate positive sales-related action.
You will be surprised that even SEO and keywords are used while writing product descriptions.
Copywriting
Copywriting is another type of content writing with the intention to make a sale. Landing pages, brochures, product pages all can have some kind of copywriting on them. The Word count of copywriting is kept short. But powerful, sensory words are used with the motive to get some economic benefit.
Newsletter writing
Remember those signups on websites where you give your consent and email id for newsletter updates?
It is a good way of collecting data from users. Companies make their users aware of new trends through newsletters. These newsletters carry the call for action, which helps in conversions. Content writers draft appealing newsletters that can become a bridge between company and user.
Email Writing
OMG, how can we ignore those missing last opportunity emails?
It is an art to frame emails. No one likes those boring ‘Dear Sir ‘or ‘Dear Madam’ kinds of emails. Marketing ways are continuously evolving. Globalization has not only opened the doors of possibilities, but the level of competition has also gone up.
If numbers are believed, then billions of emails are sent daily. Email is a good way to generate enquiry.
You can assume the popularity of email in marketing that the market is filled with courses that teach email writing.
Case studies
This is a way of content marketing. It documents how the company helped its customers to reach a solution. It is a well-researched document that depicts a particular problem and the determination of the company to conclude it in its ultimate resolution.
People regard it boring method. But the creativity of content writers can create wonders and make it an interesting read.
Ghost Writing
A ghostwriter writes for others and doesn’t get literacy credit for writing. They pen down other’s thoughts that many times are compiled as books.
But ghostwriting does not restrict to book writing only; instead, ghostwriters often write speeches for others.
What do you think politicians write their speeches themselves? No, many content writers like us pen down their speeches for them.
Academic Writing
This is again a formal but conversational style of writing. It is structured, factual and precise writing. Generally, academic writers use a third-person tone.
Scholarly articles, quizzes are some examples and extensions of academic writing.
Technical Writing
Not everyone can understand the technical titbits. So technical writers simplify the complex Content in such a simplified way that a layman can understand it well and make use of crucial information.
This type of writing is very much in demand and required. If you have hold-on technical jargon and can break complex Content easily, you can make big out of it.
Video Scripting
Content is not always read-only; instead, it can be produced in an audiovisual way too.
Content that is seen, heard is more impactful. Scripts are the brainchild of content writers that are many times shown in videos through people or animations.
You will be surprised that it is not new; television commercials are an example of it.
Profile Writing
This type of formal writing is new and very much in trend these days. Nowadays, people take the services of professional writers to write their social or professional profiles.
It won’t be new if I say that people hire writers to write their Wikipedia profile or social platform profile.
One of my friends creates Linkedin profiles for professionals.
Resume writing
Many people find difficulty building their own resumes, so they take the services of professional writers who prepare their resumes and cover letters.
It is formal as well as fact-based writing. The Writer procures all professional and job-related credentials from the client and pens them down systematically.
SOP writing
Statement of Purpose is vital information based paper that students need to submit with universities while seeking admission.
It highlights all relevant information regarding his education, career history, along with career-related interests and visions.
It facilitates professions to get an impression about the student and his career goals.
Many students take the help of professional writers to write their SOPs for them, which can help them get acknowledged.
[su_highlight]So as I left one loose end before, now I am going to explain that too. Yes, you are right. I am going to explain the Niche.[/su_highlight]
What is Niche?
When I started my writing career, I was told to follow one Niche.
As a marketing postgraduate, I had a vague idea (of course from a marketing point of you).
But how does it exist in writing? I was completely clueless.
If you ask me to quote simple meaning, I would say that Niche is a sub-segment of a particular market or a division that caters to a specific set of buyers or audience.
Many people get confused and claim that Finance is their Niche or Health.
[su_box title=”Fact” style=”noise”]Digest this fact Finance is a segment, not a niche The same goes with Health[/su_box]
These are full-fledged segments in themselves. You can not call them Niche.
Here, one can see that Health is a significant segment with some Niches like obesity, diabetes, mental health etc.
Skill Niche is further divided into sub-niche that is anti-ageing.
By dividing the segment into Niche or sub-niche, it becomes easy to identify the needs and expectations of a set of buyers better. It can further help us deliver the best suitable product as per the likings of a subset of segments.
So if you want to follow the finance segment, you can further divide it into vibrant niches. Like investment, Mortgage, Banking, Insurance or mergers.
This way, you can identify one Niche or sub-niche and start writing your blogs around it.
[su_box title=”Example” style=”bubbles”]Like in Finance -investments, ways to analyze financial statements, Mortgage Funding, these can be your Niche The same will go for Health. Weight management, female Health, tools to strengthen muscles.[/su_box]
It can be your Niche.
This way, you can find Niche in any segment and zero down it to a specific sub-segment of users.
Why Niche is important and how understanding niche, can answer ‘How to Be Content Writer’?
We, humans, have certain limitations; we can not master all segments. The same goes with machines like computers too. The computer does not perform a particular programme until you install the required software and programme it.
One needs to master one trait to be a master of it. This helps us to excel in one domain. Remember that old saying [su_quote]Jack of all trades master of none.[/su_quote]
I am going to highlight demanding Niche under major knowledge segments.
Digital Marketing
Some of the Demanding Niche for Digital Marketing are:-
- Social Media Marketing
- SEO
- Email Marketing
- Affiliated Marketing Health
Health
Some of demanding Niche for Health
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Chronic Pain
- Nutrition
Academic
Some of the Demanding Niche for Academics are
- Undergraduate courses
- OIympiad preparations
- Civil services preparations
- Career guides
Entertainment
Niche for Entertainment can be
- On Movie Reviews
- On Bollywood or Hollywood news
- Latest TV series
- Upcoming OTT shows
So the idea is more you dwell down, the better ways to reach your target audience arise.
[su_pullquote]My Dilemma[/su_pullquote]
How to use Niche in Writing was my biggest dilemma. I am a freelance content writer. How to establish for a particular niche was the biggest dilemma that I faced.
I did not know that what area of interest I follow and write about on my website.
[su_pullquote]Eureka Moment[/su_pullquote][su_quote]You can use my understanding as a Tip on content writing too. There are various types of writings like blogs, articles, sop, video scripting or copywriting. As a content writer, you can master a specific type of writing well. You can master the skill of creating taglines, product descriptions or technical writings.[/su_quote]
This way, you will get recognition among clients fast. It will help to build a strong portfolio around one Niche. Choosing you over others will become easier for your prospective client.
How to opt Niche for Blogging?
If you are writing any blog, write it around a particular Niche. Write more than 1 post around one topic.
Like if your Niche is Gaming computers, You can write blog posts of ‘Best 5 gaming computers of 2021’ or ‘accessories to make gaming easy for computers’.
If You are having your Website, publish Content around one Niche. This way, you will get recognition faster.
Most content writers reference their posts funder portfolio to share a secret but revolve their blogs around writing only.
[su_highlight]To make my readers understand it better, I will exhibit one blog writing process ahead in this article.[/su_highlight]
What is Content Planning?
If you think you will research a given topic and write the best look-able Content, it will be hit? Then you are wrong. Here is your guide to content planning.
Understand your target Audience First
You need to understand for whom you are creating this Content. You prepare the buyer or customer persona.
Keep your target audience at the centre of your Content and plan your writing strategy as per their requirements.
[su_box title=”Example” style=”bubbles”]Assume you are writing an article on Covid, you frame a scholarly paper, decorated your writeup with medical terminology and jargon. You gave it an eye-catching headline. But still, the bounce rate on your blog is very high. You made only one mistake. Actually, you wrote this blog for mommies who were curious about the safety of their kids and wanted to safeguard them from the third wave of covid. You used heavy medical jargon, the language is a bit complex, so most of your readers may leave your blog post, just after scanning the body of your post.[/su_box]
To be a successful content writer, you need to understand the expectations of your audience from the write-up.
[su_quote]So Tip Number 2 on content writing is to keep the expectations of the target audience ahead before creating Content.[/su_quote]
Ok, so you have created a customer or user persona. Now what?
Will the Content hit now?
No, You need to research well.
Research to reach your target audience.
You need to put effort to reach your Content to the target audience.
Wait, wait?
Won’t my knowledge on the topic be enough to reach them? (It must be in your mind).
See, even if you create an informative article with keeping the target audience in mind, you can not expect it to be a hit.
Why?
Because you need to do research. Research not only on the subject matter but on ways to reach your target audience.
[su_highlight]Now get familiar with word – Keyword[/su_highlight]
What are Keywords?
Keywords are those words that we put in the google bar when searching for some piece of information.
Importance of Keywords for content research
Let us understand this with the help of an example.
Example
Imagine I am looking for a term plan. To get information on various term plan options, I put word term plan in the google search bar.
Here, the word Term Plan is a “keyword”.
So, whatever word I type on the search bar to extract information is called Keyword.
Now Google will further give some suggestions to facilitate my search more specific.
Google’s algorithms understand the Content and rank them as per these stated Keywords.
How Do keywords affect Content Planning?
Guys, keywords are essential in most web writings. It can be product descriptions, youtube videos, blog posts, articles.
So when I create my content, I incorporate these keywords in my content copy.
But the immediate question that pops up is how to choose keywords?
Understand the role of Keyword Analysis.
I will elaborate by sharing my strategy of Keyword Analysis.
Whenever I write any content, say Blog, I use a free online tool – ubersuggest.
So here is the guide to use this free tool.
- Enter https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/ in the web address bar.
- Enter your Keyword at the search bar of the tool ( as shown in the image)
3. As I will enter, the tool will show this information.
4. A big valuable data related to volume, related keywords will pop up.
I will get in-depth data on keyword suggestions and their search volumes.
I will choose the Keyword by analyzing this data. And use that Keyword in my Blog to convey a message to google crawlers that my Content is about this particular Keyword and carry relative information.
[su_quote]So, here are more tips on content writing.
Choose Keywords that have low SEO difficulty (SD) but has substantial volumes. Select more than one Keyword; incorporate these extra keywords as your secondary Keyword.[/su_quote]
Now I will do an analysis of competitors’ Content.
Ubersuggest gives insight into competitors’ data too.
It will highlight the first 10 google searches of this Keyword.
So I will check their articles and take and the idea of the first 5 highly ranked pages (ignore Ad page suggestions)
Idea?
Relax
I am not going to copy their data. I will just see the quality of their Content.
[su_box title=”Tips on Content Writing” style=”noise”]Here come more Tips on Content Writing on beating competitors’ content in ranking. I will generate better content by providing extra, better and updated information than my competitor.[/su_box]
Process of Content Writing
Here is the guide that answers our main query of ‘How to be content writer’.
I know you love this part most. It is really thrilling to engage your audience and get them hooked on your Content.
But keeping your reader hooked to your Content is an art.
I know you can write well, but you need to learn the art well to be an artist.
Many times readers find the headline attractive, click on the article, and after scanning the body part, they leave the page and search further.
This has a destructive impact on your Website as the bounce rate of the Website goes up.
While we write blog posts, we aim to increase the engagement level.
You need to work on a few aspects of writing if you aim to have a golden career as a content writer.
So here I am opening another Pitara of my Tips on Content Writing
Structure your Content with Proper Headlines
You need to strategize your Content well. Give headlines, dividend your paras in parts.
Draft eye-catching headline.
Your headline is the first interface of your Blog. Readers try to analyze the matter by the headline. Thus, keep your headline engaging.
Frame more than 4 headline samples, and check which one is sounding more click-worthy.
Limit the character of your headline.
As a practice, we limit our headline to 60 characters.
- But in a study, as per Brian Dean of Backlinko, longer headlines with 14-17 words generated more social share outcomes.
- 7 % of social shares.
Here comes more data to support headline relevance.
So if you add numbers in your headlines, chances are you will get more clicks.
Further, this study suggests that Number driven headlines get more clicks from female users.
Keep your language simple.
Many writers make the mistake of using heavy vocabulary words and metaphors.
But now this practice is not in practice. Google support simple writing styles.
The structure of your article should be easy to read. Less usage of slags, jargon. It should be easy to understand.
Remember, we are in the web world. Here we do not write for English speaking natives only, instead, we cater to the masses, mainly to non-English speaking people.
Thus keep your sentence structure simple.
Use of Sensory Words
Remember sense driven experiences last long. So use sensory words.
When we write, we try to leave an impact on the reader. We expect him to carry some experience as taking away from the article.
You can make this experience better by using words that target the five senses.
Your words should give a feel of touch.
Words can be seen
Word can be tasted
I will quote some examples for your reference.
[su_box title=”Example” style=”bubbles”] -The silence of people was deafening.
– After the first wash, my hair came to life.
-The silky touch gave a free flow to my locks. the spark in her eyes made me believe in the innocence of childhood.
-Boom, an idea struck me.[/su_box]
Sensory words help to increase the impression score and keep the audience engaged.
[su_box title=”Tips on Content Writing” style=”noise”]Small Paragraphs:-Do not frame big paragraphs, rather divide them into subparts. Your readers may get bored with heavy Content. So leave white space between paragraphs so that it does not put the reader off the mark.
Giver proper headlines:-When you use headings in your Content, Google crawlers take note of it. It increases the possibility of ranking your content on search engines.[/su_box]
Good Use of Data
The use of data, stats can help your reader to analyze the Content in realistic terms.
Whenever it is possible, try to support your statements with numbers. Give reference to studies, add surveys or diagrams.
Avoid posting excess filler content
Filler content is the Content that you add to your posts to fill the gaps. They do not take the reader to any conclusive result.
Respect your reader’s time. Furnish the required information in the best possible manner. Do not try to stuff filler content to show prophesy over the Content.
Write 100% original, zero plagiarism free Content.
Posting others’ content is not good practice. Publishing other’s Content as yours can not take you ahead for long.
Always go for unique, original Content.
Practice makes a man perfect. Your writing will improve with time, so you better focus on improving your style rather than indulging in unlawful practice.
Crux of all
- Reader engagement is a skill. You need to learn the art of keeping your audience hooked to your content; from headline to a conclusion.
- So use the magic of words tactfully.
- Tease them, use page-turning strategies well.
- Modify your tone with the type of information you are delivering.
- Leave some scope for thinking.
- Do not overemphasize your theories.
- Give realistic examples.
Content Editing
Content Editing is also a process of reviewing your own work. In other words, it is the review of the work that u have done till now.
As a content writer, you will review your written draft too.
Now give me a high five; I am going to share some of the tools to make your life easier.
Tools helpful for Content Editing
Grammarly
This is a dream-come-true app. Saviour to many writers. The app highlights grammar errors, spelling mistakes, punctuations errors and conveys the Tone of the article too. This app has two versions – free and premium. Grammarly free version offers limited features. Whereas, the premium version offers many features along with plagiarism checks. You can add Grammarly extension the same way you added ubersuggest extension from google play store.
Hemingway app
This is another app like Grammarly. This checks the structure of your writing and assigns the grade based on your writing style. Keep your writing easy and simple. This app will highlight your complex sentences, passive voice structures.
Headline Analyzer
Remember I advised you to draft more than 4 headlines for your write up earlier? Here you can analyze the overall score of your headlines. You can choose the one that scores most on the system.
Content Editing and Plagiarism Check
Along with checking grammatical errors, you will perform a plagiarism check on your write up.
There are many free plagiarism checker free tools that can save you from disasters. Google’s zero plagiarism policy can put your efforts in the drain.
Ok, So as I promised that I will show the process of blog writing. Let me explain the whole process step by step.
Let’s take a step further from How to be content writer to how to write a blog post.
How To Write A Blog Post?
Step One: Select your Niche’
This is the most essential step, guys. Identify your Niche.
Assume my targeted Niche is a Weight management
Step Two: Select your Topic
- You can choose either an Evergreen content; or
- Any Topical content
Evergreen Content does not get obsolete with time; these topics have consistent search volume over time, and with limited modification, your blog post can attract traffic.
Whereas Topical Content is periodic in nature and relates to something concurrent. Such type of Content draws a sudden rise in traffic, which is influenced by some event.
So if I want to write evergreen Content on the weight loss niche, I can write on various ingredients that help reduce weight.
Similarly, if I choose any topical content, it can be ‘weight management recipes during Navratri.
Step Three: Select Your Keyword
Earlier I told you the strategy to use ubersuggest. Now I will guide your way to use Google data.
I want to write a blog on weight loss recipes. Thus, I will put my keyword ‘ Weight loss recipes’ in the search bar and enter.
If you see, circled keywords have good volume and search difficulty (SD) is also less.
So I will use the ‘healthy smoothies weight loss recipes’ Keyword in my topic.
As a practice ‘How to” and ‘numbered’ blog posts get easy traffic and are widely read. So I will frame my topic like
- 5 widely used ingredients to prepare healthy weight loss smoothie recipes.
- How to prepare healthy smoothies weight loss recipes in minutes.
Step Four: Competition analysis
These are the search results of my selected keywords. To analyze the Content of my competitors, I will adopt the below-mentioned strategy
- Read the first 5 articles
- Check their word length
- Make a list of areas where I can offer something different from existing competitor’s post
- Draft a list of related word glossaries to weight loss
Step Five: Usage of Keyword in Blog
Tips on Content writing about Keyword Usage.
- As a thumb rule, we keep .5 % density for Keyword of total word number count. It means 5 times per 1000 word count
- Use keyword in Title
- In the Introduction of Blog
- In the body of the Blog and in headlines
- Do Not overly stuff your Keyword.
Step Six: Actual Blog post writing
The readability scope of the article should be on the higher side.
Here is another set of tips to make your life easier.
Write engaging content.:-
Content that can keep readers hooked to the article. Tease them with your writing style, increase your audience’s curiosity. Give a feel of association, so they can relate with your blogs well.
Limit the use of passive voice.-
Try to write in an active voice. If you have a habit of writing in passive voice, try to learn writing in active voice.
Use of Transition words:-
Make use of transition words in your writing. Transition words help to reflect the relationship in two sentences. There are very helpful to increase the readability score of your write up.
Writing Tone and style:-
- Keep your writing tone conversational and chirpy.
- Frame simple sentences.
Proper Navigation of Article flow
- Divide your article into Headings, subheadings.
- Use Bullet marks to show important parts
- Use of Relevant images
- Give Anchor text from a reputed website
- Give an optimistic, unbiased conclusion
Step Seven: Proofreading and checking the plagiarism
- Now I will proofread my article, rectify mistakes if any. Proofreading is a must. Never publish your Blog without proofreading.
- Rectify all grammatical errors, sentence formation mistakes.
- Google does not recommend copied data. So check the uniqueness of the post on the plagiarism checker tool.
Tada!!!!
Hence, my blog post will be ready. I am all set to go to post it on the Website.
Our job gets over here if we are writing for a client.
But!!!
if we are writing a post for our own Website, then our work does not end here.
What is the use of Writing if no one is going to read it?
So we need to do content marketing. If you are a freelance content writer and have your own blog, you will have to do content marketing.
The answer to the query ‘how to be content writer’ is incomplete till the time you do not know the way to market your work.
How to market your own blog post?
Although content marketing is a function of digital marketing. But if you have your own blog website, then as a blogger, you will have to emphasize its marketing. So here are certain tricks that you can apply to reach your readers.
Work on your SEO
Believe me, SEO is damn important, and other good news it is not difficult to understand. Every Writer wishes that its writeups has high readability and reach. And for that, you need better SERP rankings.
A good focus on SEO can help you to take your Content up on search engines. I am going to explain SEO practices in the later part of the article.
Share on Social platforms
You can share your post on social groups like WhatsApp, Twitter or Facebook. The best part is you can modify the title and feature image of the article for these searches.
You can be part of Facebook groups and publish your blog post there.
Request your friends to share it among their friend circles.
The social platform is a popular medium to reach like-minded people; many market influencers like Facebook, Instagram allow you to share your Content.
I am sure you must be using Pinterest. Build a board related to your Niche and pin your blog post there. You will be amazed to know that Pinterest helps to boost reach and traffic on a blog post.
I will share another trick. Learn at what time people get active on social platforms like Facebook. Try to post your posts around that time. This will help you to market your blog post in a more effective way.
So simply use them
Answer on quora
Answer related questions on quora. Quora is a public platform where members can ask their doubts to other fellow members.
Although you can not put links on quora, as this is against their policy. They can block your profile in case of not following their guidelines.
Here, you can use the link of your blog on your profile.
Through guest posting or guest blogging
As a blogger, you can write a blog post for other’s websites too. But if it reflects your name and credential and promotes your own Blog, it becomes guest posting.
Many times guest bloggers use their Blog as an anchor link and leave it on other’s websites as CTA (call to action).
Generally, people use this tactic on higher DA websites to reference their Blog and leave a link to divert traffic back to their webpage.
This trick benefits the guest blogger with traffic and link juice.
Link Building
Link Building is necessary for our business. By link, we mean backlinks.
It is not easy to get backlinks. Mainly higher domain authority websites do not give a backlink to new websites easily.
Backlinks raise the Domain authority of a website and divert traffic to other websites.
Step by step Link building guide
- Analyze your competitor’s Content (I have already told you the trick).
- Make a list of people who have websites that have given backlinks to their blog posts.
- Critically re-analyze competitor’s Blog.
- Generate better Content, give complete and detailed information.
- Finally, write to these higher DA websites, which have given backlinks to competitors blog posts. Tell them about the uniqueness of your Content, how your Content is better and can be a better base for a backlink.
I know this strategy is lengthy, but my friend, this is the only white hat technique. It can be long, but it will surely take you ahead.
Contact social Influencers
Social influencers are nothing new now. These social influencers have their follower base online. Identify social influencers of your industry, and contact them
You can request them to publicize your Blog to their followers.
It will be wrong to say that this can be completely free. Most social influencers charge for their services.
Other techniques like repurposing
Prepare youtube videos, infographics, presentations for your blog post.
For youtube videos, you can give reference to your blog post under descriptions. You must be aware of those recipe youtube videos where vloggers leave the links of their recipe blogs.
Or those technical videos, where vloggers guide you to go through the manuals of their blog posts.
Through infographics, you can use references for your blog post. Infographics are an effective way to increase traffic to your Blog.
You can share infographics through Instagram. But do little research before that and add tags so that followers of specific tags can see your infographics on their walls.
Newsletter
If you have a database of organic users, You can send them newsletters. It is a handy way to draw attention to blog posts.
Many bloggers use emails and newsletter methods to get the attention of their users.
How could you ignore those fancy messages where visitors are told that they have unlocked success guides? To receive that guide, visitors are asked to submit their emails.
Or the other way, where visitors need to register before reading the whole article. During registration, visitors give consent for newsletters and emails too.
So, friends, I hope by now you all may have understood the value of marketing. New or old, you can never leave the possibility of reaching your target audience.
[su_quote]Once I asked my ex-colleague, xyz Bank has such a big brand, but still, they spend highly on their advertisement. His reply was quite insightful. He said that once the aeroplane starts flying in the sky; if the Pilot switches off the engine, it will definitely come down, so is the case with xyz bank.[/su_quote]
Let’s understand the much-awaited concept of SEO Now and How it can contribute to your quest of How to be content writer.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
By now, we have understood the role of google algorithms and artificial intelligence. In the era of the digital world, one can not ignore the concept of SEO.
But don’t worry. Understanding SEO is not challenging.
Before jumping to SEO directly, let me tell you that you already know the trick of selecting keywords. Keywords are the basis of SEO.
Here is a Guide for effective SEO Techniques;-
On-Page SEO Technique
This technique is in your control as it revolves around your web page. As we are content writers, here are certain practices that you need to adapt to your Content to boost SEO.
Content-based SEO practices.
- Use your Keyword in Title
- Use the Keyword in immediate Introduction
- Maintain .5% keyword density
- Use Hyperlinks of higher and reliable websites and give appropriate anchor text.
- Write good quality content, support it with data and theories.
- Never copy others’ work. Always go for original Content.
Web -Page based SEO practice
Note that this aspect may not be in your control if you write blog posts for the client. But if you have your own Website, then undoubtedly you need to understand it well.
- Use Keyword in your Meta Description
- Include your Keyword in Paralink
- Alt Text your images
Off-Page SEO Technique
This technique is not entirely in your control. Domain authority and the quality of your Content are the primary basis of this technique.
You will appreciate that there are excellent tools in the market that are really helpful to analyze the SEO for your Blog.
Yoast SEO Plugin
If you are having your own WordPress website, then this plugin will come as a big saviour. Till now, I have used two plugins – AIOSEO and Yoast.
From my personal experience, I will recommend the Yoast plugin. The plugin is a bit accurate and easy to use.
It analyzes readability as well as Keyword for higher SEO.
During my internship, my company created a WordPress user id for me for blog posting. The first thing I asked them to do was to install the Yoast plugin.
I will recommend you to explore SEO more. Although SEO is not directly related to content writing, you must be aware of it as a content writer. But I will not go into more depth.
Ok, so now let me congratulate you first. You are all get-go to launch yourself as a freelance content writer.
Instead of asking How to be a Content Writer, your following query will be something else.
How to get freelance content writing projects?
Market your blog is equally important to writing it. Let us learn this art as well.
Create your Portfolio
A portfolio is an essential thing that you need to have other than your skill.
Showbiz models, photographers, freelance artists, everyone prepare a portfolio for themselves.
The portfolio is helpful during discussions with a prospective client. Clients get an idea regarding your content writing skill.
One of my employers told me that before selecting me, he scanned my portfolio completely. I was amazed to know that he had an idea about my all blog posts and quora answers.
Some people keep word or google Docs documents and share the same with clients.
But friends, it does not give a good professional impression. Second, it does not support your claim of being the author of those writings.
So, my advice is to go for online portfolio building.
Go for your own Website
Hey hey hey!!!!
It is not an expense. Instead, it is an investment. Although it is purely your decision, But there is a reason.
Having your own Website is not an expense at all. It is an investment that will help you to establish yourself as a Brand.
I will quote my own example. Before starting my own Website, I had only theoretical knowledge of WordPress and plugins. But once I launched my Website, I have a better understanding of various tools and their impact.
At my internship, I had been provided with a WordPress user id and password. And I was able to do so because I was familiar with postings.
My Website gives a detailed view of my Writings. I Have a blog as well as portfolio pages.
I have given links to guest postings as well as freelance projects too. Any prospective client will get an easy idea about my writing style and knowledge.
Having your own Website has another significant benefit too. It establishes a freelance professionally as a brand. When any client interacts with me, they get an idea that they are not dealing with any freelance content writer from the herd, somewhat an established professional who understands the working of this field.
You can highlight the testimonials from the previous job, your blog posting rankings can exhibit your understanding of SEO.
You can write around your Niche. Suppose you are a technical writer, so you can write blog posts to exhibit your technical writing expertise.
Similarly, if you excel in copywriting, you can blog post on writing precise and effective copywriting strategies and keep specific templates to showcase your understanding.
This freedom you can get only on your own Website so just go for it!!!!
Write on Medium.com
Do you know Medium is a big platform as powerful as Youtube in the view world?
Medium is a big platform where writers across the globe publish their articles. You, too, can post your articles there.
You just need one account on Medium that you can have easily with your email id.
So create your account and start publishing.
Medium opens the world for you. Readers around the globe may read your articles, many other writers start following you, which is big applause.
I have given my medium article’s link on my portfolio page.
Write a lot of samples
You are building your portfolio to showcase your writing skills to prospective clients. Thus write samples of vivid types of writings.
There are some demanding segments and niches like fitness, technology, fashion styling. So write many blogs on these topics; it will brush up your skills and express your expertise over writing variations.
Write instructional articles on techniques of writing white papers, copywriting, or Statement of Procedure etc.
The main tip here is to just write, write and write.
Launching an EBook
If you are not thinking to launch your own EBook, then think about it now.
It will give strength to your portfolio and establish you as an organized and sorted writer. Many people have ideas and thoughts but do not know the technique of expressing them in words.
Thus, your Ebook writing skills can influence them to hire you as a ghostwriter.
Blog posts on Indiatimes
Indiatimes is the Times of India’s Website. They allow readers to guest bloggers’ posts for their Website. As Times of India is a big name in news Media thus writing blog posts for them is not easy.
Your work should be outstanding as blog posts are first approved by content editors. Just imagine your written blogs will reach many readers. You can get recognition among their organic readers.
Thus, work on it.
Guest Blogging
Just like Indiatimes, you can write blogs posts on other high ranked blogger websites. You need to contact website admins and express your desire to guest blog. You can show your portfolio to them and discuss how your blog post can help them get organic traffic.
Discuss your writing capabilities, writing style. And how you can add value to their blogs.
Testimonials
Many writers do good work but ignore this important part. Always ask for testimonials from your clients.
Testimonials hold brand value. They can help you to establish yourself as a pro. Reviews of your clients can generate more leads. Thus my advice is to always ask for testimonials from your clients. And Believe me, they won’t mind it.
So take testimonials and highlight them in your portfolio.
How to get your first writing gig?
Ok, So now you have your portfolio, so what will you do now to go ahead? More importantly, how will you get your first gig?
So here is the key.
Internships can do wonders
I will suggest you go for an internship before finding a job. Training can help you in two ways. First, you will get ample writing opportunities. You will get hands-on practical work, that learning is unmatched. Second, several times employers convert internships to full-time employment.
If you go for any professional content writing course, your institute can help you find one internship. Internshala is also an excellent medium to apply for internship projects. (I will share more information about Internshala ahead).
Applying for a job through Noukri.com
Naukri.com and indeed are examples of online job portals. Many recruiters take the help of these portals; by uploading your resume and highlighting your credentials, you will show your willingness for jobs.
Upwork
Upwork is a freelance portal that works as a bridge between freelancers or clients. Through Upwork, you get freelance job opportunities from across the globe. All you need to do is bidding for the work.
As India is a developing nation, thus you can offer your services at a low rate compared to the developed country and get exposure.
The best part of Upwork is that it will make you familiarise yourself with other nations’ writing requirements. Frequently used terms, jargon, vocabulary, common phrases etc. As a content writer, you get a global platform to showcase your skills.
Internshala
This is a new online platform that gives opportunity to fresh content writers to apply for various Part, Full or internship positions.
You need to make your account and create a detailed profile. This profile will be shared with the employer whenever you will apply for any job or internship position.
The best part of Internshala is they promote employers to content applicants through their portal only; this way, they try to safeguard the rights of applicants too.
Many types of internships offer from 0 to 15000 (INR).
The full-time range can be from 100,000 to 300,000V(INR)
Many employers may contact you, and some of them will ask you to write some sample articles for them.
[su_highlight]So a caution of advice is here for you guys, request employers to view your portfolio on your blogger sites; if still, they persist you to write a particular piece, so inform them that you will upload the same on your website and they can check it over there.[/su_highlight]
Many times people take your articles and publish same on their portals without informing you.
Cold Pitching
Many successful blogs are doing remarkable work and have lots of demand among users. As a matter of fact, these bloggers maintain a team of writers who publish their content on their sites. You can pitch to these bloggers and showcase your portfolio and ask for an assignment.
I know this approach is lengthy but not impossible. You just need one kick start to start your writing career.
Facebook Groups
You got it right; several groups on Facebook facilitates content writers. Clients post their writing conditions, budgets, requirements on the group wall.
You can become part of such groups and keep watch on postings.
But nowadays, many frauds also take place online, so I suggest using this option carefully.
[su_box title=”Tips on Content Writing” style=”noise”]Contact client through email.
Thoroughly do research about the client before jumping to the assignment.
Ask for token money as advance beforehand.[/su_box]
The above tips can help you to safeguard yourself from fraud.
Form a group of Content Writers
Content writers groups are beneficial. It can be a WhatsApp group or any other Facebook messenger group.
The idea is to maintain liaisoning with other freelance content writers. Some freelancer content writers often sublet their writing work to other fellow freelance content writers and share a part of earnings.
A group of content writers can work as an agency and get vivid types of writing assignments.
Linkedin Job Ad
Linkedin is playing an instrumental role in job placements. Many companies stopped services of HR consultants but depend on Linkedin to reach the right candidate.
For this, you need to update your Linkedin profile ingeniously and professionally. Upload your credentials, skills, professional getup photograph.
Many companies post content writer jobs; you can apply from your profile directly.
[su_highlight]There is one Tip, which I would you to consider seriously.[/su_highlight]
[su_box title=”Tips on Content Writing” style=”noise”]Start writing articles on your Linkedin wall, let your work reach show your expertise. This will give an idea about your brilliance to your connections and work as a gateway to your success.[/su_box]
Network with Web designing and digital marketing companies.
Maintain contacts with web designers and digital marketer firms. These people, too, need content writers for their client’s projects. Sometimes they recommend services of freelance Content to their clients. So keep them updated about your work. And if possible recommend their services too.
[su_box title=”Tips on Content Writing” style=”noise”]In the freelance industry, recommendation works excellent.[/su_box]
Summing it up
Getting your first break is not easy. But once you got it, you will get something to show prospective clients. Be prepared for it.
When we are fresher, we carry our portfolio. But once we have our published portfolio, which exhibits our work on the client’s web.
Once you have testimonials and published work, your work will speak for yourself and get your dream job.
I have answered most aspects of How to Be Content Writer, here are certain skills highlighted that gives you an added advantage over others.
Required Skills to become a successful Content Writer
Enhance your skills daily
Learn the art of enhancing your skills daily. There are constant changes in algorithms, search engines. Tus as a content writer, you need to upgrade your skills as per prevailing demands.
Here are some tips that you can apply to enhance your content writing skills.
[su_box title=”Tips on Content Writing” style=”noise”]Read others’ blogs daily. You will be amazed that many people write detailed blog posts on techniques of content writing. Read them, and apply them in your writing.
Make a habit of writing daily. We learn from our mistakes; you will realize that with regular practice, your writing skill gets polished. Your sentences will be more accurate, filling Content will be less.
Explore various styles of Writings. Try to apply storytelling techniques, formal Writing, narrative Writing, precise writing techniques in your writing style.[/su_box]
Establish yourself as a brand
By now, you must be aware of what I mean by brand here. You are the most powerful brand for your brand. So invest in yourself. Invest your time, efforts in writing samples. Mark your presence with your work.
Speak for your work, market it well on various platforms like Linkedin, Facebook or Pinterest.
Initially, you will market your work; later, your work will do brand building for you.
If you have your own Website, create an email list of your audience, and start accepting newsletter requests. Try to monetize your newsletter. Add a call for action and introduce your services.
Work On Bounce Rate
In today’s virtual world, it is a challenge to bring the target audience to your post. But once you get your target audience on your page, publishing relevant Content should be your aim.
Initially, visitors scan the page, and if they find language or Content worthless, they simply exit and land on other search results.
Creating engaging Content should be your primary aim. Content that can keep visitors hooked to your page and force them to take action. This action can be signup or purchase.
Beat Writer’s Block
There are some phases when you may hit the end of the road as a writer; your creative mind may stop creating original Content. This is a common phenomenon, many writers go through this rough patch when their creative mind stops working, and new ideas stop coming. As a writer, you find it challenging to compose original, engaging content.
But don’t get afraid of it; it is just a temporary phase. Most renowned writers face this issue during their careers. So just chill and have to keep patience. You need to learn the skill of beating Writer’s block. There are many strategies given on the web; just check which one best works for you.
Learn the skill of preparing reader’s persona
One needs to understand that our Content is also audience-centred. While we create Content, we keep the faceless reader in mind.
Our readers’ demographics, knowledge level, their need to seek a specific type of information. Everything we keep in mind while creating our content design.
Understand this with example. Suppose you are writing a medical article for the public, so you will avoid using jargon and give details about terminology. But when you write the same Blog for the medical fraternity, you will use more scientific language, quote more studies, and not go into detail of terminology.
The skill of using various artificial intelligence tools
These days artificial intelligence tools are very much used in content writing. One is expected to know the usability of these tools. Get yourself acquainted with widely used terms and their relevance.
But as a Content writer, you need to understand where to draw the line.
You can take the help of these tools, but it will be your judgment and creativity only that will take you the long way at the end of the day.
Summing up
Writing is an art; training can be a once or two-time affair, But it is the zeal of enhancing and brushing up the skills that can keep you ahead in this cutthroat competition.
If you wait for that best opportunity, you will keep on waiting. So my advice will be to start early, create your own opportunities. Develop the habit of creating Content daily; once it becomes a habit, your writing will become tuned with prerequisites of good writing.
Congratulations, you are a content writer now. I hope you have enjoyed your journey from How to become a content writer to Becoming a content writer. And mark my words, you know much more than any beginner now.
If you have any queries, I will request you to write back to me. I would like to resolve it at the earliest.
Is Content Writing and Blogging the same?
No, Content writing is a broader term, instead of blogging is one subpart of content writing. Blogging mainly consists of writing your personal experience, thoughts or article. But content writing involves various types of writings like White paper writing, case studies, newsletters etc.
Is there any qualification for a content writer?
A Masters degree in mass communication, English language, or journalism can have added advantages. But with the advancement of artificial intelligence, content writing is developing as a separate discipline of knowledge.
It is also true that medical journals prefer people with a medical background.
In a nutshell, if you have a degree in science or humanities, still you have ample opportunities.
How can I upgrade my Content Writing Skill?
There are many videos on youtube that answer the query of ‘How to be content writer’ you can refer to. In addition, there are special blog posts that cater to content writing strategies.
I will recommend learning something new daily. Read others’ work. Get familiar with the latest algorithms and search engines’ used methodology.
How much I can earn as Content Writer?
It seriously depends on you and your writing speed.
Content writing is like any other discipline where you earn little as fresher, but your earning capacity increases as you get more experience.
Can I do copywriting after learning content writing?
Although you can do copywriting, it is advisable that if you get knowledge of digital marketing, then your copywriting will generate better results.
Copywriting is more of lead generation and conversion centred.
To master the art of lead generation, better knowledge of digital marketing is beneficial. Many institutes provide courses in digital marketing; I would request you review their course structure before joining.
Can you recommend any content writing institutes?
Several institutes provide training in content writing like IIM Skill or Henry Harvey. Nowadays, most of the courses take place online. Thus you can opt for any institute.
If you like to opt for offline mode, I recommend you search the institute near your vicinity