This is not a step-wise guide to become a successful content writer. I have a long way to go before I become one.
Consider this list as the car windshield wiper which is used when it becomes a little too blurry to drive ahead. It is based on the lessons from my mistakes and the people I have interacted with since April 2019, when I became a content writer.
You might have a different list because everyone has their own story. I have written this especially for those who are starting out and might have similar experiences like I had in the initial months. While experiencing them personally is the best way to learn, look at this list as the proof that these things happen with everybody. And if you keep trying, it becomes easier like everything else in life.
1.Find Your Reason To Write:
Writing for yourself and for someone else are opposite ends of the spectrum. Set your expectations right before you decide to write for a living. It took a while for me to understand that what I was actually doing is making the brand’s messaging simple, clear, and relatable to its target audience. So, while the audience and the topics differed, the intent behind writing, remained the same. Having identified a common purpose between content writing and personal writing, changed my outlook towards professional writing and made my professional journey easier.
2. Learn To Manage Pressure:
Usually when you manage time, you create no room for pressure. But I think for writers, pressure management precedes time management. If you figure out a way to deal with the pressure of writing the first line, the introduction, and creating out of the world content consistently, deadlines won’t seem deadly.
Shift your focus from “thinking” about the copy to “writing” it. Keep the pressure of writing good content, impressive headlines, and proper structuring for the editing phase.
Gain clarity. Most of the time, lack of it is the only reason you are unable to start writing. The best way to do so is, ask relevant questions to relevant people at the right time (one hour before the deadline is never the right time).
Writing within a stipulated period of time takes time. Set timelines for yourself & analyse the outcome, irrespective of it being positive or negative. But in any case, try not being harsh on yourself. It didn’t help me. I am guessing it doesn’t help anyone.
3. Make An Effort To Know How You Can Make A Difference:
More often than not, you will be writing on a topic which is written & rewritten by several people & is easily available on the internet. Take a moment and ask yourself- what difference can I make?
Talk to people around you whenever you need inspiration or information. You might get interesting insights which even Google couldn’t provide you! Research need not be restricted to reading. Also, it isn’t always about your original idea. You are writing for someone else. So might as well understand what people around you think about it.
Don’t just present the statistics as it is. What do you understand from it? What do you think the reader should understand from it? They are not interested in the numbers. They want to know what will happen because of that number.
People love analogies. When you compare a complex idea with something relatable, it is easily understood and it will stay in their memory for a longer time.
4. Keep It Simple!
A major relief was when I realised that I need not write like Shakespeare, Shashi Tharoor, or someone whose proficiency I might not be able to achieve this lifetime. What you write will be consumed in seconds, and probably interpreted in milliseconds. If they don’t understand what you meant, they aren’t going to stop scrolling to understand your message.
5. Own Every Single Word You Write:
Write, edit, rewrite. But never send it out of your inbox till the time you think you have done your best. It need not be the best article you have ever written (it is a rare feeling). But just see to it you have given your best in that duration. Don’t think the editor will look into it if there is any fault. Own what you write. Good or bad. Own it.
6. Embrace Ideas 24*7:
You really don’t stop working. But if you like what you do, you won’t mind it. You are constantly going to consume content, interact with people, visit places - new and old. All these subconsciously give you some inspiration one way or the other. I have a notebook where I jot down ideas as soon as they visit me. I truly believe I am just a medium for ideas and stories to come alive. So when they do come, I respect and embrace them. Many times, when I am writing, it is based on some idea which I had a week ago. Not necessary that I came up with the concept then and there. So, observe, and don’t hesitate from new experiences. This doesn’t mean you always try to look for content wherever you go. Once a while, relax, and let it come to you.
7. Befriend The Writer In You:
Don’t get intimidated by the way others write. Find your own space. You might be the typical writer who needs silence around them for you to think straight. Or you might be that writer who can write even if a rock band is performing in front of you. Be comfortable accepting the kind of a writer you are. Slowly, as time evolves, you will come out of your comfort zone because the situations might demand it. It will happen with time. Even if it doesn’t, it is okay. You be yourself and continue delivering good content consistently. Because that matters the most!
8. Stop Cribbing About The Client:
Why do you need more negative energy? If you have reached a point where the client just won’t listen to you and you are left with no other option but to work for them, do it without complaining. At least till the project gets over! Or else it will affect your work in unimaginable ways. Because now you stop thinking about their customers and crib about the client. Thinking of the client in good light helps you to remain professional, ethical & maintain integrity. That is very important. In no circumstances should you think you are allowed to create bad content. There will be days when that will happen & you will have no control. But never do it on purpose.
9. Respect The Craft Of Writing (Even If Others Don’t):
It is a human tendency to get attracted by visual images. Happens with you, me, everyone. So usually designers get more attention than writers. Because everyone believes writing can be done by anyone. I had a hard time telling myself otherwise. It took me sometime to understand that they are making this conclusion based on individual content pieces. What they conveniently fail to understand is, content writers create content in different formats on different sectors every single day. Don’t expect them to give you a standing ovation because this is what the job demands and you signed up for it. What you didn’t sign up for is the sheer ignorance & disrespect. If it affects your work, stand up for it. If it doesn’t, continue creating great content till the time you are happy doing so & getting paid. They might come around, they might not. Anyway, they have to come back to you for copy on the creative.
I must admit, shifting from the IT industry to the content space has been one of the best and happiest decisions of my life. For the longest time I only made sure that my decisions were the “best” for me at that given moment. So when I say “best” and “happiest” together, you know how significant it is for me! Sure, the latter took its own sweet time, but it did come & I am happy I waited for it. As I continue this journey, I am sure there will be more lessons to add to this list.
Till then you tell me, what else did you learn as a professional writer? Do let me know in the comments. Share knowledge, support growth!
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