A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Content Writer

jaro education
14, June 2024
6:00 pm

Writing content is all about presenting compelling ideas in words that catch people’s attention. It includes writing for websites, social media platforms, blogs, or emails. Content writing is important for conveying messages to different audiences. Engaging content makes people want to return for more, which can strengthen the connections between businesses and customers. With several businesses shifting online, there is a growing need for skilled content writers.

If you are curious about how to become a content writer, then you are at the right place. Continue reading to discover how you can turn your passion for writing into a content writing career.

Tips to Become a Content Writer in 10 Simple Steps

To have a thriving career in content writing, it is important to acquire basic content writing skills. When people learn how to write interesting and useful content, they can share ideas with clarity, get readers’ attention, and make them do what they want.

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to initiating your content writing career.

Step 1: Start With Some Soul-Searching

If you want to start with content writing, ask yourself one simple question: why do you want to become a content writer? This mental process will help you get clarity and confidence in your decision to become a content writer.

Now, It’s amazing if you already know your purpose, but if you are still feeling uncertain and stuck, then it’s time you ask yourself some fundamental questions to unclutter your mind:

“What is the one thing I like most about content writing?”

“How does content writing align with my future career goals and long-term purpose in life?”

“Where do I see myself in the next three to five years as a content writer?”

“What problems can I solve with writing content?”

“Is writing digital content something that comes naturally to me?”

Remember, these are some basic questions to ask yourself before you embark on the journey to become a content writer. Initially, it may look overwhelming, but it’s a critical step.

Step 2. Polish Your Basic Writing Skills

Building a strong base in writing is at the core of becoming a content writer. As a content writer, you use words to convey messages, ideas, and information. Whether you’re writing blog posts, marketing materials, or social media captions, your goal is to engage readers and leave a lasting impact.

Comprehensive knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and style is like the building block of content writing:

Grammar: Proper grammar ensures your sentences are clear, coherent, and easy to understand.

Punctuation: Punctuation marks—commas, periods, question marks. They guide readers through your content, indicating where to pause, turn, or speed up.

Style: Your writing style is your personal touch. It’s how you arrange words, choose expressions, and create a unique voice. Style can be academic, formal, informal, informational, conversational, or quirky.

While learning content writing skills is not all about following strict grammar rules or refining your language skills, you must understand basic techniques to write effective content.

Step 3. Improve Your Research Skills

Research is the foundation for writing great content. Without research, you might end up with unreliable information or miss important points. It helps you understand your topic better and write with authority.

Whether you’re writing an article, a blog post, or something for marketing, you need to make sure your information is correct and your arguments make sense. Good research skills help writers find the right information, know which sources to trust, and stay up-to-date with what’s happening in their field.

For example, when discussing the positives of physical activity, simply stating “exercise is beneficial” isn’t enough; it’s important to provide supporting data. Research is important here.

You should look for studies, views from experts, and examples from life that back up your point. This makes your content not just more persuasive but also adds value for the people who read it. Also, don’t forget to credit your sources.

Step 4. Upskill With Education and Online Courses

Once you have found your ‘why’, polished your basic content writing skills, and mastered the research techniques, it’s time to opt for a professional content writing course or training that can help you acquire the necessary skills and even hone them.

Some people who write content are naturally good at it, but if they study more and get proper training, like in the English language or mass communication, their writing can be enhanced, and others will trust their work more. If you want to be a content writer, start learning about communications and marketing.

Also, many online classes and certificates are there for content writing. These classes teach about different topics like how to write well, the best ways to use SEO, planning for content, and others.

Step 5. Dive into Digital Content Writing

Digital content writing is quite different from old-style writing because it needs a good grasp of formats that work well on the web, knowledge about SEO rules, and ways to keep readers hooked.

Being a content writer, you need to know about various online platforms and the kinds of content they thrive on. If you write for websites, social media, or email newsletters, make sure the content fits the platform and what the audience likes.

Three main unsaid rules for writing on the web can grab readers’ attention:

Your message should be clear and concise
Your writing style and format should engage readers
Your content should be web-friendly

Step 6. Learn Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO means Search Engine Optimization and it’s about optimizing your content to get a higher rank in search engine result pages (SERP) and pull in organic traffic.

Content writing and SEO go hand-in-hand in this digital era since every business or website wants to be seen and discovered by its targeted audience. Now, Search engine optimization is simple but not easy. It requires in-depth knowledge and continued practice to gain expertise in SEO. Plus, SEO goes beyond just stuffing keywords and writing informative content. The intent and usefulness of your content matter equally.

As a content writer, you must learn SEO methods, like searching for keywords, optimizing web pages, and creating links. It helps people find your work on the internet more easily.

Step 7. Create a Stellar Portfolio

If you can write, you can become a content writer with some practice and consistency. But how do other people know you are a content writer and might be the one they are looking for?

That’s where a great portfolio can set you apart and prepare you for potential opportunities. Your content writing portfolio is not just a bunch of write-ups that showcase your skills and experience; it should convey your enthusiasm for the work you do.

There are plenty of options for you:

Launch your own WordPress site and start publishing blogs on two or three topics of your interest.
Look up some paid publications for which to write guest posts, and you get a byline that goes straight to your portfolio.
If you are a beginner you can choose a primary niche and write a few detailed and well-structured pieces about it on Google Docs (or Word) to showcase your skills.

You can choose one or experiment with all to see what works for you.

Step 8: Build Your Online Presence

With the rise of the internet, it has become crucial for content writers to create a powerful personal brand and establish their online presence. Having a writer’s website or an active blog works as a main source where you can showcase your writing expertise and attract potential clients and employers.

Creating content on social media sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium can also increase visibility and networking opportunities. You can interact with other writers or people in your field and create meaningful connections.

Additionally, you can participate in various writing groups online, like joining discord servers and Quora forums, to share your ideas and writing journey. Many social networking sites offer unlimited opportunities to build authenticity and connect with professionals in your field.

Step 9: Find Content Writing Jobs

Starting out as a content writer can be tough. It might not be clear where to look for content writing jobs. But there are many ways to find writing gigs that fit your writing style and interests.

One easy way is to talk to people you know who might need writers or who can connect you to someone who does. This is called networking. Another way is to reach out directly to companies or online sites you want to write for, even if they haven’t posted any job ads. This is called cold pitching. You can find content writing jobs on Indeed, SimplyHired, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.

In addition, freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr list many writing tasks for freelancers. You can set up a profile, look through job listings, and apply for ones that interest you. Plus, many of these sites also have options for remote work.

Make sure each application you send out is made just for that job. Show off your writing skills. If you’ve done any writing work before, add it to your resume. Even if you don’t hear back right away, stay upbeat. Also, don’t forget to follow up on your applications at least twice.

With the right strategies and a little hard work, you can find the right content writing jobs.

Step 10: Stay Up-to-date

In today’s fast-moving digital world, it’s key to keep learning new skills to stay ahead. Content writers should grab chances to grow, like joining workshops, online seminars, group meetings, or forums for writers.

You should often read blogs and books about content writing. One good book is Everybody Writes by Ann Handley. Stay updated with new trends, and try new ways to write content that connects with readers.

Remember, content writers who keep learning and improving can easily adapt to new trends and tech changes.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned some essential steps to start your journey as a content writer, it’s time to implement those plans. Start by evaluating your current skills and identifying areas where you can improve. Remember, it’s essential to start small and be selective with the wealth of information available online. Take it one step at a time.

If you want to be an SEO content writer by acquiring essential digital marketing skills, the Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Digital Strategy and Marketing Analytics, by IIM Nagpur could be an excellent option. In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from IIM Nagpur faculty and industry experts with real-life case studies and practical approaches. It’s designed to be your go-to resource for learning SEO and other digital marketing skills. So, take the leap and open doors to a promising career in content writing and digital marketing.