Does the word “content writing” fascinate you?
Have you ever wanted to start a writing career but hesitated to start because all the new terms overwhelmed you?
I completely understand.
As when I started my content writing journey, I kept bouncing back and forth on some questions in my mind like;
- What kind of article should I write?
- Where do I begin?
- What content should I choose?
- What type of content writing is best for me?
So, I did my research to find out how different people in this profession write. And after doing so, here I am to help you understand some of the important career options in content writing.
This article will give you a clear understanding of all major types of content writing—pick one for yourself.
Let’s start with the most obvious term: content writing.
What is content writing?
Content writing is both an art and a science—demanding an efficient mix of creativity, strategy, and technical knowledge. From blog posts and articles to social media updates and product descriptions; each piece of content has a distinct purpose and must be tailored strategically.
We have several types of content writing, and here are some well-known types that every beginner should be aware of when entering this industry. Choosing the right type of content is necessary. You should be aware of what I am writing and for what purpose.
Here is a list of 10 types of content writing:
- Blog writing
- SEO writing
- Copywriting
- Newsletter writing
- Academic writing
- Technical writing
- Social Media writing
- Script writing
- Creative writing
- Ghosting writing
Let’s get into it!
1. Blog Writing
Blog writing is one of the most popular forms of content writing in the present digital world. The demand for blog writing is comparatively high because more than 2 million blog posts are published daily.
This has attracted many writers to try their luck as blog writers.
Another beautiful thing about blog writing is its wide range of topics. It gives people personal choices to write in areas of their interest. For example, a person interested in cooking, traveling, sports, fashion, beauty, business, etc. can write in whichever niche he/she is interested in. Their is a high demand for quality blog writers in every niche. These blogs provide knowledge, information, education, or entertainment for the audience.
As a beginner in blog writing, you have two choices:
- Start your own blog: When you start your own blogging website for your own platform,. It’s simple, but takes time to build authority, traffic, and money from it. All you need is a hosting account and a domain name. Use WordPress CMS to create engaging content, publish and build traffic. Monetize your traffic and generate revenue.
(If you are interested to starting your own blog, get a mentor)
- Get freelance clients and earn: This option is good for beginners to get good exposure of digital market. In this, learn to write quality blogs in a certain niche, find a client, understand his/her requirements, deliver the work and get paid. Usually, beginners get paid from 500₹ to 2000₹ per 1000 article, based on client and their writing skills.
(If you are interested in learning blog writing: content writing page)
2. SEO Writing
SEO, which means Search Engine Optimization, is a well-known term among content writers. Typically, the writing which are used to rank the website’s content on the first page of the SERPs (Search Engine Result Page) is termed SEO writing.
As a content writer, if you specialize in SEO, you’ll have an advantage in the field of writing and can make a handsome amount of money. It demands a good understanding of keyword research, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, topic research, and SEO best practices.
A SEO writer optimizes content for the search engine, rather than just writing for the audience. However, user-friendly content is one of the major factors in SEO ranking, therefore, such writers need to ensure that their articles are user-friendly and SEO. There ultimate purpose is to rank on the search engine result pages, get traffic, and generate lead or sales.
Some techniques that are used by SEO writers are:
- Keyword research is a tool which you can use Google adwords
- Using the focus keyword in your article
- Use links in your articles and link to your other blogs in the article. This will help the other blogs grow as well.
3. Copywriting
A piece of content that is written to persuade the customer or audience to buy something or to take any action. Copywriting is quite different from other content writing types.
Content writing is indeed important in business, but it focuses more on engagement and brand awareness through content mediums such as blog posts.
The main focus in copywriting is selling (convert) something; you are likely to see Google Ads, product pages, Billboard ads, Email marketing campaigns, etc. All of these are examples of Copywriting. This also includes sub-categories like SEO writing and newsletters.
Simple steps to becoming a copywriter:
- Learn the basic principles of marketing, advertising, and human psychology.
- Start writing and practice your craft to build your portfolio
- Work with people or brand to understand how everything works, evolve and adapt.
- Once all the above points are covered, promote yourself and use your skills to earn.
4. Newsletter Writing
Newsletter writing is more like email writing sent in bulk to a subscribed audience.
You must have seen emails that are sent on a regular basis to a targeted audience with a targeted purpose – all that counts as newsletter. And, crafting such content is termed as newsletter writing.
Newsletters are mainly utilized by businesses or brands, for example, when they want to share information about a new service or product they are launching, or any new updates with their customers or audience. Therefore, its a challenge as a writer to understand the products or services
Additionally, newsletter helps them to retain consumer engagement, create relationships, and engage with specialized audiences in an organized way.
Here’s an example of a newsletter that I have subscribed to.
Steps to writing a good newsletter.
- Understand what message you want to convey.
- Write the draft of your email like you are writing it to a specific person.
- Add interesting visuals to grab the attention of that person.
- Send it to everyone in your audience after you proofread the email.
5. Academic Writing
Academic writing is a crucial aspect of any academic activity; it is writing used for educational purposes, whether for students, researchers, teachers, experts, or academic institutions.
Researchers publish their knowledge; textbooks and lesson plans used by teachers are all examples of academic writing.
6. Technical Writing
Technical writing is simplified writing that conveys difficult ideas or instructions in a clear and easy manner that everyone can comprehend, even if they are not specialists in the field.
It’s similar to a user manual for a new technology or appliance, in which the writer explains how to operate it step by step, using simple language and graphics. Technical writing can also include reports, documentations, manuals, and tutorials that help individuals grasp complex topics or learn how to perform specialized tasks, such as car repair or software use.
Essentially, it is all about making complex concepts easier to understand for everyone. Things that are important in technical writing are as follows:
- Identify the need of the customer.
- Write the technical document and add other visuals for better understanding like illustrations, videos, etc.
- Research and develop the content
- Collaborate with teams that require such documentation for their products.
- Collect feedback and keep improving.
7. Social Media Writing
Every person spends time on social media nowadays.
Social media writing, including posts, comments, captions, tweets, and messages designed to engage with audiences on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others.
The purpose of social media copy is to interact and communicate with a target audience on social media platforms while also promoting your company, products, or services.
Social media text is typically informal, conversational, and attention-grabbing, with an emphasis on increasing engagement and driving traffic to your website or other online platforms.
8. Script Writing
A script is a text written for a film or television show, containing every action, image, dialogue, and plot point. Typically, scripts include dialogue, stage directions, and scene descriptions required to visually bring a story to life, to captivate the audience, and to make sure the audience gets the message of what the story is intended to offer.
In the present digital context, script writing is in high demand for YouTube videos as well.
9. Creative Writing
This form of writing comes from contemporary literature. It is used to express the imaginative side of the writer, where the writer creatively conveys their thoughts through emotions and thoughts in fiction or nonfiction, a poem or a story.
Creative writing is used in several professions, including authors, students, journalists, advertisers, screenwriters, bloggers, and speechwriters.
Some example of creative writing are:
- Poems
- Song writing
- Plays and screenplays
- Short fiction stories
- Personal essays (Hundred reasons to be scientist – 100 essays collection)
- Creative non-fictions (the theory of everything by Stephen hawking)
- Novel writing
- Comic writing
10. Ghostwriting
Content writing can be an overwhelming task for some people; therefore, some people hire other people to write content in their name. This is known as ghostwriting.
Ghostwriters can write in different types, from fiction to nonfiction. They basically write everything for their clients. Ghostwriters offer a solution for busy professionals who lack time to write their own content.
Ghostwriters offer confidentiality; they work as freelancers; hence, the company and business do not require them to hire another person on the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does content writing makes you money?
Q2. Is it good to use ChatGPT for writing content?
Q3. Which one is the most profitable content writing type?
Conclusion
I am sure that after reading this guide, you have a good understanding of the different types of content writing available in the digital world. For a good writer, there are endless opportunities if one puts their heart and soul into their writing.
Choose the correct writing path for yourselves.
Build your portfolio website, get leads and start earning.
If you have any doubts, ask in the comments.
About the author:
Hi, I am Ankita Saurya, a content writer. I have always been passionate about reading and writing. Ideas are like ingredients – they need the right mix to create something truly delicious! And bringing my ideas to life is my purpose in this journey
So Informative. Thanks for this information. This is helpful for beginners who do not know which type of writing they are doing. I am Working in Blog Writing and am passionate about Creative Writing as well.
Thank you 🙂
Informative. Good read Ankita. Keep it up