The job title is often misunderstood, but the role is complex.
I’ve written before about how people tend to misunderstand what content writers do. That article got some good comments from readers who had similar experiences with their own content writing work. I thought it might be useful to write a more comprehensive guide on this topic, so here goes.
A website content writer is someone who creates long-form writing designed to educate, inform, or share information. The goal of such writing is usually to build a perspective, drive audiences toward a business, or build a brand. In short, it’s not just about producing words.
In addition to creating articles, web copy, and other forms of content, website content writers may also originate and prepare scripts, stories, advertisements, and other kinds of text. The job titles that fall under the category of “website content writer” are varied, including Copywriter, Article Writer, Content Developer, Marketing Copywriter, Social Media Content Creator, and Content Producer.
Website content writing jobs are concentrated in several industries, including:
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers (10.4%)
Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers (10%)
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (8.2%)
Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks (5.3%)
Motion Picture and Video Industries (4.7%)
How Content Writing Differs From Ordinary Writing
Content writing differs from ordinary writing in that its purpose is strategic. Unlike an essay or journaling, which may have no particular goal other than expressing thoughts, content writing is meant to grab attention, keep the reader reading, and ultimately guide them toward taking some action. This makes it different from simply writing well; content needs to be keyword-packed, yet still readable, relevant, and helpful.
Common Myths About Website Content Writing
One common myth about content writing is that it’s just writing. But that’s not true. Content writing is a strategic practice with specific goals in mind. The actions you want your audience to take could include buying something, signing up for a newsletter, or understanding something better. Readability and helpfulness matter as much as word choice when it comes to content writing.
Another myth is that posting more content is always better. However, quality and consistency matter far more than volume. For example, if you publish twice a week with strong, useful content, that will outperform five times just to stay visible.
Some people think that a writer must have hands-on industry experience to cover a niche topic. While that can help, finding industry experts who are also available freelance writers can be difficult. It depends on the industry you’re covering and your budget.
There’s a myth that rotating writers interchangeably makes no difference to the quality of your content. However, repeated work with the same writer plus detailed feedback lets the writer tailor his or her style to exactly your preferences. If you treat writers as interchangeable, you forfeit that benefit.
High-quality content means clear, correct, free of errors, and fit for its purpose. Paying more money to refine already high-quality content doesn’t produce higher-quality output. To maximize your return on investment in content writing, get high-quality content on time, and consistently.