More and more writers are putting their talents to use outside of the publishing industry, and Riot Writing is one of the companies leading the way. Launched in 2014, the company has grown quickly, and today, they employ over 100 people and operate out of a state-of-the-art office in London, England.
We recently spoke with Janine Smit, Content Marketing Manager at Riot, about how to get a job there, the responsibilities of a content marketer, and more.
The #1 Resource for Writers
If you’re looking to make the leap into content creation, Riot is the perfect place to make your debut. Since their establishment in 2014, they have proven to be a vital resource for writers who want to see their work published, and the number of their publications continues to grow.
The company has an impressive list of clients including the BBC, New York Times, and Vanity Fair, and their work has appeared in leading news publications around the world. They also host industry-leading events such as The Writer’s Evening, which brings together some of the industry’s top writers for a night of networking and inspiration.
Riot is just one of the many boutique content creation agencies that have sprung up in recent years and offer a more streamlined approach, focusing on editorial as opposed to production services. As a content marketer at the company, you’ll be working closely with editorial to ensure the voice and angle of each piece comes across as you’d expect from a Riot publication.
A Foot in the Door
Riot is always on the lookout for talented writers, and they make sure to keep their eye out for rising stars. If you’d like to send in your work for consideration, you can do so through their website. For the best chance of securing a role, make sure to follow their recommended submission guidelines.
Once you’ve lodged a pitch, the team will review your work and get back to you with feedback. If they like what they see, they may ask you to come in and pitch for an internship or a full-time job. Be prepared to back up your ideas with compelling copy, as they want to ensure the voice and style of their publication comes through clearly in everything they publish.
What Will You Be Doing?
Depending on your experience and background, you may be asked to do a little bit of everything when you start at Riot. You’ll be working closely with the Editorial team to come up with ideas and then converting them into compelling pieces that will appear in their publications. As a content marketer, your role will be to ensure that these ideas are delivered efficiently and with a polished finished product.
While you may start out being asked to copyedit and format content for publications, over time you may find your role changing to match the digital sphere. As the industry evolves and more traditional roles are sidelined, you may find yourself reviewing articles and marketing materials for accuracy and ensuring the voice and style of Riot is captured in every publication.
Marketing Material For The Firm
Since 2014, Riot has continued to grow rapidly, and today, they have offices in over 30 countries and work with clients across the globe. To keep up with demand, they have made the bold decision to take on a significant amount of work for themselves, which means you may be asked to jump in and help out where you can.
As a content marketer, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from web content and email marketing to social media marketing and paid content (such as podcasts and blogs). One of the firm’s more recent additions to the team is a team of over 20 marketers who work together to plan and execute marketing strategies across all platforms. This is a chance to dive in and help shape marketing tactics for one of the most in-demand content creation agencies in the world.
The Changing Face of Media
In 2018, we’re seeing an evolution in the way people interact with content. While most of us still think about journalism as the delivery vehicle for news stories, it’s important to remember that not all journalism is created equal. In fact, there are many different types of journalists, ranging from technical writers to magazine editors to news producers.
As more people are leaning into their digital spheres and consuming content on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops, journalists are continuing to evolve with them. Today, many publications are moving towards a model where high-quality content appears both online and in print (hybrids), and this is an opportune time to join a team that is furthering the evolution of media.
Where Can I Study?
With more and more people jumping in to work in content creation, it’s no surprise that universities are recognizing the demand for skilled writers and offering tailored courses to equip students for a career in this field.
In the United Kingdom, you can study a bespoke course at Leeds Beckett University that will set you up for a career in content creation, and online courses with reputable institutions like the London School of Journalism and the Bracknell Business School allow for self-education while working remotely.
If you’re looking to make the jump into content creation, consider studying at a reputable university either in the UK or abroad, and be sure to keep your eyes open for jobs and internships that will put you ahead of the competition.