How 6 Simple Skills Help with Content Writing

(Updated post)

Simple skills are what encourage us to be better. With writing, for example, it begins with tracing words on a sheet of paper, transforming them into thoughts, and eventually telling stories in words.

Growing up, I was so fascinated with writing and drawing.  Circumstances in my life, as a child, made me forget about drawing later on.

During adolescence, I got more interested in writing. I focused and competed in several writing contests. With thoughts of success in the future, I worked myself hard into learning more about writing and competing to earn recognition and awards.

I wrote a lot during secondary school. I dreamt of being a journalist someday.  ‘Who is going to stop me?’ That was the concrete mindset I had those days.

Again, circumstances changed completely after high school.  I needed to veer away from my dream.  I did not pursue journalism and instead took an engineering course. They were popular courses in those days.

Fast forward, I practiced my engineering profession for more than a decade and later landed a job that involves a lot of writing, too. And while I am at it, I was writing contents for some websites (yes, of course) as the sideline.  I needed to earn that extra moolah.

All my dreams and experiences led me to be a content writer. I believe as the comforting line says, “All things work together for good.”

Six simple skills help me with content writing:

• Writing in different styles.

If you ask me what my favorite writing style is, it would always be narrative. I love telling stories. Content writing is more about telling stories that persuade.  I believe that all of the writing styles will help so, it helps to try the different writing styles.

• Understanding what an audience is.

Knowing my audience, as a content writer, helps me to write with them in mind.  The best way to address their interests is to write what is relevant to them. I assure you it is not an easy feat but would bring you success as a content writer if you master the art of knowing your audience.

• Trying hard to be original.

Plagiarism is always a controversial issue, so it is best to be extra careful in citing sources, and paraphrasing sentences, and using quotes.  Using a plagiarism checker is a way to be sure that what you have written is not appearing anywhere on the web.

• Learning about SEO and WordPress basics.

There are a lot of things to learn to be a content writer. They include knowledge about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and WordPress basics. SEO tools help in optimizing a website’s visibility in search engines. WordPress, on the other hand, is a platform for websites that is easy to use, very flexible, and adaptable (especially with paid plans).

• Educating self with the technology behind social media.

Social media is a tool to spread the word fast.  In this day and age, the use of social media helps a lot in connecting and linking with other individuals and groups in my niche. As a content writer, social media can help you facilitate the method of reaching a particular audience.

• Being patient with research.

Research is a daunting task, and it requires not only patience but also a skill. As a content writer, I need to be motivated to do it, and you should, too, if you aspire to be one.

It is not a simple task because what you have to research is not about how you think of the world, but how your audience thinks.

I know. They are not that simple. Let me say embrace the work to make it simple!