5 Essential Content Writing Tips
Content writing and blog writing isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of hurdles to get over and it can start to feel like you’re writing the same thing over and over again sometimes. Not to worry, we’ve got some tips to get you back on track:
[success]1. Spell Check[/success]
Seriously, it happens to the best of us. It’s always hardest to spot our own mistakes, no matter how many times you read it over, there’s always at least one spot that isn’t quite right grammatically or has some spelling mistakes. We recommend spell check, but even then you miss a few things. Step away from the writing for a while and come back to it with fresh eyes or if you can, find someone to quickly read it over, two pairs of eyes are always better than one.
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[success]2. SEO[/success]
Content writing is an essential cog in the SEO machine. However, it’s quite easy to get caught up in following search engine rules and regulations and letting the actual content slip up in terms of quality. Yes, you want to abide by Penguin and Panda rules, but don’t forget about the actual people that are reading your website content or blog posts – they want substance!
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[success]3. Information[/success]
Never forget what the purpose of content and blog writing is all about for your business. It’s information for your prospective customers and clients. You’d be surprised how often people forget to include the most basic information in their content. You want to make it easier for people to find you and learn about your business, not harder. The rule of thumb to follow here is: keep it simple.
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[success]4. Bias[/success]
There is nothing more annoying than content that is immaturely written and has an obvious bias. Saying things like “We’re cheaper than our competitors” or “Don’t buy from this other company, buy from us!” isn’t a smart thing to do. When potential clients read this it tells them that a) you’re not serious about running your business and b) you’re desperate. Of course you want people to know you’re better than your competitors, but be strategic about it! Try something like “Our quality is unmatched and our product is affordable”.
[success]5. Organization[/success]
You may have noticed that the majority of our blog posts are neatly outlined and numbered for your reading convenience. The reason we do this is because it’s user friendly but it also offers organization as a writer. This applies for blogs, but also for content. Try setting a word limit or simplifying information as much as possible. This will help you with getting your point across with the least amount of space used. Once again, keep it simple, and it’ll pay off.
[error]What makes your favorite blogs or websites so great? Do you have any content writing pet peeves? Tell us about it in the comments section![/error]
photo credit: mandiberg via photopin cc
this is one of the best article i have ever read. I was impressed with clear structure of a website or blog, simple, easy to find information. Articles clearly presented, not too long but necessary information. That’s what makes me come back to this page.
Thanks! Now I know how to get the content right. I think what I like about my favourite websites and blogs are, they are all very well organized and contents are to the point and always up to date. Also uses of relevant pictures in any articles grab my attention instantly.
Great points and very well explained. This pretty much sums up everything anyone needs to know before writing contents of their websites. Readers get annoyed reading articles that is grammatically poor and doesn’t keep the content simple.
Articles or blogs written with heavy SEO content are such a turn-off. I like it that you say to focus on providing valuable content first and foremost. I know that SEO is crucial, but when it’s done awkwardly, you lose all credibility – and therefore, you lose potential customers. Nobody likes to be taken for a fool and manipulated by key words instead of real content.
Oh you are so right about the spell check thing! I immediately click out of a website if the spelling is bad. It makes me think that they are not trustworthy, if they don’t even bother to keep mistakes out of their writing. I’m glad you remind us all of that.
I’ve actually worked as a content writer, and I know that it’s all about algorithms and SEO and all that — but I have to say, as a typical consumer myself, when I visit websites, I want to feel that the website owner is providing content that is valuable, easy to decipher and geared to me, the visitor — not to how many “clicks” they will get for advertisers. There is a way to have both – which is what you are advocating.
thanx for sharing information