There’s been a conception about writing for many years—you can’t make a solid income with that kind of job. But if that’s the case, how can services place writing content on their sites giving information to the masses? Is someone doing this work for free?
The answer is no. Businesses are paying individuals to write content for them, and as a result, they make a living off of it.
Getting paid to write words sounds like a dream for some, but landing a job as a content writer may seem impossible. Actually, it’s not, and we’ll outline various ways to help you get started in this field.
1. Write and Then Write Some More
Like most things in life, content writing will require a certain amount of effort. But the problem is that although many people aspire to be writers, some don’t put in the necessary action to become better at their craft.
One of the best ways to get your start is by starting your own blog. Choose any topic, as long as you consistently post and put your work out there. The more your write, the better you’ll get.
Another tool you can use to help you get started is The Word Counter. It outlines the number of words you’ve typed, how long it will take someone to read your post, and your keyword usage. All of these components are necessary for content writing, and it’s a great tool to help you become a better wordsmith.
2. Figure Out Your Niche
Content writers can discuss a broad range of topics for various audiences. But finding an area of specialization is key.
Think about the topics you like to write about and narrow them down. For example, let’s say you’re experienced in the HVAC industry. You’ll already have some knowledge, making it easier to craft appealing content. Then you can slowly start to expand in other areas once you’ve gained more experience.
3. Gain Experience
For any field you plan to work in, gaining experience is the number one issue, and content writing is no different. How can you showcase your skills without having the opportunity to do so?
A simple way to do this is by building a solid portfolio to show potential employers. If social media is your thing, create various social media campaigns; for standard blog posts, craft compelling content on niche subjects that grabs a reader’s attention right away. Do what’s necessary to help yourself stand out, and employers will come knocking on your door.
4. Research Effectively
You may not be a scientist, but one of the most significant parts of content writing is research. To create the best content, you’ll need to be able to research quickly and effectively. Google is a never-ending pool of information, which also means keeping a watchful eye for shady source sources.
Don’t worry; you don’t need to go to page 12 during your Google search to verify the information. Instead, here are a few insights:
- Use specific keywords to narrow down authoritative sites
- Try to use .gov sites when possible
- Limit your sources to the top-ranking pages on Google
Remember, each topic will require a different amount of research. Some content may require little to none, based on your experience. Others may have you researching for an extended period before you begin writing.
5. Formatting is Your Best Friend
It might hurt to hear this, but people don’t actually read the content you write. Even if they do click on an article, they will skim through it and try to grab the most pertinent information.
You’ve probably done this yourself, which is nothing to be ashamed of. But it’s something to be aware of as a content writer. So how do you make sure people take the time to read the content you’ve written? Effectively format your article.
By adding subheadings, you can break the content into digestible chunks. Another formatting tip is to use one, two, or three-sentence paragraphs.
Bolding, italicizing words, or even using bulleted lists will help add value to your work. It doesn’t matter if there are better sources out there; as long as it’s easily readable, it will be the most effective.
6. Avoid Plagiarism At All Costs
Plagiarism is something that should go without saying. But you should never copy someone else’s work and pass it off as your own, especially when writing for clients.
Yes, you will have to research topics to gain some knowledge. But your job as a content writer is to take the information, build your own opinion, and expand on it. If you do need to take data from another source, make sure you cite it.
Become a Content Writer Today
As you can see, becoming a content writer takes some work. But by following our tips above, you can easily earn a living as a writer and stand out in your niche.