Tips for beginner content writers

Publish Date: Feb 14, 2016

Writing a simple and useful text is not an easy task, but a possible one. Not only beginner web writers face this challenge, it is typical for professionals too.

Writing for a web is different from creative writing. When you write an essay or a story you try to put words in your vision, while writing for a web has to be oriented towards its potential or regular visitors.

1. Write for people

It is very important to keep in mind that the content you write is for people. It is not for search engine, it is humans, who will read your text. And if it is not interesting, if it does not capture their attention right from the first two-three sentences, then they will not move further.

Avoid using jargon and technical terminology. Adapt your text to different readers. Be it a tenth grade student or a professional, they should clearly understand what is your message.

Make your headline as attractive as it can be, so that there is no doubt that the text is going to be cool.

2. Write for a web reader

It is well known that writing for the web differs from writing for a printed copy. Visitors of web pages are more likely to scan the text to find what’s new and interesting for them.

Keep focused on the most important information and start with it. Keep the main idea central and the structure the logic. Avoid passive voice and pay attention to punctuation.

It is not very wise to expect, that people are going to think over your information. Just give them the recipe and that’s it. Do not make them surf other websites too.

3. Can’t find the right words to communicate your message? READ!!!

Give yourself time to read about the subject you are writing. Use different keywords to Google, read what people say in forums, read what inspired bloggers. In a text about Migration Studies (imagine you are writing about graduate programs on migration for an educational portal) start the first paragraph with what makes people migrate, what migration brings to countries, from which people migrate, and countries, where people finally settle. Is migration always a challenge or an informed choice? And then only switch to the issue of how studying migration issues can bring to a good career path.  

4. Too many keywords will never mean your text is cool.

The keywords should fit organically in the text and they are too many they will simply spoil it.

5. Do not be afraid of re-writing, deleting and starting a totally new text.

Rewriting is an art. Rarely, content writers just sit down and draft an excellent text from first attempt. Rewriting is always a thinking process to achieve the best result. Ask yourself a question, “would I love this text? It is helpful?”, if no, then delete it and start over again.

6. Make your text visually friendly.

  • Use photographs and play with design,
  • Make short and clear paragraphs,
  • Emphasize the key words or key information,
  • Make bullet points to structure information. 

7. Pay attention to grammar!!!

Centre or center???? Website or web-site??? Right, lots of things to check and lots of online resources to do it quickly.

And finally, read a lot, follow the trends and keep being curious. It is amazing how many new things you learn when you read and check-up what’s interesting.

Similar Opportunities