There are many opportunities to work as a content writer, and the internet makes the world smaller. With so many platforms to choose from, it’s easy to find a niche. Whether you’re passionate about science or history, there’s a demand for content on the internet. You just have to find the right niche market to fit your skills.
But what exactly is content writing? For those looking to make the switch or are curious about the role, this article from Quora will highlight the different types of content that exist, how to find work, and some of the industry’s hottest trends.
Types of Content
Depending on your expertise and what you’re passionate about, you can choose a career in content writing. There are four main kinds of content that you’ll need to know how to write:
1. Short-Form Content
Short-form content doesn’t need much explanation. Think of your typical Facebook status or Instagram photo. These are quick and easy to write, as you’ll likely only have to provide the essential information for the reader.
If you’re new to content writing or are looking for a career change, this is a great opportunity to build your experience and portfolio. It’s also a lucrative industry, as the global content market is valued at over US$16 Billion worldwide and is expected to grow to over US$26 Billion by next year.
2. Mid-Form Content
Mid-form content is simply content that’s neither short-form nor long-form. Depending on your expertise and experience, you’ll either want to take the direct approach or the inverted approach. With the direct approach, you’ll write the material in its entirety and may also be required to do some research to provide well-researched material.
With the inverted approach (also known as the ‘copy-paste’ method), you’ll take information from other sources and will only need to flesh it out with original material. For example, if you want to write about sports, you’ll likely visit numerous websites to learn the rules and terminology. You’ll then copy and paste these rules into your work to provide an in-depth analysis of the subject.
If you’re looking for a flexible job with good pay and a fast-paced environment, this is a great option. Since the content creation process is a fairly quick and straightforward one, you can expect to earn about US$16,000 – US$26,000 per year.
However, this is a sedentary job, and if your work pace slows down, you’ll find it difficult to maintain your income. Inefficient work habits as well as health issues are also rampant in this industry, so you’ll need to be prepared to deal with frequent doctor’s visits and medication cost-related concerns.
3. Web Content
As the name suggests, web content is material that’s meant to be viewed online. Thanks to the rise of social media and the internet in general, there’s billions of pieces of content available online, waiting to be discovered by potential readers.
It’s an ever-growing industry, and if you have a computer and internet access, you can access a wealth of material to build your expertise. You’ll not only need to be knowledgeable about the various topics, but you’ll also need to be able to navigate complex internet platforms.
Often, you’ll be asked to write for a living website, where you’ll take a brief bio about yourself followed by your writing. You’ll need to write an engaging article that draws in readers and builds credibility. Depending on your expertise and experience, this could be a lucrative industry, with some content creators earning up to US$60,000 per year.
4. Blogging
Blogging is pretty self-explanatory. You’ll start a blog with a handful of regularly updated articles on a variety of topics. Much like web content, blogging is a form of content writing, but you’ll be expected to write and maintain your own blog. While the income can be good, the responsibilities are considerable. You’ll need to be able to build an audience and engage them into becoming active readers.
This is a highly competitive industry, and it can be difficult to break into. Once you do, though, you can expect to earn about US$60,000 – US$80,000 per year, plus potential bonus opportunities if you’re a well-established or branded blogger.
The four main kinds of content covered so far are not the only types out there. Depending on your expertise and the target audience you’re trying to reach, you can choose to specialize in certain areas of content creation. For example, if you have a specific area of expertise (such as nutrition or fitness) you can decide to focus your efforts on blog posts and articles relating to these subjects. If you have a strong voice and can write engagingly, you can also consider pursuing journalism as a career option. Just keep in mind that this is a fairly competitive field, and many professionals only get their break because of their reputation or existing relationships in the industry.