Writing for a living can be both a blessing and a curse. Depending on whether you're relying on the gig economy or the niche-specific jobs, you may find yourself wondering whether there's anything more to write about than cannabis and digitalization.
Thankfully, trends change.
Unfortunately, search intent doesn't.
No matter the topics you're writing about, you'll need to pay lip service to the readership. Hence, the first piece of advice is to look for topics you enjoy writing about.
Write Like a Human
Another cumbersome issue is the rise of AI. While we still can't imagine the scope of the change this new tech will bring about, one thing is certain: more and more employers are looking for quantity over quality.
The number of new jobs along the lines of AI content writer and AI content editor keeps popping up; the trend seems to be stable, too.
True writing skills will always stand out from the generic content, which brings us to the next question: how does “content” differ from write-ups?
Content Has Taken Over
“Content” takes various shapes and sizes. Common types include blog posts, infographics, podcasts, and video content. What distinguishes written content from regular writing is that it uses a myriad of images to break down text.
In other words, its goal is to keep the audience engaged all the way to the CTA. Unlike traditional writing, the goal of the content is to get the reader to perform the desired action. Persuasion is the primary goal.
To improve your professional writing skills, hence, you'll need to produce engaging content that appeals to a wide readership and results in conversions.
Research the Audience
Obviously, people are different. For content creators, however, this simple fact doesn't matter. They need to focus on how to get their content to convert.
It goes without saying that different topics attract different audiences, meaning that finding the right approach for each niche is critical.
Content structure and tone are the first two points to unravel. Depending on the length of the post, you'll need to find an ideal balance.
Research the Topic Thoroughly
As already mentioned, visuals play an important role in the content structure. Because the majority of readers skim through text, it is critical to bring out the most interesting parts to the surface to keep them engaged.
Weaving boring facts in engaging content while not ruining the quality with memes takes true mastery. That's where the difference between skilled niche writers and generic content comes to manifest.
Researching the topic thoroughly goes without saying. However, even the most dedicated research effort won't result in professional content if you don't know a thing about the topic.
Employers are increasingly beginning to realize that training their writers is a must. No one can know specifics about each product or service, so rather than relying on research alone, look for employers who understand this fact.
Keep Reading
Reading is the only way to keep your vocabulary unique, and we mean reading quality books. With the rise of digitalization and the invasion of pop culture, it's become challenging to find writers with quality writing skills.
That's where you can fit in. Read regularly and keep discovering unique words and sentence structures that can give your writing a distinctive feel generic content lacks.
Write for the Audience and for Yourself
Many writers have a difficult time finding jobs that appeal to them but putting bread on the table is non-negotiable.
If you're writing about topics that don't particularly appeal to you, make sure to write for yourself. Run a blog of your own or write compelling stories — anything you enjoy, really.
Specialize in Niche-Writing
Specializing in a niche you're interested in is a good approach. However, if you're interested in a topic that doesn't convert, you'll have a difficult time finding a “proper” job.
Even if you manage to find one, you'll have to compromise on the account of persuasion, so be prepared.
Analyze Search Intent
Here, we arrive at the most important part: analyzing search intent.
Contrary to popular belief, it transcends specific phrases prospective readers are typing into the Google search bar.
For starters, you'll need to determine whether the reader is looking for information or for a product. The first gives you more freedom to get creative; the second necessitates persuasive writing.
Secondly, decide on the content structure. There are many ways to appeal to readers. Some people prefer short-form articles while others look for listicles or FAQs.
Here, it is crucial to set clear boundaries between beginners and experts. Content intended for general readership needs to include basic clarifications. By contrast, experts look for niche-specific information without beating around the bush. In both cases, fluff should be non-existent, so finding the right approach before you start writing is crucial.
The type of readership also determines the writing tone. Professionals look for formal content, whereas beginners typically enjoy informal one.
Overall, pay attention to the tone, structure, and user intent, and keep reading!
