10 Hacks to Dominate Content Writing

This Article was originally published on https://thegeminiansoul.medium.com/ under the Writers' Blokke Publication on Feb 02, 2021.

Keep it simple by maximizing value creation and limiting to zero BS.

If you are new in your Content Writer’s shoes, this article is a must-read for you. Undeniably, the online space is over-saturated and cluttered with all kinds of written Content on almost everything under and over the sun. The sheer volume, variety, and veracity of words make it a daunting task for you to stand apart from the massive competition.

Not to worry, as seasoned Content Writers would tell, that you don’t need to be a wizard of words to dominate the Content Writing niche. You need to empathize with your reader’s problems and articulate solutions in a simple yet effective manner. If you start channeling your Content with this mindset, you are already way ahead of the peer competition. So, with further ado, let’s cut to the chase — Hacks to dominate Content Writing.

1. Empathize with the Reader’s Pain Points

Before you start an article, ask yourself the purpose of reading this written Content that you are about to create. For starters, address the following questions:

a) To which segment of the online community will it resonate the most? b) Within the identified segment, what issue(s) are you trying to solve and how?

To answer these two questions, do some research to identify and resolve the pain points in focus within your article. Wearing your reader’s hat often makes things easy as far as relating to your Content.

2. Title — The Attention Grabber

Before a single soul even thinks about spending their precious time on your Content, the first thing that catches their attention is the title of your article. Make it as catchy as you can. Use keywords like “Hacks,” “Tricks,” “Tips,” “How to” has a proven effect on increased website traffic. Always try adding numbers. E.g., “5 Best Gaming Laptops Under 1 Lakh INR” often attracts the viewer to click your article link if he/she requires a budget gaming laptop.

3. Keyword Optimization — SEO

Google search engine is learning each and every day. Learn the subtle art of placing the focus keywords (primary and secondary) without being too flashy and on the nose. Let these words go with the overall flow of the article. For beginners, try to leverage Small SEO tools application to optimize your content. This tool will increase your article’s prospects of making it to the top search on Google.

4. Do not waste time Self-Editing

As a budding Content Writer, never engage in the act of simultaneous writing and editing. Let your creative juices flow while writing, and then do a separate session for editing using trusted editing/proofing software like Grammarly / Hemmingway editor. It may cost a few bucks initially. But it will definitely enhance your Content Quality in the long run and bring you more clients and value. Additionally, you can also ensure that your article is unique, easily readable, and 100% plagiarism-free using them.

Always remember Boss, “Content is King!”

5. First Things First

Say someone has visited your blog. To retain the person’s attention till they finish reading the whole article, prioritize the most relevant details in the beginning. Give a clear and crisp intro stating what lies ahead and what subject/pain area you are trying to address. If you beat around the bush at the start itself, the reader would probably get distracted and google someone else’s blog site.

6. Keep it Simple

Put across the idea in the form of simple, readable sentences and structure. Even a middle school student should be able to comprehend your language in the ideal scenario easily. Your online visitors want relevant information ASAP. No one is here to appreciate your flowery vocabulary.

7. Go Easy on the Eyes

Ensure that you structure your Content in a manner that your readers can skim and scan the relevant parts quickly and easily. Try following these practical steps to make your Content easily digestible for the end-user:

a) Use bullets/lists wherever you can

b) Stick to the point — be direct

c) Giving proper subheadings is crucial

d) Never skip a crisp introduction and summary

e) Justify your claims with quantifiable facts and figures to gain more trust

8. Don’t Be Shy to Hyperlink Sources

Including relevant external links in your article can serve multiple benefits. It can boost your SEO prospects, and the source of the link can also scratch your back in some cases. (Affiliate Marketing works the same way.) Never forget to add the source if you need to borrow someone’s Content in your work.

9. Make Actionable Content

If your Content is valuable enough to the target audience to take away some actionable insights from it, they will surely come back for more. The best thing you can do as an author is to help your reader convert your Content into practice.

10. Addressing as “You”

Last but not least, address your audience in a personal and engaging manner using the second person, i.e., “You.” They came to your blog seeking critical information, and your Content should try to make their lives easier. Using the third person creates an unwanted space between you and the reader.

Let’s Wrap Up!

Clearly, creating killer written Content requires some serious effort and honing of skills. But the key takeaway to enhance the quality of your work is to keep writing. Follow these proven hacks and keep improving your writing skills. You will surely notice how your viewership rises to levels that you aim for.

At the end of the day, to ensure your Content stands apart, your prime focus should be on “Quality.” Leverage the plethora of online tools to help you dominate content writing. There are also friendly online Content Writer forums that are kind enough to lend a helping hand in providing the right tips to boost your content writing trajectory.

May the force be with you, fellow content writers!