What is Content Writing? A Simple Guide to online writing.

Summary

Luke, a recent film graduate turned content writer, shares his journey from having no content writing experience to learning the ropes in just a few weeks. He explains content writing as creating specialized online content aimed at driving business engagement and improving search engine rankings. Luke discusses the importance of SEO, the variety of topics he’s worked on, and how he got the job by proactively seeking opportunities. He also reflects on his personal growth and the value of asking for what you want, drawing inspiration from a quote by Jim Carrey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Luke transitioned into content writing from a film degree, with no prior experience in the field.
• 😀 Content writing involves creating specialized content for websites and businesses, focusing on engaging readers and improving search engine rankings.
• 😀 SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial for ensuring that content ranks higher in search engine results, increasing visibility.
• 😀 Anyone, regardless of their writing experience or skill level, can get into content writing with the right mindset and approach.
• 😀 Luke describes content writing as an essential part of any business website, where writers use targeted keywords to optimize search results.
• 😀 Google’s search engine is compared to a library, where popular and frequently requested content appears more prominently in search results.
• 😀 Content writers often conduct research on competitors and use specific keywords to write articles that will rank well on Google.
• 😀 Luke enjoys the variety of topics he writes about as a content writer, ranging from car services to pest control, which helps him learn new things daily.
• 😀 To get his content writing job, Luke proactively sought opportunities by visiting a job center, showing the importance of taking initiative.
• 😀 Luke highlights the importance of pursuing what you want in life, as seen in his reflection on a motivational speech by Jim Carrey about following your dreams.
• 😀 Despite his film degree, Luke believes that pursuing content writing is a valuable career choice, and his degree has proven useful in his current role.

Q & A

What is content writing?

Content writing involves creating written material for websites, blogs, or online platforms. The main goal is to craft content that engages the target audience while also improving the website's visibility in search engines through SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

How does SEO play a role in content writing?

SEO is essential in content writing because it helps improve the visibility of a website on search engines like Google. By using specific keywords that people are searching for, content writers can help a website rank higher in search results, making it more likely to be seen by potential visitors.

What are some examples of industries content writers may work with?

Content writers may work across a wide variety of industries. In the transcript, the writer mentions working with companies in fields like pest control, car services, and patio paving, but content writing is used in virtually any industry that has an online presence.

Can someone with no content writing experience start this job?

Yes, absolutely! The script explains that the writer had no content writing experience before starting the job, but was able to learn quickly and adapt. The key is being willing to learn and improve, which is possible for writers of any skill level.

How do content writers determine which keywords to use?

Content writers research the most common and relevant search terms related to the topic they're writing about. They also analyze competitor websites to see what keywords are being used successfully. The goal is to find keywords that are frequently searched and related to the content.

What is the relationship between a content writer and a web designer?

Content writers and web designers work together to create a complete website. While content writers focus on the text and ensuring it is optimized for search engines, web designers handle the visual and technical aspects of building and maintaining the website. Once the content is written, it's typically handed off to the web designer to incorporate it into the site.

How did Luke, the writer, land his first content writing job?

Luke landed his first content writing job by simply asking for it. He went to a job center, explained that he wanted to be a writer, and soon found a job in content writing. His story shows that proactive steps and asking for opportunities can lead to career changes.

Is a degree in film useful for content writing?

Yes, Luke demonstrates that even a degree in film can lead to a career in content writing. While film degrees aren't directly related to marketing or SEO, the transferable skills like creativity and writing can be very useful in content creation.

What motivates Luke in his content writing job?

Luke is motivated by the variety of topics he gets to write about and the constant learning involved. As a content writer, he’s able to write about a wide range of industries and continually expand his knowledge, which keeps the job interesting and helps him grow as a writer.

What advice does Luke offer to others looking to enter content writing?

Luke’s key advice is to not be afraid to ask for what you want. Whether it's content writing or another job, proactive effort and expressing your desire to pursue a career can open doors. He emphasizes that even without direct experience, anyone can get started in content writing with the right mindset.