The question “So what do you do?” is one that typically comes up quite often in most of our lives. Everyone is interested in what everyone else considers to be their profession, or area of skill – whether they’re changing the world with excellent customer service, or saving lives as a doctor. When someone asks me what I do, I cheerfully reply that I’m a professional content writer – and most of the time, they have no idea what I’m talking about.
If you still have no clue what a content writer actually is – I certainly don’t blame you. The trouble is that although many people are aware that they need something to boost their online presence and help them bring in more customers (and more profits), they fail to notice that a professional content writer is the missing link. On top of that, when people actually find out that content writers exist – and why they should be using one – they still find themselves wondering what exactly they’re hiring. The truth is that content writing is a relatively versatile career, and as such – it doesn’t come with the most descriptive job title in the world. Chances are that if you ask a handful of different content writers what they do with their workdays on a regular basis, you’ll end up with a dozen different answers.
So how do I define being a professional content writer?
What does a Content Writer actually do?
First of all, it’s worth pointing out that being a professional content writer is about more than simply churning out countless blog posts and articles – though that’s certainly something I can do. To some writers, online content is a way of working their way into journalism, contributing to corporate blogs, e-zines, and articles on the web. Other content writers spend their workdays tirelessly researching and writing for small businesses or particular websites.
One of the reasons why the content writer job is difficult to define is that we often work as so many different things for so many different people. Content writers are independent contractors and full time employees, experts in the world of the search engine algorithm and connoisseurs of the written word. We’re comedians, salespeople, experts, reporters and artists – the filter and amplifier that makes your voice visible and sends it out into the world.
In other words: Professional content writers are your key to success on the web.
Researcher
No matter who I’m writing for, or what I’m writing about, as a content writer it’s my duty to do the research that will make your content truly valuable. Most of the time – though I might like to appear as though I know everything – I’ll be presented with a topic or subject that I’ve not come across in the past – or don’t feel completely familiar with. Because of this, I need to make sure that I conduct the right research to ensure that the information I deliver to you is accurate, current, and doesn’t offer a contradiction to the message you’re trying to give out as a company. This doesn’t mean that content writers like myself won’t ask you for direction when trying to complete a project on your behalf – but it does mean that even if you send us links to work that you’ve appreciated before, we’re still going to do our own research, develop our own understanding, and create content that’s uniquely effective.
Editor
In this life, we’re blessed with a certain set of skills – some of us are amazing at a particular sport, whereas others can cook up the best lemon meringue pie that you’ll ever taste. As a professional content writer, my skills lie within the use of the written word – but that doesn’t mean that everyone creates the quality and style of copy that they want for their website. In some cases, people may send me existing copy that they know falls below the mark, and it’s my job to polish up the words and make them gleam like they should. My job – at the end of the day – is about making you, your brand, and your company look good. If that means cleaning up content on your behalf, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.
Expert
A great content writer should not only be able to write a 1000-word article about the amazing quality of your toasted teacakes in such a way that customers everywhere are drooling by the end of the first paragraph. In addition to ensuring content is fresh, valuable, and unique, we also need to be sure that it’s optimized to bring more visitors to your site with the right keywords to increase your search ranking. Because of this, it’s my duty to make sure I understand the value of keyword density, the draw of a great headline, and the latest in best SEO practices so that you always get the best possible copy. Often, if you notice that your search ranking has started to droop, a good content writer can give you an escape route form the pain of SEO silence.
Ally
Finally, I’m not just another contractor in your team – I’m your ally in the quest for online success and web presence greatness. I do what I do because I genuinely want you to succeed – after all, your success is my success too!
If you need an ally who understands the value of good editing, proper research, attractive formatting and proper SEO techniques, then you need a content writer. So what are you waiting for? Send me an email, fill out my contact form, or drop me a line to get in touch and get a quote for your content needs.