The blogging scene has evolved tremendously over the last few years— becoming an all-encompassing outlet of communication and opinion. Everyone has a blog – fashion blogs, sports blogs, music blogs, lifestyle blogs, blogs for the purpose of product sales… it’s never ending! Some bloggers prefer to write from the perspective of their inner selves, while others have realized the earning potential of a writer in content hungry world.
FACT: Companies are looking for writers who can support their brand’s identity and sales goals through content.
When I first started out, I sort of fell into the blogging thing. I quickly realized that I had knack for creating engaging content and decided to pursue it more seriously. I began searching for any opportunity I could get my hands on and landed a pretty sweet gig writing posts for The Apartments at CityCenter’s community blog. It was definitely the start of something great.
As I continued to write and search for other opportunities, one very important fact presented itself time and time again. You might be the greatest writer since the pen, but it will do you no good unless you can effectively carve out your piece of the content pie. This may sound difficult and it is, but it is also a lot easier than you think!
These golden nuggets are the pillars of my blogging philosophy:
- Don’t write yourself into a box. Take on a variety of writing jobs to become comfortable using different tones and writing for diverse audiences.
- Actively seek out work. Search all job posts and offer your content writing services to smaller and or local businesses. Often times they are looking for ways to expand their social media presences. This is a great way to build your portfolio and gain valuable experience.
- Live by the mantra of “continuous improvement”. Read books, take courses and find an editor who challenges you. Do anything you can to hone your skills.
- Understand the importance of a strong headline. A good headline attracts readers to your content. Weak headlines are the death of great content. There isn’t much point if nobody reads what you put out there. Remember to be direct – let the reader know how or why reading the content will benefit them.
- Channel your audience. Before you write, take a second to think about your reader and the purpose for your writing.
If you remember nothing else, the last two will always help to save you as you learn. Now, go use your skills to pay those bills!
[infobox title=’About the Author: ‘] Claudia M. Watts has a B.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing and is currently the owner/writer for Clan Eclectic as well as the Director of Innovation and Internal Operations for The Looking Glass, LLC. She contributes to the Apartments at CityCenter blog and is a serial thrifter, arts enthusiast, lover of new ideas, open minds, thought-provoking conversation, and her own life. [/infobox]
[photo credit: Kristina B via photopin cc]
Very informative !