This is another of a handful of posts that I’m creating based on long-tail keywords, or more specifically, the questions that come up as “snippets” when I type content writer into Google. I wrote a previous post on “how to become a content writer in Canada”. But now, how do you get good at it:
Getting good at content writing is a mix of study and practice. Reading about content writing, looking out for great examples of the form, and then applying any inspiration to your own work through practice can all help to elevate your craft. Taking a formal course can also be a benefit as you’ll learn from a more experienced teacher.
Let’s break down the three elements that you can do on your own a little more closely:
Reading
Developing a reading practice can be useful to ensure you’re constantly exposing yourself to new content in your area of interest. Reading articles about content, and especially about the niche that you’re interested in can help you keep up with any trends. I also like to read good examples of content, following organizations whose content I like to read.
Awards can also be a good way to notice good forms; for example, I try to annually read the nominees and winners of the National Magazine awards as examples of strong content in magazine writing, and also to keep an eye on the website Longreads.com website collects some good examples.
Looking for examples
While I naturally like reading content, as a second part of my reading practice, I try to go a step further than enjoyment and analyze what makes content good.
One tactic I find useful is to create a reverse outline of the article or even a section that I enjoyed and try to understand what went into it. Was it a clever use of language that caught my eye, was it a new way of summarizing the background to a topic, was it a way of using images or quotes that made it stand out? Trying to understand the tactics used is a step towards replicating them in your own work.
Take inspiration into your own work
Using the tactic above, identify two or three tactics to try and bring into your next assignment. Maybe it’s a clever way of combining paraphrasing with the quotes. Maybe it’s finding a really apt extended metaphor to use. Pick one or two tactics and incorporate them into your own writing, and see if it fits.
Bonus tip
Yet another thing to do at the implementation stage is to try and identify in your own writing any bad habits you may have fallen into. For example, if you use too much passive voice, try making your writing more active. Try to pick one bad habit at a time, so you’re not overwhelmed or paralyzed by the need to improve. One of my habits used to be overusing the word “while” – at one point I started going through my writing to see how many sentences started with this and actively replacing them. Baby steps can help you get any issues under control, and learning through inspiration can help to inspire you even further.
I also share these blog posts on LinkedIn – visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbowness/ to connect with me there. Or hire me to write blog posts for you!
