Not everyone who gets into content writing is an English Major. I know I wasn’t. Heck, I dove headfirst into content writing after spending a lifetime doing science all because of one reason. I thought I could put my English proficiency to good use (and earn a quick buck) bang in the middle of the pandemic.
Two years later, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Truth be told, I am the writer I am today because of the consistent feedback I’ve received from senior editors on my team. Well, that and content writing advice I’ve implemented along the way. In this blog, I’m sharing content writing tips I wish I had known before beginning my content writing journey.
Let’s get right into it!
Content Writing Tips for Beginners: What to Do Before Starting Your Piece
TIP #1
Research your topic before you begin writing. This way, you have a fair idea about the content already out there, your reader’s expectations, and how to provide value.
TIP #2
Do your keyword research before you start drafting. This will help you understand commonly searched terms and readers’ expectations. You will also get cues about their search intent. Not to mention, incorporating these keywords in your piece will help readers discover your content easily.
TIP #3
Create an outline before diving headfirst into writing. Doing this helps you avoid writing paralysis by creating smaller sections to work with.
TIP #4
Use results from Google’s first page to create an outline for your post. This way, you know your subheads are valuable, and your post is more likely to rank higher.
TIP #5
Writing a blog for a client? Understand their business and industry niche to create a compelling piece.
How to Write Better Introductions?
TIP #6
Humans thrive on stories and emotions. Want to grab their attention? Use storytelling in your introduction.
TIP #7
Another excellent tip for writing a memorable introduction is to use the PPP framework.
- Mention the person who will benefit from the article
- Shine a light on their problems
- Show proof that you have the solution
Here’s how.
TIP #8
Your readers don’t have the time to read overtly long intros, no matter how interesting they are. Get to the crux of the piece quickly.
TIP #9
Use a unique angle to hook your reader from the beginning.
TIP #10
Your reader’s time is valuable. Give them the most important information up top. Or as the journalists call it – the lede!
TIP #11
Create a memorable opening to make your reader curious and interested to read further.
TIP #12
It takes only 3 seconds for your reader to decide whether to continue reading or click away. Include a catchy hook to make them stay.
Tips For Writing Better Conclusions
TIP #13
Use a clear call to action in all your content. This will keep your reader engaged and prompt them to take the next step.
TIP #14
What do you want your reader to take away after reading your content? Think about it and address it in your piece.
Things to Consider Before You Hit Publish
TIP #15
Format your blog for the web. Make it easier for readers to skim through it and get value.
TIP #16
Create quotable moments in your blog and provide easy social sharing buttons. This encourages the audience to repost interesting insights on their social handles, bringing traffic inadvertently to your blogs.
TIP #17
Attract your target audience with a headline that promises a solution to their query. See how we did this with one of our blogs: Using ChatGPT for SEO & Content? Beware of the AI Watermark
TIP #18
Add clear and actionable subheads wherever necessary to simplify your reader’s skimming experience.
TIP #19
Optimise your headings and subheadings using proper H1, H2, and H3 formatting. Google will reward you for it.
TIP #20
Provide visual breaks in your content using images. And make sure each image ties in with the point you’re making. You can include infographics, charts, graphical representations, etc.
TIP #21
Want to add credibility to your piece? Use specific data and statistics to solidify your arguments.
TIP #22
Address your target reader directly using “you” pronouns to engage them.
TIP #23
Write in short paragraphs. It reduces your reader’s eye strain and makes for a better viewing experience on mobile.
TIP #24
Listing out information? Use bulleted/numbered lists instead of paragraphs.
TIP #25
Always run a grammar checker. Always. Proofreading is the mother of all good content.
TIP #26
Add internal links to blogs wherever possible. It helps in keeping the reader on your website and building topical authority.
TIP #27
Cite your sources to make your piece credible.
TIP #28
Don’t make your reader ponder over the meaning of words. Instead, write simply but with authority.
TIP #29
Pay attention to the intent of your piece and use a tone to match it. You don’t want to sound salesy when empathising with a reader’s problem.
TIP #30
Know your reader’s problems and address them in your blog. This helps you build trust with them.
TIP #31
Stale data will lead you to wrong conclusions. Always use current statistics (up to 2 years old).
TIP #32
Make sure to always cite the statistic’s original source (report, survey or study).
TIP #33
Don’t have an image to complement your text? A video snippet, a poll or an ad can help you break the monotony of a text block.
TIP #34
Only keep the text that adds value to your readers’ lives. Kill everything else.
TIP #35
Add quotes, tweets or video clips from thought leaders to lend credibility to your piece.
TIP #36
Too many ideas can confuse a reader. As a rule of thumb, introduce one idea per paragraph.
TIP #37
Stick to facts and avoid making grand claims. This makes the writing seem trustworthy and creates a better impact.
TIP #38
Address the five W-questions while writing your piece – who, what, when, where, and why.
TIP #39
Write meta descriptions that clearly state the value your reader will get.
For example, here’s the meta description for our blog: How to Overcome Writer’s Block: A Guide for Marketers
“Can’t write anything today? Fear, boredom, & perfectionism might be at play. Read this handy guide to understanding & overcoming writer’s block, and write away!”
TIP #40
Don’t stray away from the intent of the article. Stick to it from start to finish.
TIP #41
It may be tempting to write from a beginner’s perspective every time you create a guide-like article. But in doing so, you’re doing your readers a disservice. Remember, your readers are only ignorant about the topic, not stupid.
TIP #42
Stick to a word count. Longer articles may require contextualising information, while shorter ones may require you to get straight to the point. Research and write accordingly.
TIP #43
Always approach editing with a fresh mind, including self-editing. Once you’re finished drafting, take a couple of hours before you start editing.
Pro Tip: Take at least 24 hours before editing your content.
TIP #44
Use the SPEAR framework as you write. Ensure your piece addresses the Search intent and Pain points, brings in your Expertise, focuses on your Audience, and builds Rapport.
TIP #45
Add heading tags to create a hierarchy in the text. It makes for a better reading experience.
TIP #46
Writing for clients? Make sure you’ve followed their style guide before the final submission.
TIP #47
Always perform a plagiarism check before publishing. Most checkers will flag phrases that are commonly used in writing. You can take the opportunity to rephrase them and ensure your piece is unique.
Content Writing Tips for Beginners: What to Do Post-publishing
TIP #48
Pages get taken down, and links expire over the years. And pointing readers to such broken links can make for a frustrating experience. So, always double-check your links and replace the ones that aren’t working.
TIP #49
Revamp your blog posts from time to time. This will keep them relevant and help you rank higher.
TIP #50
Google rewards fresh and helpful content. So, revisit your old blogs and update them from time to time to see a boost in visitors.
TIP #51
Resist the urge to edit your post if you don’t see traction immediately. Instead, promote and distribute your content across marketing channels to get referral traffic.
TIP #52
Keeping tabs on content performance will give you insights into your reader’s preferences. Set KPIs for every piece of content you write.
TIP #53
Like it or not, your content will be impacted by trends. So keep an eye on them and update your blogs when you deem fit.
TIP #54
Remember, although you can repurpose content, you need to consider the limitations of the platform you post in. For e.g., a tweet cannot be the same length as a blog. Some topics may demand longer-length posts.
Content Writing Tips for Beginners: How to Create Interesting Moments Throughout the Piece
TIP #55
Can’t find a real-world example to support your point? Make up a believable hyper-realistic scenario instead.
TIP #56
Questions can humanise even the dullest writing. Include open-ended questions, rhetorical or yes and no questions, throughout your piece to make it more engaging.
TIP #57
Your readers are always looking for ways to solve their problems. Make sure you shine a spotlight on them and address them in your pieces.
TIP #58
Blogs with a well-structured narrative tend to hold the reader’s attention longer. So, ensure all your blogs drive home a singular point.
TIP #59
Reduce jargon, period.
TIP #60
Want your writing to be more persuasive? Use the Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis framework. Present your argument, then subvert your reader’s expectations by featuring a contrarian take, and lastly, make a compelling case as to why your argument holds.
TIP #61
Uncomplicate your sentences. Write in an active voice.
TIP #62
Spice up your piece with a few controversial statements. This often forces the reader to sit up straight and pay attention.
TIP #63
Humans love picturing themselves in a story while reading it. One good way to engage your reader is to include imagery within your text.
TIP #64
Write blogs with actionable advice readers could use right away.
TIP #65
Use analogies liberally to simplify complex concepts for your readers.
TIP #66
Want your readers to enjoy reading your piece more? Use parallel construction when writing.
TIP #67
Spot a grammatically correct but awkwardly phrased sentence? Delete it. Rewrite it in a wonky but authentic way.
TIP #68
Before using a pronoun, ensure your reader knows what it refers to.
TIP #69
Avoid repeating words in the same paragraph.
TIP #70
When in doubt, read aloud.
TIP #71
Add the “why” after the “what”.
TIP #72
Transition words make the writing flow. Use them generously.
TIP #73
Vary sentence lengths to create an interesting read.
TIP #74
Use expressive words to add life to your writing. For instance, use slashed instead of cut; conquered instead of won.
TIP #75
We break too many grammar rules when we speak. So, why write in flawless English? Break some rules when writing. You will only sound more human to your reader.
TIP #76
Want to surprise a reader in their tracks? Ditch the cliches and write interesting analogies instead. Make unfamiliar connections between commonly observed objects and delight your reader.
TIP #77
Think that adverb is necessary? Read your sentence again. Now, strike it off.
TIP #78
Changing a sentence’s structure can alter your piece’s readability. Use a tool like Hemingway editor to spot errors in structure and correct them.
TIP #79
Think a word should stick out to your reader? Make it its own sentence.
TIP #80
No one wants to read another run-of-the-mill blog post. Instead, readers want to see a piece that addresses them. So, write accordingly.
TIP #81
Add examples right after you present advice. It drives the point home and makes your piece memorable.
General Content Writing Tips for Beginners
TIP #82
Make content writing and proofreading tools your friend. They will make your job easier.
TIP #83
Struggling with writer’s block? Use an AI tool to help you get started with writing.
TIP #84
All good writing comes from reading extensively. Set some time to read your peers’ work, established experts, and not-so-good writing too.
TIP #85
Your readers are de-sensitised to sameness. Develop a writing style that stands out from the rest.
TIP #86
Create a swipe file of content that inspires you. Go back to it whenever you’re lost for ideas.
TIP #87
Seek help from a seasoned editor to understand where your piece falls short. It will help you make better arguments and improve your writing skills.
TIP #88
Be persuasive in your writing but don’t write an ad copy. Readers can recognise and are put off by excessive self-promotion.
TIP #89
When writing long-form content, pay special attention to structure. Along with paragraphs and lists, try to use expert quotes, images, charts, and other images to create a non-boring information flow.
TIP #90
Starting your content journey by publishing on your own blog? Keep it consistent. Have a list of blogs you want to publish. Set deadlines and publish regularly.
TIP #91
Your writer’s brain is a muscle. Write something every day to exercise it. And become a better writer.
TIP #92
Improve your content writing skills by seeking out learning opportunities.
TIP #93
Avoid writing that sounds robotic. Or sounds like ChatGPT wrote it. The more character your writing has, the better its impact.
TIP #94
Starting as a freelancer? Build a personal brand on social platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. This will help you make valuable connections and get work.
TIP #95
Promote your content on different platforms to attract more eyeballs.
TIP #96
Becoming a better writer is an ongoing process. Have patience and seek constructive criticism.
TIP #97
As a writer, it’s easy to fall into the limitless editing trap. The best way to avoid it? Set yourself a hard deadline. Then adhere to it.
TIP #98
When creating content for commercial purposes, citing your sources might not be enough. Understand the principles of copyright and the fair use of content. It will help prevent complications later.
TIP #99
Learn to write in the different types of writing tones. It will make you a formidable writer.
TIP #100
You don’t want to put out your ugly first drafts in the world. Sleep on it, edit it and then send the final version to the client.
TIP #101
Maintain a folder of content you’ve received good feedback for. And turn to it during times of doubt and distress. They’ll cheer you up when nothing else will.
Like these tips? Explore our blog archive for more such content.
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