If you’re thinking about launching a content writing service, it’s critical to have a plan of action before you begin.
Most people who start businesses fail in the first year, and one of the biggest reasons why is because they never really get started at all; instead, they just dream about their business and what it could be someday, but don’t take any actual steps to make it happen today or this month or this year.
You can avoid that pitfall by following these tips on how to get started with content writing services.
What is content writing?
Before you start a career in content writing, it’s important to understand what content writing is.
It’s essentially any written text used in marketing or as online (or offline) advertising. So, if you’re working for a company that produces physical products, your written texts would usually include descriptions of their products, details about how they’re made, and FAQs relating to them.
On websites like Upwork or Freelancer, you will most likely be required to write web-based texts such as articles or product descriptions that are optimized for SEO.
You may also be asked to create copy for emails and press releases – basically anything that involves communicating ideas or information through written language.
To understand what it means, it’s important to distinguish between content writing and copywriting.
While they’re similar, they do have some differences. Here’s a brief explanation of each: Copywriting is the text that is created to sell a product or service directly.
Copywriters are often hired by marketers or businesses, who want their products and services advertised as effectively as possible.
What qualifications should you have?
The best way to get started in content writing services is by showing a high level of competence in either English or your native language.
Ideally, you should have degrees that relate directly to your industry. For example, if you want to write for magazines about finance, a degree in economics will serve you well.
On top of that, be sure that you’ve worked as a professional writer. Even if it’s only been for five years at an online publication, relevant experience as a journalist or editor can make all the difference when looking for new clients.
In addition, if you want to write for business blogs and online magazines about your industry, you’ll also need at least three years of experience working in that field.
So, if you want to become a freelance financial writer, you should have at least six years of work experience in finance before you even think about marketing yourself.
Be prepared to explain how your qualifications will benefit clients—that way they’ll see that they can get something out of hiring you.
Skills you need to build
Marketing is an evolving business, and that means you need to think beyond just content. In addition to your writing skills, you’ll need technical expertise to thrive.
You should be familiar with HTML so that you can edit code and design landing pages. Many freelance websites have some kind of WYSIWYG editor built in, but if you’re not comfortable using it, then invest in a solid HTML editor for your computer or use something online like Copy Paste Pro or TinyMCE (the visual editor for WordPress).
You’ll also want a basic knowledge of graphic editing software (InDesign or Photoshop) and video-editing software like Final Cut Pro X.
There are also several soft skills you’ll need, and each client will have different expectations. But these include great communication skills, understanding of SEO best practices, strong attention to detail, and high customer service standards.
All freelancers should know how to use Google Analytics because it’s an essential way of keeping track of your work, measuring visitor behavior, and establishing what your readers want.
Resources you need
A computer with internet access, a web browser, and basic writing skills are all you need to become a content writer.
Several websites allow you to write for them from home and make a decent hourly wage.
The process is very simple. Sign up for one of these websites and follow their instructions for submitting articles.
You’ll be asked things like your desired pay rate, how many hours per week you can write, what keywords you want in your title (more on that below), etc.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to submit articles. Most sites will allow you to edit your work once submitted, but some don’t—be sure to read all instructions and requirements before submitting your work. When writing for these websites, always keep their audience in mind.
How long will it take?
Getting started in any business is never easy, but when it comes to content writing services, you might be at a disadvantage because of where you live.
Do your research and try to find out what kind of talent pool is available near you.
If there isn’t much in terms of native English-speaking writers, that’s not necessarily a bad thing—just make sure that whatever content you produce will hold up in an international marketplace.
Even if you do come across a native speaker willing to take on freelance writing jobs for cheap, however, there are still plenty of challenges ahead for anyone who wants to start and run a content-writing company—especially if they have no experience or connections in other areas of business like marketing or graphic design.
Choose your niche.
Choosing a niche is tough. It can be tempting to pick a narrow niche only because you’re passionate about it—and that’s fine, as long as you can come up with ways to make money in your area of expertise.
For example, if you love makeup, then focus on beauty tips or how-to guides related to beauty. You can write articles or blogs and use your knowledge of that specific topic as a starting point for creating content relevant to brands who want content written on their sites or blogs.
Reach out directly via email or social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram and offer your services; chances are good someone will bite!
Monetizing your blog.
Earning money as a content writer starts in your first month. You can take several approaches to monetize your content, including pitching advertisers directly (rather than through an advertising network), running sponsored posts, and search engine marketing.
The easiest way is to work with a content writing service that has relationships with various brands and has experience negotiating rates and structuring deals.
However, if you have a great reputation for creating useful, high-quality articles—and you’re able to attract traffic by providing insightful commentary on industry trends—you might be able to sell ads directly.
Advertisers will contact you once they’ve read one of your articles; at that point, it’s up to you whether or not you want to negotiate terms with them yourself.
