Words That Work: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting Compelling Content Writing

Content writing for beginners is a must as it is part of digital marketing. Content writing tips for beginners involve creating, writing, and editing website content to make it more appealing to the readers. All facets of marketing stem from writing and it can range from writing blog posts to video scripts and e-books, among others.

One of the earliest examples of content writing and marketing was said to be ‘The Furrow’. It was a magazine like guide book for farmers launched in 1895 by John Deere, recording a peak readership of four million by 1912. So start content writing to reap the many benefits of this writing skill. Write a book. Promote your product or service. Pen short stories. Appeal to your target audience with your writing skills.

Though the term ‘content writing and content marketing’ had not been coined then, that was precisely what it was. Engaging a reader and providing them with sticky content. John Deere is now a household name and runs The Furrow digitally.

Content writing for beginners

Humans are storytellers. If you weave evocative tales in content marketing and social media, you are bound to go viral, sooner rather than later. Ofcourse, you will have to make sure of search engine optimisation. For centuries we have shared feelings, thoughts and emotions through an array of mediums. However, not every individual has a knack for sharing captivating stories. Stories which make a reader, listener or viewer want more. Adapt your writing style in your website content for greater traction.

Content marketing is similar. It builds on a brand, aims to connect with a specific audience and hold their attention. The key to doing so, is good content writing. Content is crucial, and therefore, content is king.

Content writing mediums

A common presumption is that content writing is largely blog posts and academic articles. However, it’s not restricted to just those in the larger domain of content marketing.

Content writing comprises a variety of formats, such as…

1. Landing pages.
2. Social media posts.
3. Podcasts scripts and descriptions.
4. Video scripts and descriptions.
5. Email newsletters.
6. Blog post/article.
7. White pages.
8. Case studies.
9. Guides.
10. Infographics and data.

After gearing up to write an article or script, it can get frustrating. Constantly clicking the backspace, overthinking and endlessly scrolling through Google is not where anyone wants to be.

Content writing tips for beginners

Before writing

1. Understand your audience.

Content can be targeted at anyone. A doctor would choose to spend their time reading academic papers rather than social media but a teenager would pick the latter. If it’s a video script for example, the brand and audience have to be considered.

2. Read, read and read.

Before writing, read as much as possible from relevant sites and authors. If you intend to focus on social media, spend time scrolling through social media. Observe what works and what’s popular.

3. Research.

Once a specific topic is decided, research on it. Briefly plan the layout of the post or script. Think of what is necessary, what can be added, and the direction of it. For example, if it is an article on a new product, it could include…

1. Comparisons.
2. Testimonials.
3. Data gathered from relevant sources.

This will make the article more interesting.

4. Be aware of current and past events.

In 2017, Adidas sent a poorly worded email to participants of the Boston marathon. The email simply read, “Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon.” Normally this wouldn’t garner much attention but in light of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing which left three dead and 250 injured, this rightfully offended many people. Adidas apologised immediately but the damage was done. The lesson learnt is to be aware, and not be insensitive.

Write

1. Don’t overthink.

A heavily-edited page is better than a blank one.

2. Write the key information first.

Add on to it later. For example, while writing content on an ‘Our Services’ page, let it contain precise information rather than a long story.

3. Perception.

The audience has to perceive a business in the same light a business wants to be seen. For example, McDonalds, has always been viewed as a food chain providing unhealthy fast food. With consumer trends shifting to health and nutrition, McDonalds has to adapt by offering new healthy products and brand themselves. Therefore, the content they share has to imitate these modified values.

4. Emotional impact

Content has to strike a chord with the reader. They might feel happy or enraged. To keep them engaged, there has to be an emotional impact, to make them want more.

5. Write simple and short paragraphs.

This holds a reader’s attention far longer as most just scan through text and skip until they get where they want. Wordy piece of content with pretentious language will make a reader tune out in no time.

6. Choose the right words.

This is important to create a compelling piece. Synonyms are not really the same words as they evoke different thoughts and feelings.

For example:

1. John was fervid about football and would not stop rattling on about the match, even under the piercing rays of the sharp sun.
2. John was enthusiastic about football and continued speaking about it even under the hot sun.

Two sentences with two sets of synonyms and yet they each leave a different vision.

7. Write for the reader.

Think of what they are looking for and why they choose to visit the website. What do you offer that the others don’t? Add relevant information, hyperlinks and cite correct sources.

8. Find your style.

While the content is based on the audience demand, finding a nice, easy flowing writing style is essential. Connecting with the audience successfully while using another individual’s style and voice is impossible.

9. Word Count is paramount.

The longer the content, the higher the search rank. Typically, to get the highest search rank, content should be between 1500 and 2500 words.

According to a recent study by Backlinko, the average Google first page search result had 1447 words.

• Insert images, data and infographics.

They are visually-appealing, stimulating and make for solid content that hooks the reader. Otherwise they may lose interest even if there is relevant information.

11. Readers need to find you online or the effort isn’t fruitful.

Therefore, use the following content writing tips:

• Have a catchy headline.
• Use keywords after thorough keyword research.
• Check Google’s requirements for SEO optimisation.
• Write images and link content to sources.

12. Get rid of distractions.

Work in a comfortable and quiet environment which doesn’t break the flow easily. Have necessities like water, a notepad and some snacks. This massively reduces the time wasted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After writing

1. Do other chores.

Completely forget about the piece. Sit back and relax. Then, edit and proofread thoroughly. The break will make it easier to notice errors and redundancies.

Focus on:

• Replacing jarring words and phrases.
• Good readability and grammar.
• Making sure it is plagiarism-free.
• Having good keywords for SEO.

These can also be done online with the help of Grammarly, Plagiarism Checker and SEMrush.

2. Feedback.

Ask someone trusted for their opinions. Take them into account and re-evaluate your piece. An error previously invisible, might become apparent.

3. Post it!

This may be daunting but it is necessary for growth. Put it out there on the internet, share it among friends and family, and ask for feedback. Both positive and negative should be taken in your stride. After all, that is what will help you master the craft eventually.

4. Make notes.

Jot down what was learnt, and what could be better before writing your next piece. Don’t be too harsh on yourself and take due credit for the work.

5. Update.

Content stays on the internet forever. With formats like articles and blog posts, content can be updated at regular intervals to match the new data. This makes it fresh and increases the readership.

6. Unwind.

Unplug and take complete rest. Stay fresh and recharge for the next piece.

Becoming a great content writer takes practice, patience and persistence. While it certainly does not happen overnight, it is not impossible as long as there is motivation and dedication.

And Finally…

If you are in the market for some sticky content writing for all your business and branding needs, check out Write Wing Media. We could be just the wordsmiths you are looking for. If you are an expert in digital marketing and content marketing, you could write for us.