what is a content writer?
As a content writer, you use your creativity to write content that tells a story about a brand or product. Most companies use written content to promote their products or services. Your job is to develop content that presents the company in a positive light. The written articles are posted on social media pages or websites. Content writers also create sales copies for email marketing and press releases.
Content writing is a flexible career that allows you to work for various organisations. Some content writers write in the public and private sectors, while others work with non-profit organisations. You either work in-house for a marketing or public relations agency or a specific company providing content writing services to various industries, including mining and manufacturing.
As a content writer, you write for various audiences. For instance, some articles target a particular audience, and sometimes, you write publications and press releases for the media. The common writing materials include blog posts, web copies, press releases and social media posts. With the diversity of the articles required, a content writer needs to be creative and adaptable to changing market demands.
find jobsaverage content writer salary
A content writer takes home an average salary of between $60,000 to $70,000 per year. The remuneration package depends on the complexity of the role and experience.
how to increase your salary as a content writer
As a content writer, your remuneration depends on various factors. While content writers don't need formal education, having academic qualifications increases your earning prospects. You earn more if you have formal education in the relevant field. Your experience also influences your remuneration. Your salary is higher when you have extensive experience in digital marketing or writing search engine-optimised content. When you have minimal experience, you earn a lower salary as you build your portfolio.
The company you work for can also influence your earnings. For instance, if you work for a non-profit organisation, you handle complex writing tasks. Your remuneration package may be higher than other content writers. Small start-ups with limited resources usually have a low budget for content, and your earnings are lower.
types of content writers
Content writers have various skill sets and areas of specialisation. Some of the types of writers include:
- seo writers: as an SEO content writer, you write content for web pages following search engine optimisation guidelines. You perform keyword searches and write high-quality content to improve the website's ranking. Your content drives traffic by aligning customer needs with the company's offerings.
- technical content writers: You specialise in creating complex technological articles as a technical content writer. You master the art of taking the dry & statistical based information you might find in a manual or an educational piece and breaking it down into something more digestible.
- copywriters: as a copywriter, you use your creativity to create sales copies like whitepapers. Your primary goal is to generate leads. Hence, your content should be accessible to process and impactful. While the content is promotional, it is crucial to maintain the brand tone and voice.
- social media content writers: as a social media writer, you aim to engage the audience on various platforms. The content should spark interest in the company and generate leads. You also tailor the content to the company's social media channels.
working as a content writer
As a content writer, you produce relevant and engaging written content for websites. Discover the specific duties, responsibilities and work schedules of content writers.
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content writer job description
Some of the duties of a content writer include the following:
- researching keywords: as a content writer, you conduct research before writing. Whether dealing with a familiar or new subject matter, it is crucial to research the current information. For instance, if a company sells similar products, it is important to research new specifications or features. Research ensures you provide accurate information in your articles. Your role also involves keyword research to help you determine the best keywords for ranking.
- writing content: after research, you write content for blogs or web pages, depending on the project. Most content writers craft engaging content for blogs. Sometimes, you write case studies or ebooks for your clients. When writing, you use storytelling skills to engage the audience while maintaining the brand's tone and voice. It is also crucial to write in simple language that consumers understand.
- editing and formatting: it is important to edit and proofread your content to ensure it provides the information required. Editing includes fact-checking and polishing the content to align with the brand messaging. Sometimes, your role involves formatting the content to make it attractive and appealing on screen. You adjust the font sizes and types and attach infographics or images to improve the content's appearance.
- ensuring the content is seo optimised: as a content writer, your articles and blog posts should achieve the expected results like increasing traffic and ranking. You can use keyword research to improve the ranking. Creating catchy headlines and ensuring the content meets the appropriate word count for optimisation is also important.
- identifying content gaps: as a content writer, you identify content gaps in a website and recommend the best article types to improve traffic. You also recommend topics that can boost the visibility of the website.
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work environment
A content writer works in various industries that rely on digital marketing to improve brand visibility. Some sectors that hire content writers include marketing and PR firms, financial services, and retailers. As a content writer, your work is office-based, without travelling or offsite visits. You spend the day working from your desk. Employers provide creative workspaces to allow content writers to work with minimal disruptions. Since you don't meet clients, you can work remotely.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include SEO specialists, content developers, digital marketing managers, team leaders and technical writers. You might also be working close to web developers and communications managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, brand managers, marketing managers, account managers, marketing coordinators, marketing executives, sales executives and media officers.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a content writer varies depending on the employer. However, the standard work schedule is 9 am to 5 pm. Most content writers only work overtime or evenings if they are attending a conference or industry event. Sometimes, you work weekends. You work full-time or part-time as a content writer, depending on the employer. Many content writers are freelancers and handle short-term contracts before moving to the next project.
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job outlook
Content writers are in high demand, with companies relying on digital marketing to increase sales and customer engagement. As a content writer, you require various writing skills, from blogging to copywriting and SEO. Some content writers specialise in a specific industry, like law or finance. To progress in your field, you require exceptional skills and qualifications. You can become the marketing or communications manager while other content writers become PR specialists.
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advantages of finding a content writer job through randstad
Finding your content writer job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as the following:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a content writer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
You don't require formal education to become a content writer. However, gaining educational qualifications improves your career prospects in the role.
Some relevant qualifications include the following:
- educational qualifications: consider completing a bachelor's degree in English, arts, journalism or communication, which takes three years. Aside from the degree course, you can complete other courses to develop knowledge of digital marketing techniques. The short-term courses improve your search engine optimisation knowledge.
- experience: you require experience to excel in the role. You can look for internship opportunities to gain work experience and build a portfolio to show prospective employers and clients.
content writer skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a content writer include the following:
- research skills: as a content writer, you require research skills to learn about different topics. Your research skills help you write authentic and detailed content. Hence, taking courses to hone your research skills improves your writing quality.
- communication skills: as a content writer, you rely on writing skills to convey your message. You require excellent written communication skills to capture the attention of the audience you are addressing. Communication skills are also helpful when you are working with a team.
- time management skills: as a content writer, you handle numerous projects. Time management skills help you organise your work and meet deadlines. With time management skills, you can handle a large volume of work.
- flexibility: as a content writer, you work on multiple projects since you deal with different clients. Adaptability helps you navigate various projects and switch focus from one project to another seamlessly.
FAQs about working as a content writer
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the content writer profession.
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how much does a full-time content writer earn?
A content writer takes home an average salary of between $60,000 to $70,000 per year.
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what are the duties of a content writer?
As a content writer, you write content for various online channels. For instance, your job could include writing long-form or short-form content for blogs, web pages and social media pages. You research themes and topics for use in content creation. You also edit, proofread and optimise content for search engines.
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what skills does a content writer need?
As a content writer, you require research skills to write up-to-date content and research information on various topics. You also need writing skills to create informative and engaging content for your audience. Time management and organisation skills are valuable in organising projects and meeting deadlines.
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is content writing a good job?
Becoming a content writer is an excellent career with great remuneration prospects. Aside from being a well-paying job, working as a content writer gives you opportunities for career development. You can become a digital marketing manager or strategist. You also have opportunities to work remotely.
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can I become a content writer with no experience?
Yes. You don't need educational qualifications or experience to work as a content writer. However, it would be best if you did a lot of research and took the time to learn from your colleagues. While starting without experience is challenging, it leads to a rewarding and lucrative career.
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how do I apply for a content writer vacancy?
Applying for a content writer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our content writer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
