How to become A Content Writer

• Copywriter
• Content Manager
• SEO Writer

What do Content Writers do?

A Content Writer would typically need to:

• Develop and create content for online and offline publications through the use of concise, eye-catching, and innovative headlines as well as body copy
• Choose subject matter that interests readers; research to obtain factual information and authentic detail on the topic, audience and style
• Communicate with and interview sources; organize facts and potential interview sources; include keywords to boost web traffic and sales
• Present drafts to editors and clients for feedback; work with them to revise and rewrite sections in an eloquent and appropriate style
• Follow established style guides, client requirements, assignment brief guidelines, and a deadline-driven agenda
• Establish credibility with editors and readers through clean prose, influential research, and relevant sources and citations
• Build a following for brands on social media with creative work based on a range of content or focused on areas, such as fashion and technology
• Attend client project team meetings to present ideas and plan future content; brainstorm and collaborate with their team for new ideas and strategies
• Research markets and industries to create content that is clear, innovative, and easily understood by the target audience

Content Writers work in an office, at home, or wherever they can access a computer and a reliable internet connection. Some prefer to work outside of cities. They travel to meet with publishers and clients, perform research or conduct in-person interviews.

Some Content Writers keep regular office hours to stay in contact with sources and editors or set up a writing routine, but many set their hours. Others may need to work evenings and weekends to produce something acceptable for an editor or client.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in the number of employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules as per work demands.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Content Writers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Some Content Writers are self-employed or freelancers hired to complete specific short-term or recurring assignments.

Content Writers are generally employed by:

• Professional Agencies
• Digital News Organizations
• Blogs

Professional associations and organisations such as the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors (IAPWE) are crucial for a Content Writer interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Writer’s block
• Having to write about unknown topics
• Race to become a perfectionist
• Meeting deadlines and juggling multiple assignments

Experience is often considered more valuable than a university education and may be gained through internships and writing for a B2B (Business to Business) audience at a large agency or corporation for at least three to four years.

Although it might be possible to land one of the few junior content writer roles usually available, entry-level positions in marketing departments or specialised marketing agencies are a more viable option for fresh graduates.

Many magazines and newspapers also offer internships to students aspiring to be Content Writers. Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews, and gain extensive publishing experience.

Marketing and Social Media Assistants gain valuable writing experience while gaining an in-depth insight into content’s role in a marketing campaign.

Summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position, or short-term paid/voluntary work offer a taste of the work, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build useful contacts, and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.

The experience may also help you determine whether the public, private, or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for work placements, internships and voluntary work in diverse sectors.

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organisation that is of interest, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career.

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts working in content writing to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Although a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, linguistics, communication, or creative writing is the general requirement, Content Writers who wish to write about them must be knowledgeable about subjects such as science, mathematics, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Aspirants need a strong background in grammar, content creation, and market research and analysis. Of equal importance are quantitative and qualitative research skills and advanced computer literacy in short keys, HTML, coding, and internet publishing.

Accredited online courses are becoming an increasingly popular choice among aspiring Content Writers seeking more flexible ways to gain requisite knowledge of and expertise in digital marketing tactics, including SEO (search engine optimisation), email marketing, and web analytics.

Helpful electives to take in high school include English language and literature, modern foreign languages, creative writing, global perspectives and research, philosophy, psychology, and Theory of Knowledge. Develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

Certification in content marketing and Google analytics from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ across regions. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression of Content Writers. Many go on to become Copywriters, Marketing Managers, and Content Strategists. As your profile expands, there may be more potential for earning income from teaching, lecturing, and appearances.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Content Writers who have adapted to online and social media and are comfortable writing for and working with various electronic and digital tools should have an advantage in finding work.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Content Writer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

New hires usually work with more experienced writers and editors to ensure their work is ready for publication. Content Writers who want to write about a particular topic may need formal training or experience related to that topic.

With more experience, you can write for various industries, work out what you are good at, and discover which areas you find challenging. Content Writers will be able to tailor their work to specialise in certain areas while still showing the ability to write across the board.

Resiliency and steady generation of quality work can help ward off the uncertainty inherent in this profession. Watch the market closely to stay abreast of the latest trends and meet market demands. Spare time to market yourself and your work effectively.

Be flexible and open to giving and receiving feedback, whose primary purpose is to develop essential technical and soft skills. 

Content Writers write eloquently about any topic of interest. They write for multiple platforms, including websites, blogs, articles, social updates, banners, case studies, guides, and white papers.

Current Scenario

With smartphones becoming a necessity more than a luxury, digital platforms, channels, and podiums have taken over traditional forms of marketing in many an industry that needs content with utility, purpose, and objective to reach out to clients and focus groups.

The brilliant growth in the digital sector has seen an incremental rise in the content writing industry. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Content Writers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Content Writer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

High-quality content and link-building are the two most important signals used by Google to rank a website for search, indicating the importance of quality and honesty over quantity.

Discipline and determination to succeed are prerequisites for an enriching career in content writing. Still, all Content Writers stress that the rewards of seeing their work in print or production make it all worth the while.

Write every day and read intensely. Explore your innermost thoughts. Write content that slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart, evoking deeply relatable emotions and passion. Good first impressions....are good for business.