what is a content writer?
As a content writer, you use your creativity to write content that tells a story about a brand or product. Most companies like to use content to promote their products or services. Your job is to develop content that presents the company in a positive light. The written articles are posted on social media pages or websites to provide information. Content writers also create sales copies for email marketing and press releases.
Content writing is a flexible career that allows you to work for various organisations. Some content writers write for the public sector, while others work with non-profit organisations. You either work in-house for a marketing, public relations agency or a specific company providing content writing services.
As a content writer, you write for various audiences. For instance, some articles are targeted to a particular audience, and sometimes you write publications and press releases for the media. Some common writing materials include blog posts, web copies, press releases and social media posts. With the diversity of the articles required, a content writer needs to be creative and adaptable to the changing market demands.
Would working in marketing and comms as a content writer suit your creativity and writing skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a content writer role.
content writer jobsaverage content writer salary
According to ONS, the median salary of a content writer in the UK is £29,038 per year. New content writers with minimal skills take home £24,455 annually. However, as you improve your experience, the compensation package increases gradually. Experienced content writers with the highest earnings take home over £42,500 annually.
what influences the salary of a content writer?
As a content writer, your compensation package depends on several factors. Internal factors include skills and experience, while external factors include company size and industry. Most employers pay attention to your writing skills instead of qualifications. However, it is important to have some certifications to back up your skills and improve your compensation package. Content writers with additional qualifications can negotiate a higher salary. Your work experience also affects your compensation prospects. Extensive experience improves the quality of writing, and employers are willing to pay more for experienced writers.
When you work for a small marketing firm, the salary is low due to the limited resources. However, it allows you to build your skills since you juggle various writing roles. Large companies have adequate resources to pay higher salaries. Besides, the complex responsibilities associated with large organisations warrant better salaries. Some industries also require technical writing, which increases your salary prospects.
types of content writers
Content writers have various skill sets and areas of specialisation. Some of the types of writers include:
- seo writers: as an SEO content writer, you write content for web pages following search engine optimisation (SEO specialist) guidelines. Your job is to perform keyword searches and write high-quality content to improve the website's ranking. Your content should drive traffic by aligning customer needs to the company's offerings.
- technical content writers: as a technical content writer, you specialise in creating complex technological articles. For instance, you write about hardware and software parts. You create how-to articles, technical guides and instruction manuals. Despite the technical nature of the writing, you simplify the content for readers to understand.
- copywriters: as a copywriter, you use your creativity to create sales copies like whitepapers. Your primary goal is to generate leads. Hence, your content should be easy to process and impactful. While the content is promotional, it should maintain the brand tone and voice.
- social media content writers: as a social media writer, you aim to engage the audience on various platforms. The content should spark interest in the company and generate leads. You also tailor the content to the company's social media channel.
working as a content writer
Working as a content writer keeps your creative juices alive since you develop new content daily. Check out the daily responsibilities and work environments of content writers.
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content writer job description
Some of the duties of a content writer include:
- researching keywords: as a content writer, you conduct research before writing. Whether dealing with a familiar or new subject matter, it is crucial to research the current information. For instance, if a company sells similar products, it is important to research new specifications or features. Research ensures you provide accurate information in your articles. Your role also involves keyword research to help you determine the best keywords for ranking.
- writing content: after research, you write content for blogs or web pages depending on the writing projects. Most content writers craft engaging content for blogs. Sometimes, you write case studies or ebooks for your clients. When writing, you use storytelling skills to engage the audience while maintaining the brand's tone and voice. It is also crucial to write in simple language that consumers understand.
- editing and formatting: after crafting high-quality content, it is important to edit and proofread the content to ensure it provides the information required. Editing includes fact-checking and polishing the content to ensure it aligns with the brand messaging. Sometimes, your role involves formatting the content to make it attractive and appealing on screen. You adjust the font sizes and types and attach infographics or images to improve appearance.
- ensuring the content is seo optimised: as a content writer, your articles and blogposts should achieve the expected results like increasing traffic and ranking. You can use keyword research to improve the ranking. You should also create catchy headlines and ensure the content meets the appropriate word count for optimisation.
- identifying content gaps: as a content writer, you identify content gaps in a website and recommend the best article types to improve traffic. You also recommend topics that can boost the visibility of the website.
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work environment
A content writer works in various industries that rely on digital marketing to improve brand visibility. Some sectors that hire content writers include marketing and PR firms, financial services and retailers. As a content writer, your work is office based with no travelling or offsite visits. You spend the day working from your desk. Employers provide creative workspaces to allow content writers to work with minimal disruptions. Since you don't meet clients, you can work remotely.
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who are your colleagues?
As a content writer, your colleagues might include social media manager positions, digital marketing managers, sales consultants, grant writers and communications managers. You also work alongside sales managers and marketing managers, as well as other specialists, including marketing executives, copywriters and editors.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a content writer varies depending on the employer. However, the standard work schedule is 9 am to 5 pm. Most content writers don't work overtime or evenings unless attending a conference or industry event. Sometimes, you work weekends. As a content writer, you work full-time or part-time, depending on the employer. Many content writers are freelancers and handle short-term contracts before moving to the next project.
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job outlook
With companies relying on digital marketing to increase sales and customer engagement, content writers are in high demand. As a content writer, you require various writing skills, from blogging to copywriting and SEO. Some content writers specialise in a specific industry, like legal or finance writers. To progress in your field, you require exceptional skills and qualifications. You can become the marketing or communications manager while other content writers become PR specialists.
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advantages of finding a content writer job through randstad
Finding your content writer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a content writer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
While educational qualifications aren't compulsory, a content writer should pursue the following educational qualifications:
- undergraduate degree: to become a content writer, pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, creative writing, communications or English. A degree gives you an added advantage if you want to specialise in a specific subject matter. You can also find vocational training programmes offering technical writing and blogging courses.
- work experience: aside from the academic qualifications, you require a few years of work experience to land a job. Most employers test your experience through writing tests.
content writer skills and competencies
The qualities of a content writer include:
- adaptability: as a content writer, you write about different products or subject matters daily. It is important to adapt the style and tone required for each content. For instance, when creating a sales copy, you should use a different voice than press releases.
- research skills: you require research skills to boost the credibility of your writing. Good research skills help you add value to the reader since you provide accurate and truthful information.
- time management: as a content writer, time management skills help you prioritise tasks and allocate time for each project. It helps you adhere to deadlines while guaranteeing quality.
- communication skills: you need communication skills to convey your message to the target audience. The skills allow you to relay information clearly to readers using storytelling ability.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a content writer
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how do I become a content writer in the UK?
A content writer doesn't need educational qualifications. However, some employers prefer content writers with a degree in creative writing or communications. Having industry experience in the subject you write about is also important.
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what does a content writer do?
Content writers use their expert writing and storytelling skills to create compelling content for websites and blogs. They research the information and keywords to ensure the content is SEO optimised to improve traffic.
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what is the difference between a content writer and a copywriter?
Copywriters are content writers who specialise in selling a brand or a product. They write sales promotional articles often in short-form suitable for ads or product taglines. A content writer crafts long-form content that provides information to readers on specific products.
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is content writing hard?
Content writing can be challenging since deciding the best information to pass on to your audience is difficult. Adapting various writing tones and styles is also challenging.
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how do I apply for a content writer vacancy?
Applying for a content writer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our content job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
