KNOW THESE TOP 5 BASIC THINGS IF YOU ARE AN ASPIRING CONTENT WRITER

What are the most basic things that you are expected to know as an aspiring content writer?

The answer is at least the basics!

Just like any other profession, If you are an aspiring content writer, it is a must for you to know the basics. You are expected to know the most basic things like what is a niche, what is a writing sample etc.

Also, it is very important to clear any kinds of doubts for example if a certificate is required to become a content writer, if you need to do any course to become a content writer, etc.

I was also once a beginner! I definitely understand the difficulties, the confusion, especially in the beginning.

The beginning part is the most crucial and challenging! You are bound to have many doubts but:

Let there be any doubts, but never doubt your capabilities!

I too had truckloads of doubts but never doubted my capabilities.

In this blog post, I have covered the top 5 most basic and important things that you should absolutely be familiar with! I have formed the questions in a way that incorporates the topmost questions which I have been asked by many aspiring content writers till now.

Now, straight away, let's start with the top 5 basic things that you should know if you are a budding content writer. Stick with it till the end and rest assured you will take away something valuable.

1.What is the first and most important thing you should do when you decide to be a content writer?

The most important thing to do when you decide to be a content writer is to do your homework! In short, whenever you decide to start in a new field it is necessary to do your homework, and content writing is no exception!

Remember doing your homework in your school days? By the way, do share with me in the comment section below about what was the most epic excuse that you told your teacher for forgetting to do your homework!

Mine was not an epic but a very common one, "forgot the copy at home".

Anyway, let's not get any more nostalgic and know about the homework I am talking about about content writing. The homework is to do extensive research on your field.

Extensive, mind you!

Research on Google, YouTube, Quora, etc. Search topics on Google and read articles on them. Read as much as you can, don't just limit till the first page of Google! Watch videos on YouTube. Search the topics and watch as many as you can.

The more you research, the more your knowledge expands!

If you are feeling confused or overwhelmed about how to start or proceed? Then try to do like this -

●     Write down a couple of basic questions.

●     Search about them (the questions).

●     Read articles, watch videos on the topics. When you feel confident about your understanding of a particular topic then proceed to the next one.

A reminder! Take your time. Don't rush!

2. Do you need any certificate or need to do any course to become a content writer?

It is not compulsory. It is up to you! But if you ask me, whether you can become a content writer without having a certificate or doing a course then my answer is - YES!

Yes, you can become a content writer without having a certificate or doing a course.

Wait! Wait! Are you wondering, whether I have any certificate in content writing or have done any course for content writing?

Well, I don't! Neither do I have any certificate in content writing nor I have done any course for the same.

3.Where you can find content writing projects? What are the names of the online platforms?

You can find both online and offline, try both. See what works for you. I got my first client offline. It was through a personal recommendation.

For offline :

I would just suggest you spread the word that you provide content writing services. Tell the people you know that you provide content writing services and to keep your name in mind if they or anyone they know needs it.

For online :

These are the online platforms where you can find clients for content writing -

Upwork.com , Freelancer. Com, Fiverr.com ,Truelencer.com, and last but not least LinkedIn.

However, for me, the first client I got online was from LinkedIn and currently, all my content writing projects I get are solely from LinkedIn only! (I will soon write a detailed blog post on it)

Whatever I am as a content writer today, I owe it big time to LinkedIn.

4. What is a writing niche? How to find a niche?

It means to be specialized in a particular topic be it travel writing, technical writing, and so on. But don’t stress much over it in the beginning, however, you can try identifying it by writing down the topics that you have interest and knowledge about. Then from the list of topics, you can select a topic in which you are highly interested and have more knowledge in comparison with the other topics.

Now, is it necessary that you should be specialized in one niche?

It's subjective. Some say it is necessary and some say it isn't but my suggestion for you would be when you are starting don't sweat it!

To niche down, you first have to write in different different topics, unless you are dead sure since day one, for example, you are very sure from the beginning that you want to write content in the health and wellness niche.

It is necessary to write in different topics, to niche down to one, otherwise, how will you discover that one particular niche?

Are you still worried? Thinking what if you are not able to find that one particular niche for you even after spending a considerable amount of time?

If yes, then don't be! You can be a generalist content writer.

Now, who are generalist content writers?

The content writers who write in multiple niches are referred to as generalist content writers.

I am pretty much sure that you might want to know whether I am a niche writer or generalist?

Did you nod?

See, I guessed it rightly! Anyway, jokes apart, I am a generalist content writer.

5. What is the Importance of having your writing samples ready?

Having your writing samples ready is necessary. They are the most essential things you would be needing. Most of the time clients will want to see your writing samples. Your capabilities as a writer are often judged on this. It works as one of the main deciding factors!

Samples of your writings can be in a niche you are interested in or many that completely depends on you. For example, writing samples in the travel niche.

Write at least 4 to 5 samples.

Alright! Here we come to the end of the blog, but before that here is an important advice from my side:

Hone your skills

Meanwhile, while trying to find your first content writing project, focus on honing your skills and that’s what I did and will continue to do so. For example, practice writing every day, reading about content writing and in general, learn the basics of Search Engine Optimization, etc.

And I will end the blog with a suggestion :

Believe in yourself

Believe in yourself, your capabilities, and work hard. At first, you might feel clueless or have many doubts and at such times it's your self-belief that will play a crucial role. I will just say, work with utmost dedication towards achieving your goal, you will definitely succeed!

A big THANK YOU to each one of you for reading till the end. If you have any doubts and want me to write about them then please comment and let me know. I would definitely try my best to help in any way I can.