How to Become a Content Writer: Everything You Should Know

There was a time when people would scoff when you told them you wanted to become a writer. Writing was often perceived as a profession that doesn’t pay well. 

Earning a living solely through writing seemed like a distant dream. Consequently, many aspiring writers settled for better-paying jobs and turned their flair for words into mere side hustles.

But all that has changed.

The good news is that the landscape of professional writing has witnessed a massive transformation in recent years. 

Content writing, blogging, creative writing, copywriting — these are just some of the avenues that you can explore as an aspiring writer. And it has become possible to earn your bread and butter and secure your future through writing.

Kickstart Your Writing Journey

If you are ready to take the plunge and become a professional writer, I would highly recommend that you become a content writer. 

Want to know why?

Most companies, including MNCs, advertising agencies, startups, etc. are always on the lookout for skilled content writers. Due to the growing importance of content marketing, the scope of content writing is becoming limitless.

And that’s not all.

Even if you don’t get a full-time job, you can work as a freelance content writer. The best part about that is that you can collaborate with clients and companies from all over the world. 

All you need is a computer, a stable internet connection, and the vigor to learn. 

But like all good things, it has its downsides too.

The lucrativeness of the field has resulted in many novices trying their hands at content writing. Additionally, there isn’t a well-defined formula or strategy to become a freelance content writer.

This brings us to the most important question:

How to become a content writer? 

The truth is you don’t need any specialized qualifications to become a content writer. Instead, you need a specific set of skills to write lucid, reader-friendly, and SEO-optimized content. 

If you have always wanted to learn content writing, this guide is the only one you’ll need. So, I’d recommend bookmarking it so that you can keep referring to it whenever you need it.

In this blog post, I will cover some of the tried-and-tested techniques that have helped me become a content writer. 

I will also share some insider tips on how to hone your writing skills and become a better writer.

So, let’s get started.

What is Content Writing?

Simply put, content writing is the art of creating valuable text-based content that is well-structured, readable, and comprehensible. 

As a content writer, you will be working on blog posts, articles, ebooks, case studies, research papers, website content, etc. 

Additionally, many content writers specialize in writing copy for marketing collaterals such as flyers, posters, newsletters, etc.

The key is to create content that educates, entertains, or inspires your readers. That’s why you must understand who you are writing for. 

What’s more?

It is essential to identify your audience’s pain points, struggles, aspirations, and ambitions. Your content should address their pain points and resolve them.

Before you become a freelance writer, it’s crucial for you to understand some myths and misconceptions about content writing.

What are these?

Let’s find out.

Content Writing Myths

The rise of the internet and social media has created an extensive pool of mediocre and irrelevant content. 

While anyone can become a content writer, only a few people succeed in embracing it as a full-time profession. 

If you want to learn content writing, the first step is to identify and bust the myths about content writing.

Content Writing is Easy

First things first — content writing isn’t an online money-making scheme that will make you rich overnight. 

Becoming a successful content writer requires hard work, perseverance, and patience. 

Like any other profession, you need to build a reputation to be able to demand high rates. It’s also extremely important to be fluent in the language in which you choose to write. 

Also, you have to constantly look out for new opportunities and keep track of the latest industry trends.

Content Writing is a Saturated Profession

The enticing benefits of content writing indeed tend to lure many beginners as well as experienced writers. This, in turn, has resulted in fierce competition.

However, more advertisers and business owners are gradually realizing the importance of content marketing. 

Consequently, the demand for skilled content writers is also on the rise. 

While content writing might be a competitive industry, it offers immense scope. 

Content Writing is All About Search Engines

Keyword stuffing is one of the most common mistakes made by novice content writers, and it’s the one thing that every expert strays away from. 

Of course, you want your content to rank well on relevant search engine results. However, you should always prioritize readability and usability over search engine optimization (SEO). 

Besides, Google itself believes in giving valuable content to its readers, and keyword-stuffed content is anything but valuable.

In other words, you should focus on creating valuable and meaningful content for human readers. Include the keywords only if they organically fit into your content.

You Have to Be Creative

Content writing isn’t about spinning long stories and sagas. You don’t have to flaunt your vocabulary by using long and obscure words. 

In fact, you need to do exactly the opposite.

You should focus on conveying useful information in a straightforward and comprehensible way. 

The key is to understand what your audience wants and deliver content that will make their life easier.

You Need a Full-Time Job

This is one of the biggest dilemmas I faced as a beginner. While the stability and security of a full-time job are lucrative, they shouldn’t restrict you from finding other opportunities. 

I have often found that many companies want to outsource their content writing requirements to a freelancer instead of recruiting a full-time writer. 

Want to know why?

This is understandable considering that hiring a full-time employee involves various overhead costs. The companies can avoid these by working with freelance writers.

And that’s not all.

As a freelance writer, working with different clients is often more enriching and rewarding. It lets you experiment with different content formats, niches, and styles. 

It is also more financially viable than working as a full-time employee. You just have to find the right clients in your niche. 

To cut things short, you don’t need a full-time job to become a full-time content writer.

However, if you’re starting out, I’d highly recommend a full-time job. You can start taking up freelance projects on the side. When your income grows, you can gradually think about leaving your job.

After all, you can only command higher rates and get contracts if you have some good experience to show.

You Must Be Qualified

Before becoming a content writer, I’d often think that I won’t get any writing projects because I don’t have the right qualification. 

After all, I’m a Mechanical Engineering graduate. It had nothing to do with writing. 

It was only when I began working on the first assignment that I realized I was completely wrong. 

While content writing requires specific skills, a degree in literature or journalism isn’t mandatory. 

I quickly found various online tools for different tasks such as research, proofreading, etc. (I will share these with you later in the post.)

Content writing is a very open field in that regard, and that’s why I love it.

What’s more?

The best part about being a content writer is that it is a never-ending learning process. You will learn new things on the go as you work with different clients. 

You can also join an online course to brush up your writing skills.

It is, however, worth mentioning that certain niches of content writing require specific academic qualifications. 

For instance, a medical journal writer must have a background in medicine or biology. Likewise, a technical writer should have a background in science or engineering.

Similarly, if you’re going to write about digital marketing, you must know it well.

Now that you have a better idea of what content writing entails, let me share a few tips on finding the right opportunities.

How Can You Start Content Writing?

You could be the best writer in the world and yet fail to earn money unless you find paying clients. 

If you want to become a content writer, you must find someone willing to pay you for your skill.

This is the biggest struggle for anyone who wants to learn content writing and take it up as a profession.

So, here are a few effective ways of finding content writing opportunities:

1. Internship

Many digital marketing agencies, news publications, media houses, etc. are constantly looking for content writing interns.

While the salary may not be lucrative (many may be unpaid internships too), you get to build your portfolio. 

And that’s not all.

If your performance is remarkable, you can get a full-time content writing job. So, if you’re a student, I recommend starting with internships.

2. Freelancing

Most businesses, big or small, require amazing content writers. Without content writers, it’s difficult for any business to maintain an online presence.

So, what can you do?

You just have to reach out to them on the right platforms at the right time (I’ll talk about them in the next section).

Becoming a freelance writer is a great way of diversifying your skills and gaining experience in a vast array of subjects. 

It does, however, require you to network, negotiate, and build a strong online presence.

3. Full-Time Job

If freelancing isn’t your cup of tea, or if you’re starting out, keep an eye on online job portals to find openings for content writers. You can check out platforms like LinkedIn and Angel.co for content writing opportunities around the world.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to get a remote job too.

You can also check for openings on the websites of renowned advertising agencies, online publications, etc. 

Typically, you’ll start as a content writer and get promoted to “Content Head” or “Content Marketer” a few years down the line.

4. Blogging

You don’t always need high-paying clients or a job to make money as a content writer. You can start a blog and monetize it to earn your living. 

Now, hold your horses. Doing this is no easy feat. To earn real money from blogging, you need to put in a lot of effort and time. 

If you get it right, you may well earn more than what you can through freelancing or a full-time job.

That said, it is a great way to build your portfolio and establish your authority. If you optimize your blog posts using the right keywords, you can even attract clients who are looking for content writers in your niche.

Identifying writing opportunities is just a small step in becoming a content writer. You need to polish your writing skills, showcase your portfolio, and connect with potential clients. 

In the next section, I’ll share a step-by-step guide on how to become a content writer.

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Become a Content Writer

What is the first thing you’ll do when you want to learn content writing? You’ll likely run a quick Google search. 

I know. 

That’s what I did when I wanted to become a content writer. 

But I found that most of the blog posts and guides on “how to become a content writer” offer theoretical advice. 

Instead, I’m going to share a practical step-by-step approach to help you up your content writing game.

1. Select Your Niche

It goes without saying that you must have an inherent passion for writing to take it up as a profession. 

However, when it comes to content writing, it isn’t feasible to write about everything under the sun. 

Instead, you must carefully assess your strengths, weaknesses, and passions and choose a suitable niche.

Why should you do so?

It will help you become a content writer who specializes in a particular field. This, in turn, will help you attract suitable job opportunities and clients. 

The expertise that you build will also help you command higher rates. 

But before you zero in on a particular niche, you must analyze its profitability. 

For instance, while you might be passionate about art and history, you may not find too many paying clients in the niche.

It is also worth mentioning that you don’t have to restrict yourself to one particular niche. Just because you write about digital marketing, it doesn’t mean you can’t write about fashion and lifestyle. 

You just have to ensure that you pick profitable niches that you are interested in. Thereafter, you have to consistently write in these niches to showcase your expertise.

2. Build Your Portfolio

Whether you want a full-time job or freelance opportunities, you must create an impressive portfolio. 

The first thing I would recommend you to do is create a website and start a blog. 

Make sure you regularly publish insightful, original, and valuable content that is relevant to your niche. 

When done correctly, blogging helps you build authority and improve your website’s search engine ranking. You can take this up a notch by creating e-books, whitepapers, checklists, etc.

Additionally, your website should list your services and showcase testimonials from clients (if any). 

What’s more?

Don’t forget to include a brief “About Me” section on your website. It should give your potential clients a clear idea about your background, specialization, and experience. Add your contact details to help potential clients and employers reach out to you.

While creating a blog may seem like a daunting task, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you through it. 

I used WordPress to build my website and blog without getting into the nitty-gritty of web programming. 

Post that, I used a few plugins to add functionality to my blog and improve its performance. 

Image via WordPress

Likewise, it is essential to build a strong social media presence, especially on LinkedIn. 

Why?

Because this is the professional platform through which brands can discover you. 

Use relevant keywords in your profile description to ensure that your profile gets displayed where it needs to. 

If you have worked with any clients, request them to endorse your skills, and add a recommendation. 

That’s not all.

You should regularly publish insightful articles and posts on LinkedIn to attract new clients and employers.

Also, make sure that your profile gives a clear indication of what you have to offer.

Note how I’ve clearly explained what I do through my designation and cover photo. 

Image via LinkedIn

3. Create an Impressive Pitch

Finding a job opportunity or potential client isn’t enough. 

You must reach out to them with an eye-catching pitch to get noticed. 

But why?

Most companies receive plenty of proposals from content writers every day. 

If you want them to select you, your pitch must stand out from the crowd.

Here are a few things you should include in your pitch:

• A clear and straightforward subject line
• Address the recipient by their name
• A note on how you came across the opening or why you are writing to them
• A few writing samples (IMPORTANT)
• A link to your website and blog
• Links to your social media profiles
• Your contact details and digital signature

Register for my content writing course and get access to numerous ready-to-use templates that have worked for me.

All you have to do is customize them and you’re ready to go.

4. Sign Up on Freelancing Platforms

Now that you are ready with your portfolio and pitch, the next step is to find freelance writing opportunities. 

If you’d instead like to look for full-time jobs, you can skip this section.

You can’t wait for people to stumble upon your social media profiles or website and directly reach out to you with their requirements. 

This would be especially difficult when you’re not an established content writer.

So, what can you do?

You must proactively search for new projects and openings. I started by registering as a writer on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr. 

While the latter didn’t work out well for me, I ended up getting numerous gigs on Upwork. 

Image via Upwork

You may indeed get exploited at the beginning (You may have to work for low rates for the first few gigs).

However, once you’ve got a few projects in your pocket, you can land bigger deals. 

In fact, I’ve had some projects where I’ve earned more than $5000.

So, why should you choose these platforms?

The biggest advantage of these platforms is that they connect you with a wide range of companies and individuals from all over the world. 

Additionally, you don’t have to worry about verifying the credibility of a client. Your payments will always be safe.

To build your credibility on the platforms, you should ask your clients to leave their reviews on your profile.

Lastly, remember, you must not give up quickly. Keep trying and you’ll surely get some good long-term gigs.

PS: It took me over 2 months to land my first gig. I’ve continued to work with them for over 3 years now.

To know more about how to find freelance writing jobs check out my guide below 👇

5. Join Facebook Groups

Facebook is the biggest social network, but it’s also a great place to find content writing projects and jobs.

On the platform, you will find a plethora of groups related to content writing and freelance gigs.

All you have to do is search using keywords like “content writers”, “freelance content writing”, or “digital nomad jobs”.

Business owners and marketers from various countries often post their content writing requirements on these groups. 

You must join these groups and keep an eye on the latest posts. If you find a relevant opportunity in your niche, reach out to the client with your pitch.

Image via Facebook

Alternatively, you can post a link to your website or blog on these groups, and offer your services. 

Include a caption outlining your niche, background, rates, and contact details. I find it helpful to only join active groups that have at least a few thousand members.

6. Apply for Job Openings

If you are looking for a full-time job as a content writer, you should search for relevant openings on online job portals. 

Even a simple Google search for “content writing jobs in <location>” will reveal the recent openings. Additionally, you can use platforms such as BloggerPro, FlexJobs, Angel.co, etc.

The best part about content writing is that you can work from anywhere. This opens up scope for loads of remote jobs as well.

What’s more?

I also find it useful to watch out for job openings on LinkedIn. A strong LinkedIn profile comes in handy when you are applying for openings on LinkedIn. 

Creating a strong LinkedIn profile can also increase the chances of your profile getting discovered by potential employers.

Even if you want to become a freelance writer, I suggest that you apply for these openings. Include a brief note highlighting how hiring a freelance writer is more beneficial than recruiting a full-time employee.

7. Network, Network, Network

I cannot stress enough on how important it is to network when it comes to content writing. This is one thing that you need to do whether you’re looking for a freelance or full-time job.

Building connections can help you land great gigs and jobs. 

In fact, I got both my first jobs and numerous gigs through networking. 

Trust me, it works.

So, how can you get started?

You should start networking on LinkedIn. Build connections with marketing managers, CEOs, creative directors, and other senior-level decision-makers of companies that are relevant in your niche. 

Remember, these relationships can play a crucial role in helping you land a gig or even a full-time job.

I often reach out to companies with a cold pitch even if they don’t have a current opening. 

The key is to highlight how your skills can enhance their content strategy.

8. Fix Your Rates

How much should you charge your clients for your services? 

This is a common dilemma you will face as a budding freelance writer. 

There are numerous ways through which you can charge for your content:

• Per word
• Per hour
• Per article 

Some clients might even be willing to pay a lump sum amount for a fixed number of articles.

According to a survey, most beginners charge anywhere between $0.01 to $0.1 per word.

Image via ClearVoice

However, you must know that these rates will vary widely based on your industry. 

Some niches pay better than the others. 

So, do check your industry rates before you decide on your rates.

A simple Google search will give you some insights. 

Additionally, you should connect with experienced bloggers and content writers in your niche for more information. 

Lastly, make sure the amount justifies the time, effort, and resources you will invest in the project.

9. Register on Content Writing Platforms

Unlike freelancing websites, content writing platforms don’t require you to pitch for individual projects. 

Instead, you just have to sign-up, complete your profile, and upload your portfolio. 

Thereafter, the platform assigns relevant writing projects to you, whenever available. 

The only downside is that the payout on these platforms is significantly low. Also, you don’t get to dictate the rates here.

I would only recommend content writing platforms for beginners who want to build their portfolio while making some money. 

But, if you want to become a full-time content writer or make a sizable income from it, this isn’t a long-term solution. 

Popular content writing platforms include Constant Content, Contently, Content Gather, etc.

Image via Constant Content

10. Diversify Your Skills

Content writing is closely linked to digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, affiliate marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. 

In fact, without content, none of the other forms of digital marketing can exist.

If you are in this for the long haul, I recommend that you master these techniques as well. Add skills can improve your employability. 

Instead of looking for separate freelancers or employees for each task, they can simply outsource most of their requirements to you.

At the same time, if you want to grow your blog and monetize it, you would need to know these forms of marketing too.

Likewise, I recommend that you learn the basics of graphic designing and image editing. 

These skills will come in handy when you have to include images, infographics, and animations in your content. 

While you don’t have to master Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, you should learn to use tools like Canva and PicsArt.

Are you all set to become a content writer? 

Before you start looking for new opportunities, let me share a few effective tips to improve your content writing skills.

Content Writing Tips for Beginners

Before you begin your content writing journey, it’s crucial to understand the difference between content writing and creative writing. 

Content writing isn’t about showcasing your writing prowess, imagination, and vocabulary. Instead, it’s all about focusing on answering your readers’ questions and solving their problems.

That is why you should make your content simple, factual, logical, and to-the-point. 

Your goal, as a content writer, is to simplify things so that anyone reading your content can understand them.

The skills required to become a content writer are different from those required to become a storyteller or creative writer. 

Here are a few tried-and-tested tips for budding content writers:

1. Prioritize Research

Thorough research is the first step in creating meaningful, engaging, and valuable content. 

Even if you have to write a short 500-word blog post, you must have a strong grasp on the subject. 

The good news is that you don’t have to read lengthy books and journals for this. Search engines such as Google and Bing have made it possible to learn a wide range of topics.

So, make sure that you improve your searching skills and make yourself familiar with various search operators.

2. Create an Outline

The next step is to divide the topic into various sub-topics and pointers. This, in turn, will help you build a lucid outline for your content. 

What’s more?

It also allows you to give a better flow to your blog post. 

Include short one-line descriptions of what you’re going to write under each sub-topic and assign a tentative word count to each section as well.

This method still works for me, especially when I’m writing long-form content like this blog post.

3. Pay Attention to Readability

Even if you write the most insightful blog post, it won’t attract readers if it is difficult to read. 

As I mentioned earlier, your goal should be to convey information with ease.

So, what can you do?

I follow the practice of breaking my content into short paragraphs and grouping related paragraphs under meaningful subheadings. 

Some handy tips for improving readability are:

• Try to restrict each paragraph to three or four sentences.
• Limit the length of each sentence between 20 and 30 words
• Avoid using long and convoluted sentences with complicated words
• Break the monotony of text with relevant images and videos.

4. Make It Engaging

Use a conversational tone to make your content interactive and easy to read. 

Include personal experiences, learnings, and examples whenever relevant. Don’t hesitate to use humor if the topic permits it.

What’s more?

I make it a point to include meaningful statistics, case studies, and examples to add value to my content. It is a great way to strengthen your reputation as a content writer. 

Make sure you verify the credibility of the source using tools like MozBar (to check the DA score) of a website.

Image via MozBar

5. Don’t Over-Optimize

While keywords are essential for SEO, you shouldn’t flood your content with unnecessary keywords. 

Remember, keyword stuffing is a thing of the past. It is frowned upon today.

The best practice is to use keywords in the subheadings, introduction, conclusion, meta description, title, and image alt text. 

However, you must only insert them when you can use them naturally.

The key is to prioritize readability and reader-friendliness above optimization using keywords.

Write your content for the readers, and not for the search engine. 

6. Check for Plagiarism

Duplicating someone else’s content is one of the gravest mistakes you can make as a content writer. 

Even if you don’t consciously copy someone’s work, your content may not always pass the plagiarism test.

So, what should you do?

You can use tools like Quetext, Copyscape, and Grammarly’s Plagiarism Checker to find and remove any traces of duplicate content.

7. Don’t Ignore Proofreading

The last thing you want is to submit or publish a blog post that includes incorrect grammar or spelling mistakes. 

Content with incorrect grammar can spoil your reputation and may seem amateurish. 

I try to resist the temptation of editing while writing. 

Once you finish writing any piece of content, you must proofread and edit it. 

You can use tools like Grammarly and Hemingway App for this purpose.

8. Keep Practicing

Perseverance and consistency are the keys to becoming a successful content writer. You must allocate a few hours every day for writing.

What’s more?

You must read content written by others to get a better idea of how to write good content. Trust me, there’s no better way to learn content writing than by reading and writing.

In fact, I’ve amassed all this digital marketing knowledge solely through these modes.

All you have to do is work on it with dedication. Make sure you devote complete attention to it when you’re doing it. 

If you are working from home, I recommend that you reserve a specific part of your living space as your work area. This will help you concentrate better without any disturbance.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a profitable side hustle or a full-time profession, content writing is a great career option. 

If you are a student, you can join an online course or intern at a company to learn content writing. 

Alternatively, you can start a blog and consistently publish valuable content to establish your authority. Make sure you select one or more niches that you are passionate about.

It is equally crucial to build your portfolio and create a strong social media profile. Additionally, you can register on freelancing platforms to find writing projects. 

Irrespective of your niche, ensure that your content is easy to read and understand. You should also invest time to research the topic and prepare a concrete outline.

Lastly, remember to write for your audience, and not to rank in the search engine results pages (SERPs).

Do you have any questions on how to become a content writer? Ask them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to help. 😊

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)