8 Types of Content Writing: How to Become a Content Writer

Content writing is composing written material for specific informational or marketing purposes. Content writing includes copywriting, SEO writing, crafting social media posts, drafting email campaigns, scriptwriting for video content, and more. Generally, content writing appears online as a form of digital marketing. For some writers, content writing is a specialty, and many will focus on a particular type of content writing.

There are many forms of content writing, including copywriting, SEO writing, ghostwriting, and more:

1. 1. Copywriting: Copywriting predates online content but remains as relevant as ever in the digital age. Copywriting provides information about a product or service in a way that is attractive to potential customers and tells a concise story about brands or products. Copywriters compose infographics, press releases for new products, and brief messages to catch readers' attention on website landing pages, sales pages, and home pages.
2. 2. SEO writing: One of the most common types of content writing is SEO or search engine optimization writing. As a crucial aspect of many digital marketing strategies, SEO content writers are responsible for composing text that includes specific keywords to get web pages to rank as high as possible in the results pages of search engines. SEO content often comprises short sections with bolded headings and subheadings to help reader engagement and search engine algorithms.
3. 3. Ghostwriting: Ghostwriting refers to writing without credit. A ghostwriter composes text often credited to another person or organization in digital marketing and content creation. This saves time or compensates for a skills gap in a company's regular staff or a business owner. Ghostwriters often have a particular area of expertise, such as public relations or brand history.
4. 4. Technical writing: Technical writing refers to in-depth written descriptions and instructions on technical matters. Technical content can include software, robotics, finance, and engineering, among other topics. While some technical writers specialize in writing for an expert audience, others will be good at explaining highly technical matters to people new to the topic at hand, often in the form of manuals, product descriptions, or FAQs.
5. 5. Long-form content: Long-form content is a broad category of content that includes white papers, eBooks, case studies, and evergreen content. Evergreen content includes articles about issues unrelated to passing trends or fads that have staying power in the constant churn of online content. Blog content is another kind of long form web content. The engagement with these posts can be excellent for lead generation.
6. 6. Email marketing: Email marketing is a kind of content strategy for specific target audiences. Email marketing aims to create personalized and friendly content that has a degree of urgency. Email marketing is a speciality of content marketing that can require research and a knack for catching people’s attention authentically.
7. 7. Content scriptwriting: While most people know of scriptwriting as a discipline in movies and theater, content scriptwriting has to do with writing the script for video and other kinds of digital advertising content. A content writer may draft a script for short advertisements, instructional videos, or podcasts. This type of content writing can be a great fit for writers with some scriptwriting experience.
8. 8. Social media marketing: Social media content is an increasingly important niche for content writers. Many brands maintain a significant social media presence and often employ content writers to create copy and manage various social media platforms. Social media content writers provide catchy, entertaining social media posts to grow brand awareness.

If you have an interest in content writing, there are steps you can take to further this career goal. Consider the following ways to become a professional content writer:

1. 1. Read top-performing digital content. One of the best ways to improve your writing skills is by reading and examining good content. Search for topics online and peruse the top results. Bookmark pages that are especially eye-catching or have a unique writing style.
2. 2. Develop a portfolio of work. Practicing content writing is a great way to gain experience. Build a portfolio that includes your best work to showcase your skills when applying for work as a content writer.
3. 3. Brush up on grammar. A good foundation in English composition will help you write high-quality content and increase your efficiency as a writer.
4. 4. Get training. Consider pursuing a certification program for digital marketing or content writing online. Training can help you improve your writing skills and produce effective content. Some programs specialize in certain kinds of content writing and might have connections to potential employers.
5. 5. Diversify your skills. Many content writers are freelance writers and work with different clients. The more types of content writing you produce, the more opportunities you will have for work. It is essential to diversify the kind of content writing services you can provide.

If you are looking to hire a content writer, it’s good to conduct interviews and research candidates to find a good fit for your company. Have potential candidates provide a sample or two of their writing to give a sense of their ability and range. When interviewing, ask the writer about their interests—content writing works best when the writer is engaged with their subject matter.

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