Tag: professional content writers

  • 5 self-branding strategies for budding content writers

    5 self-branding strategies for budding content writers

    You can be the most knowledgeable, experienced and qualified content writer ever. Yet, no one will be aware of your capabilities and approach you for work if you are not marketing yourself. Besides the competition in the content writing industry is way too intense. So, if you do not wish to miss out on some of the most excellent work opportunities, then it is a must that you start working on self-branding strategies.

    Need some help? Dive deeper and get into the details!

    Self-branding: What does it mean?

    Principles For Personal Branding Success. Read this article. |

    Self-branding also goes by the name of personal branding. If you are offering any kind of service to the mass, then you need to market yourself by using apt tactics and marketing strategies. Conveying the message of your business or brand to your target audience and letting them know that you actually exist is what we call self-branding or personal branding. The idea is to familiarise your target audience with your brand and let them know that you have solutions for their specific issues.

    Why does a professional content writer need to work on self-branding?

    Personal Branding là gì? Các bước xây dựng Personal Branding là gì?

    To stay ahead of the competition. Period!

    There are thousands of professional content writers – some work as full-timers with some agencies, while others offer freelance content writing services. A full-timer content writer needs to work on his personal brand so that he can pitch for better work opportunities and seek a higher salary. Similarly, a freelance content writer needs to build a robust brand strategy so that he never runs out of work. Although there are so many companies and businesses you can offer your services to, if you want a consistent flow of leads, then you must work on self-branding.

    Benefits of having a full-proof brand strategy

    • A personal brand helps you in developing a strong connection with your audience.
    • When you have a robust personal brand, you can charge more for your clients.
    • Self-branding helps in a continuous flow of work.
    • Self-branding portrays you as an expert.
    • Personal branding makes you easily accessible to your prospects.
    • With a full-fledged self-branding strategy, you can stand out from the crowd.

    5 sure-shot self-branding strategies that every content writer MUST use!

    • Invest in building your personal website

    Why a Website is Important for Your Small Business - Fox Valley MG

    In the initial phase of your content writing career, this may seem like a huge investment. But trust us when we say each penny is worth the investment, given the result that your website will fetch for you. Your website serves as the connection point between you and your prospects.

    • Create an appealing e-portfolio

    Apart from your website, you must also build a digital portfolio for yourself. You can share this e-portfolio whenever you pitch to a prospect. Sharing a glimpse of your recent and best works will definitely portray you as an expert, professional and experienced content writer.

    • Focus on design collaterals

    Publicity Mantra | Why is a Logo so Important?

    Most professional content writers neglect this aspect while developing self-branding strategies. If you wish to create brand awareness, then you need to work on your brand logo and email signature. You can either design these by yourself using the Canva app or hire a graphic designer for the same.

    • Choose 2-3 social media platforms and start creating content

    LinkedIn Profiles Can Now Display Career Breaks

    Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram are a haven for freelance content writers. Optimise your profiles across all these platforms. Use the same profile picture or image for all of them. And then go ahead with content creation. Regular content posting is perhaps one of the easiest personal branding strategies.

    • Network extensively!

    Networking: How to Maximize Opportunities and Boost Your Career Connections - career-advice.jobs.ac.uk

    Reach out to fellow content writing professionals. Engage actively and share genuine comments on their posts. Connect with like-minded professionals. Attend seminars, podcasts, virtual sessions and so on. In short, show up!

    Wrapping up

    Personal branding can help you sky-rocket your professional life. Apt self-branding strategies can bring you exponential growth, which you have never imagined before. So, when will you start working on your personal brand?

     

     

  • Stationeries – The Weakness of Every Content Writer

    Stationeries – The Weakness of Every Content Writer

    The world has moved from typewriters to laptops. But content writers have a special inclination towards stationeries. No matter how long they work on their smartphones and laptops, yet the satisfaction of noting down something on a lavish diary using one’s favourite pen is unmatchable. We have met so many professional content writers who confessed that they could never have enough stationery. The biggest question in their life is, “How much is too much?”

    Stationary Goods at Rs 10/unit | UniQBees School Stationery, स्कूल स्टेशनरी - Shreeji Enterprises, Thane | ID: 21185344055

    If you are a freelance content writer and are planning to hoard some stationery items in your kitty, then this blog can be a value-bomb for you. We have come up with an elaborate list of stationeries, which you can add to your collections and deck up your workspace. So, let’s start!

    Top 8 stationery items you should get yourself today!

    • Top-notch quality pens: If you are a stationery lover, you must be having a lot of pens. Professional content writers require pens on multiple occasions – jotting down important points while talking to clients, creating content strategies, charting out rough outlines and so on. Get yourself at least 5 to 10 high-quality pens that last long, as well as look good in your pen stand. You can experiment with black, red, blue or green ink. You will feel confident and happy while using them, and your creativity will easily flow out on paper.

    The 6 Best Pens 2021 | Reviews by Wirecutter

    • To-do list notepads: Freelance content writers handle all the tasks single-handedly – research, content creation, self-branding, marketing, attending client calls, managing deadlines, handling finances and so on. It is, therefore, necessary that every day you prepare your to-do list so that you never miss out on something important. Get yourself multiple to-do list notepads. You can jot down all the tasks for the day and keep ticking them off one by one as you complete the tasks.

    Personalized To Do List Notepads Easily Tear Off Daily Planner Memo Magnetic Fridge Custom A5 Notepad - Buy Custom A5 Notepad,Fridge Notepad,Magnetic Notepad Product on Alibaba.com

    • Spiral notebooks: Being a content writer, you are required to plan and strategise yours as well as your clients’ content. You may have to prepare for live sessions for social media platforms as well. Thus, you will be writing a lot of things every now and then. It is, therefore, better to have a few lavish spiral notebooks. There are so many pretty spiral notebooks available out there. Get yourself the ones that grab your attention and meet your requirements.

    Personalized Spiral Notebook: Gift/Send Personalized Gifts Gifts Online J11108134 |IGP.com

    • Binder clips: Binder clips can be your saviour if you are fond of adding mementoes or artwork to your spiral notebooks. These clips will help you keep the pages of your notebook flat open as you go on to write your thoughts and ideas. Binder clips also allow you to organise your notebooks in different parts.

    New Cute Korean Kawaii Sequins Metal Office School Binder Clips Set Stationery Supplies 8 Pcs - Buy New Cute Koran Kawaii Stationery Supplies,Office School Metal Binder Clips,Cute Koran Kawaii Sequins Metal Binder

    • Highlighter: Neon highlighters look so pretty when you use them to highlight anything specific. Whether you want to focus on some points or keep reminding yourself about your upcoming tasks, these highlights work wonders. Get yourself a few in different vibrant colours such as yellow, orange, purple, green etc.

    Any Highlighter Colored Pens Marker at Price 20 INR/Piece in Chennai | ID: 6258752

    • Washi tapes: You can brighten up your daily work on your notebook with decorative washi tapes. They help you mark significant pages in the notebook, separate different note sections as well as add some embellishments to your monotonous workbook. These tapes come in different colours- simple ones as well as vibrant florals.

    Washi+Tape - Price and Deals - Dec 2021 | Shopee Singapore

    • Sticky notes: Do you forget things often? Get yourself a handful of sticky notes, then. You can note down all the important things on these sticky notes and attach them to your bulletin board. Need to make a call at 5 pm sharp? Write that down on a sticky note.

    Brainstorming Concept Sticky Notes Stock Photo - Download Image Now - iStock

    • Pen stand: Now that you have got yourself multiple pens, you will need a pen stand to keep them organised. When you have so many pens, keeping them in one place is a real struggle. Also, your study table looks cluttered and messy. When you have a pen stand, you will never lose your favourite pens again.

    Colorful Pen Holder | Whip Your Desk Into Tip-Top Shape With These 51 Nifty Organizers — All From Amazon! | POPSUGAR Smart Living Photo 22

    Wrapping Up

    Content writers across the world accept that stationeries are their biggest weakness. The flipping of notebooks, the fragrance of new stationeries, and the clinking of new stationeries always keep content writers motivated. Get yourself all of these stationery items and flaunt your collection to fellow writers.

  • How to master the art of ghostwriting?

    How to master the art of ghostwriting?

    Ghostwriting is, right now, one of the most significant popular content styles in the content industry. There is a high demand for ghostwriters as a majority of the brands prefer publishing content under their own name. Professional content writers, therefore, majorly contribute as ghostwriters only. If you are new to this industry and wish to excel as a ghostwriter, then this blog can be quite helpful for you.

    What Exactly is the Job of a Ghostwriter?

    Ghostwriting: What is a Ghostwriter & Should You Hire One?

    A ghostwriter is a content writer who creates content for others. They do not get the credit for writing those content. Ghostwriting involves curating content for public speeches, books and online content such as blogs and articles. You may find it challenging to build your portfolio since your clients won’t give you credit for your work. But then that’s why they are hiring you – for your writing abilities.

    If you wish to grow further as a ghostwriter, then we have some fascinating tips for you.

    Top 7 Tips to Succeed as a Ghostwriter

    Ghostwriting

    1. Try to be versatile: In the beginning, do not stick to just one niche. Rather, be versatile with the work you deliver. Work on different projects. This will give you exposure to different niches, and gradually you will gain expertise in multiple topics. In just a few months, you will be able to expand your knowledge and experience to a great extent.
    2. Learn the art of adaptability: You need to be able to match the style and voice of your client. Thus, adaptability is highly required if you wish to be a successful ghostwriter. Use your own voice in articles that you publish under your own name. But whenever you are ghostwriting, it is necessary that you resonate with the voice and tonality of your client.
    3. Research a lot: Ghostwriters should be willing to conduct in-depth research work. Your content should be backed with correct facts and figures. Successful ghostwriters always research hard and use authoritative sources for curating a quality content. When you dig deeper for details and information and create a well-researched and engaging blog/article.
    4. Be highly responsible: In order to become an established ghostwriter, you should be responsible enough. There is a high demand for ghostwriters who are diligent, high-motivated and self-driven. You must deliver all your ghostwriting projects within the given deadline. Also, have open communication with your client and do not leave any room for obscurity.
    5. Keep upskilling: Be well-versed with the latest development and trends in the content industry. Try to be accustomed to the latest tools and software. Also, it is better to be accustomed to current affairs so that you can use these details to back up your content.
    6. Look for recommendations: Also, you need to actively let people know that you are up for ghostwriting work and are a professional ghostwriter. Network extensively and let people know about your availability and expertise as a ghostwriter. Ask for recommendations from the clients for whom you have worked earlier.
    7. Ask for payment upfront: Always charge in advance from your clients. Otherwise, it gets dicey, and some clients may refuse to pay you. You will not get the credit for your work since you are a ghostwriter. But the least you can ask for is upfront payment from your clients.

    In a Nutshell

    Are you looking for a fulfilling career as a ghostwriter? Then practice these tips and hacks, and things will definitely get smooth with time. Being a ghostwriter can be a fruitful career option for content writers. But one needs to work really hard to set a strong footing as a ghostwriter in the industry.

     

  • How are Professional Content Writers Helping SEO Experts in Achieving Results?

    How are Professional Content Writers Helping SEO Experts in Achieving Results?

    If you are a professional content writer, then the chances are that you already know the importance of SEO-friendly content. Enriching and informative content that follows the SEO guidelines is highly beneficial for the optimisation of a website.  Strategic content marketing helps in the high-end optimisation of any website. If the content is SEO friendly, then there are higher chances that the website will be visible at the top of search engine results. Hence, every SEO expert seeks to hire professional content writers who can deliver befitting content for the websites.

    SEO experts and content writers are the two building blocks that lead to building a robust foundation for any successful website. Hence, apart from all the technicalities of search engine optimisation, the most significant requirement is that of a competent content writer who can offer great benefits to SEO experts.

    What benefits do professional content writers offer to SEO experts?

    17 Tactics to Create Engaging & SEO-Friendly Content

    An SEO expert always seeks to hire the best content writing services. He cannot compromise upon the content’s quality because content that offers value serves as his asset. A content writer needs to understand that he/she has a great role to play in building an interactive, engaging, and SEO-friendly website. Professional content writers, therefore, bring forth multiple offers to the SEO experts. Let us know how content writers in Delhi can help in effective search engine optimisation:

    The eCommerce Guide to Writing SEO-Friendly Content

    a. Plagiarism is a big No-No: Your content should be completely unique, and no single line can be copied from any other source. Paraphrasing and rewriting are acceptable, but straightforward copying is a red flag for SEO experts. Use tools like Grammarly, Copyscape, Turnitin to make your content plagiarism-free.

    b. Switch to active from passive: When you express your ideas and thoughts in an active voice, they sound much more attractive and realistic. Search engines also prefer active over passive voice.

    c. Target location decides the language: Know about the target location for which you are writing and use English accordingly. For instance, for a New York based company, use USA English, and for an Australian company, you should use Australian English. Tools like Language Tools will help you with this.

    d. Keyword density: Overloading keywords in your content is not a sign of SEO-friendly content. Rather stick to the word count, decide upon the keyword density, and exceed the limit.

    • Staying available when needed: Being a content writer, you need to be available for your clients. And if your client is an SEO expert, make sure you show some extra dedication towards him as he may ask for some edits or alterations which suit the optimisation process. Set your work time and make sure you stay available during those hours in case the SEO expert needs your help.
    • Offering affordable content writing packages: You should definitely charge for your experience, dedication, efforts, and knowledge. But this does not mean you end up charging a bomb for your content writing services. Otherwise, you will scare away most of your clients. Be clever, professional, and realistic while offering your content writing packages.
    • Cutting down on jargon: No layman ever wants to visit a website and then open his mobile dictionary to know the meaning of specific words. So cut down on the usage of high-end words and instead use simple, easy-to-understand, and read simple words. Also, short, easy-to-read sentences are always favourite among search engines.
    • Keeping updated with the latest SEO techniques: SEO is a complex world and knowing it from the inside out is highly essential. Keep yourself updated about the various changes that keep taking place in the SEO industry.

    How to write SEO friendly content | Yoshiro Digital

    So, next time an SEO expert approaches you, keep these points in mind and offer him/her the best services you can.

     

  • How to Say No to Free Content Writing Samples

    How to Say No to Free Content Writing Samples

    Have you ever encountered a situation when a client asked you to write for free? If yes, then you should definitely read this blog. It covers all the pain points of a newbie freelance content writers who end up writing multiple free samples just in the hope of getting work and gaining experience.

    If you are an Indian content writer and are trying to establish yourself in the industry, then you must have written content for free at least once in your life. Either the clients refuse to pay for a sample or simply ghost the writer after he/she delivers content.

    When a client approaches you and asks you to write a sample for free, you should not agree at all. However, there are multiple ways using which you can convince your prospective clients about your writing capabilities. Here we will discuss all those techniques and methods which you can try instead of succumbing to the pressure of writing for free.

    Tips to say “NO” to clients who ask you to deliver free samples

    • Share your previous assignments: Whenever a client wants you to write a sample for free, you can always say no politely and agree to share your previous published assignments that you have done for other clients. This will give the prospective client a clear idea about your capabilities and writing style.

    In case a client asks you to share free content so that he can judge your calibre, share your LinkedIn, Upwork, and other profiles. Make sure you are quite active on these platforms so that a client can understand your potential by going through these profiles. Feel free to speak up about your experience in the industry.

    • Create your own website: This is perhaps the most convincing technique, which will definitely help you seal the deal with multiple clients without having to write for free. Create a website using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Medium. Make sure you have the following sections on your website:

    Home page- This is the first page where your clients will land once they click on your website link. So make sure it reflects your passion for writing, abilities, and services you offer to help clients accomplish their goals.

    About us/Know me- Introduce yourself to the world and let them know who you are, what you do, your preferences, and so on.

    Services – Mention all the services you provide, such as content writing, copywriting, proofreading, editing, rewriting, etc.

    Portfolio – Share the links of your best works in this segment so that clients can check your writing style.

    Client testimonials – Do not forget to add valuable client feedbacks regarding your previous work.

    Blog – Keep uploading informative and engaging content that reflects your idea and speaks volumes about the niche you are comfortable in.

    Contact – Make sure you add your email ID, phone number, and other contact details to the website so that interested clients can contact you.

    What is a content writer? Here's a day in the life | Brafton

    • Avoid delivering the complete content: This is the last resort that you should choose, given that all other methods fail to convince the client. If you are a complete newbie and do not have enough experience or your social media profiles do not look convincing enough, then you can share just a part of the required content with the client. Be very polite and professional as you ask for your payment to send in the complete content.

    Start using these tips and tricks and know that established professional content writers of the industry following the upcoming time.

     

  • 7 Things Companies Are Doing Wrong with Content Writers

    7 Things Companies Are Doing Wrong with Content Writers

    Freelancing has never been a cakewalk for content writers. Even after having years of experience and being proficient in different niches, freelance content writers face multiple odds. A content writer spends months and years creating his or her personal brand online. Establishing oneself as a leading content writer can be quite difficult, given that the competition is too high out there. He creates his own portfolio website and leverages social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, etc., to get qualified leads.

    A freelancer manages everything single-handedly – self-branding, discovery calls, invoice management, and much more. All these activities consume so much time and energy. But even after putting in so much hard work, professional content writers face many difficulties while working for their clients. Read on to know how companies are exploiting content writers by indulging in inappropriate practices.

    What are the challenges faced by content writers? - Quora

    Things that a freelance content writer needs to face while working with the clients:

    1. Clients often ask for free samples before they hire content writers: Writing quality content is indeed a time-consuming task and requires lots of research work. And that’s why professional content writers deserve to be paid for each word they type. However, companies often tend to ignore this fact and blatantly ask for free samples. There are different avenues using which clients can judge the capability of a writer. They can go through his portfolio website or take a look at some of his previously published work. But demanding free samples is absolutely demoralising for any freelance content writer.Zoom Fatigue Is Worse For Women — Here's Why
    2. The deadlines sometimes tend to get quite unrealistic: More often than not, clients do not realise that setting unrealistic deadlines for writers can be counterproductive. To cut down on time, the writer feels compelled to limit his research work and scope of creativity.3 Content Problems for Technical Writers [with Solutions] | easyDITA
    3. Clients do not explain the content requirements and expect an A-class write-up: When a content writer is assigned a specific task or assignment, the client should keep in mind that he provides ample information to the writer. He should guide the writer with the language of the content, the target audience, the purpose of the content, keywords, and other such stuff.
    4. Clients often end up calling the writers at odd hours: Clients often forget to respect the privacy of the writers. They often keep calling writers at odd timings to provide feedback or ask for edits.Best Layout Designs to Give Your Home Office a Makeover
    5. They do not provide feedback in time: A proper feedback motivates a content writer to a great extent. For a content writer, feedback is necessary. It helps him in gaining confidence in his capabilities. Also, feedback enables writers to work on their weak points. But clients often keep the content writers waiting for feedback. And when they do provide the feedback finally, they tend to ask for immediate edits.
    6. They ask for endless editing and revisions: This is one of the worst issues faced by freelance content writers. Clients generally ask for endless edits and revisions. They never seem to be satisfied with the quality of work and keep asking for multiple edits.Sample Cover Letters for a Writing Position
    7. They never clear payments on time: Writers often can be seen cribbing about the delay that they face in receiving the payment from their clients. Once a content writer delivers the final approved content after multiple revisions, he expects the payment soon. But the clients keep delaying payment clearance in most of the cases.| Shutterstock

    If you are a professional content writer and face the same issues, then the best solution for you is to create a contract and mail it to your clients before commencing the work. The contract should cover all the points such as the number of edits you will provide, your working hours, payment due date, deadline of content delivery, and your charges. Clients should value the hard work of freelance content writers and acknowledge the contract and adhere to it.

     

  • Can One Content Writer Manage All Your Content Requirements?

    Can One Content Writer Manage All Your Content Requirements?

    If you are a new-age entrepreneur, then we are sure that you must have already gone online to take your business far and wide. Building a power-packed business website as well as creating a robust brand across different social media platforms indeed help business owners to reach out to the target customers. However, if you concentrate on your online branding, you will not be able to focus on your other significant business operations. So, what’s the solution? How to popularise your brand online? Hiring professional writers can keep you sorted.

    Who are content writers?

    Content Writer Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash
    Professional content writers offer their writing services to different industries. They use their content writing skills to create a strong impact on the mind of audiences. Engaging, informative and informative content can go a long way to compel your target audience to visit your website and social media profiles every now and then. Every business owner should hire professional writers who can weave magic with their prolific use of words and convince your potential customers to hire your services or buy your products.

    Is hiring one content writer sufficient for your business website and social media platforms?

    Best Content Writing Course 2021 | Content Writing Certification
    Now the million-dollar question is whether or not a single content writer can handle all your content requirements. Before you hire content writers, you need to understand your content requirement thoroughly. There are a plethora of content types, and hence, it is better to hire a content writer who is proficient in different content types.

    Things to consider before hiring professional content writers

    Amount of content you require on a daily/weekly/monthly basis: Banna chahte hain ek behtareen content writer toh jarur padhein ye 11 TipsFirst of all, you need to understand how much content you require and for what purpose. After all, it is your company, and you are the one who gets to decide about all your strategies. If you consider yourself unfit for such technical decisions, it is better to take the advice of your content strategist. They will guide you with your content requirements.

    Once you chart out a full-fledged content plan, you will be in a better position to understand if a single content writer alone is capable of handling them. Depending on your requirements and the writer’s capacities, you can decide whether a single writer is enough, or you should contact affordable content writing services.

    Types of contents which you require: The Guide to Consistently Producing High Quality Content - Mario PeshevChart out a full-fledged content plan and zero down upon the types of contents you require for your business. While hiring freelance content writers, you need to specify your requirement – the exact number of social media captions, blogs or articles, press releases and so on. Also, you need to be very clear with the frequency of content delivery. The content writer will let you know how much content he can deliver to you as per your requirement.

    Social media platforms you are active on Unlocking the potential of Social media platforms for Digital marketing | by Faisal Khan | Technicity | MediumThe number of social media platforms you promote your business on also decide whether a single content writer is enough for your business or not. Generally, professional content writers prefer adhering to a limited number of platforms and deliver quality content.

    Budget for hiring content writers: Budget - Overview, Categories, and Budgeting PrincipleThis can be quite a crucial aspect in deciding whether you want to go for a single writer or a complete in-house team. If you are running short of money, and cannot spend much on writers, then it is better to hire one or two freelance writers as per your needs.

    Backup plans for emergency situations: 10 Reasons Why Teamwork At The Office Is Important | GetSling | SlingRelying on a single content writer can be quite risky as well. If he or she ever faces any emergency situation, your contents will not be delivered on time. Hence it is better to take the help of a content writing agency that offers affordable content writing services or at least hire a few freelance content writers.

    A content writer alone cannot handle all your content requirements. It is better to hire professional writers in a group of 3 to 5 or build an in-house team.