Content Writing 101: The Essential Guide

If you haven’t done it before, content writing can be quite intimidating and overawing at times.

In this digital age, where Google algorithms rule the internet - website owners have placed huge importance on quality and value-added content for their audience. That calls for SEO-rich content, and new freelance content writers are more lost than ever.

Don’t worry! You are not alone. Professional content writers struggle as much to write good digital content from time to time - that is eye-catching, engaging, and actionable all at once.

Here are some of our essential tips on how to get started on content writing!

1. Research before content writing is key

Content research is extremely crucial before you get into a new project. Understanding the final goals and objectives of the content will help you work around a demographic and set the tonality of the content right from the start. If you are already familiar with the product or service being offered by the company you are writing for, further research will give you an edge and make you look more professional.

Maintaining a list of sources you refer to is also a smart move, as nobody can doubt your content, and you can also use them later in your copy to back up facts and increase link juice by linking back to the relevant websites.

And since you cannot overlook SEO while writing for the internet, doing thorough keyword research for your demographic will help you create the most relevant content for the readers.

2. Use high-volume keywords for relevant SEO content

You can find plenty of keywords for your topic via different tools such as Google Keyword Planner. But, the challenge is to strategize which ones to use in your content. This is the point where people get greedy and use as many keywords in their copies as desired, usually termed “keyword stuffing.” Avoid this at all costs!

Prepare a list of your top 10 keywords - preferentially a mix of Head, Mid Tail, and Long Tail - and use them across your copy naturally with a keyword density of 1. The type of keywords you use (head, mid or long) also depends upon your final objectives.

3. Create an outline of your content copy

Having an outline of the body of the content will save you time and help you move faster in your writing process. Once you know your objective, clear on your target audience, and have your keyword list ready, the next step is to plot out your points and decide how your content is going to progress. Make sure to include all the points you would like to cover in your article at this stage so that you don’t miss out on any important information critical to the reader later.

4. Don’t forget to edit and proofread your work!

Writing is only half the job done. The real work lies in paring down your content, checking for mistakes, both big and small, and making sure it reads smoothly and addresses the points you want it to address.

Don’t hesitate to involve a friend or colleague for a fresh pair of eyes. If that is not feasible, give yourself some time and give it another read with a clear mind. Doing this ensures you have some time away from the content, so it will be easier for you to spot errors and issues that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Conclusion

Content writing has evolved drastically over time, with enormous attention to SEO these days. And rightly so, as it is the only means to ensure your content is reaching the right audience and providing them with the information they need or seek.

It might seem daunting at the start but don’t forget even professionals struggle to keep up with the changing trends from time to time. Keep a close eye on Google’s changing algorithms, take online courses for SEO content writing, and keep practicing!

What are your common challenges while writing online content? Do you need some help?