Our industry is one that seems easy on the surface but is much harder in practice. Many, many people want to become content writers because of the freedom, fun, and simplicity of writing. The vast majority fail miserably, with many quitting within the first month.
It’s not that writing is necessarily difficult – although it is, in many ways. It’s that most people that start content writing think that being a good writer is all it takes to succeed. The reality is that writing for a living is much different than writing for the sake of writing, and if you don’t take the write [sic] approach you’re going to struggle to succeed.
How to Be a Content Writer
- Write ASAP – Always give yourself a short deadline regardless of what the client asks for. You’re paid by the word. The more you can complete, the more money you make, and the happier both you and your client are.
- Formatting is Crucial – Learning the proper content writing format with subheadings, bullet points, etc., is crucial for success. It’s not just about what works on the web; it’s also about presentation. Excellent formatting looks better for clients as well, and gives your work a more professional appearance.
- Stay in Touch – Many new writers forget that clients can’t see them work. It’s not like being in an office when someone can walk by and know you’re at work every day. Clients have no way of knowing if their project is being worked on or nearing completion. Stay in touch with your clients throughout the project to help reassure them that their work is getting done.
- Don’t Expect Perfection – Those that know how to write often take too much pride in their writing. You always need to be able to take criticism and suggestions. Writing for the web – and writing for clients that have their own unique goals – sometimes involves trial and error. A “perfect” piece of content may not be perfect for someone’s needs. Taking it suggestions and learning from them will always help you be better.
- Value the Small Projects – Clients that send you smaller projects may not seem as valuable, but those small projects can turn into large projects down the road. One $100 project I completed turned into over $65,000 in work, and they didn’t even come back to me for a year before offering me the larger project(s). The more every client is pleased, the more work you’ll end up receiving.
These are some of the basics of being a content writer. Chances are you already know how to write, but writing isn’t enough. If you keep these tips in mind you’ll easily become a valuable writer and stick around in the industry.
