what is a content writer?
As a content writer, you are a professional who writes articles, blog posts, social media content, and other written material for a client or employer. Your primary role is to create engaging and informative content that captures the reader's attention. The content you produce may also need to be optimised for search engines so that it will show up in online search results.
The role of a content writer can be varied. Some writing jobs will require in-depth research on a topic. In contrast, others may be rewrites of existing content for a new purpose, such as localising text for a different region. As part of your job, you use a range of tools to ensure your work is correctly formatted and thoroughly checked for errors. Depending on the specifics of your role, you may also work with a content management system, allowing you to enter your work directly into your employer or client's system.
Content writers are needed in most industries. Any organisation with an online presence will need content written for its website, blog, or social media accounts. Generally, content writers don't cover topics requiring specialised training or education. However, you could become a content writer with a specific area of expertise.
Does working as a content writer sound like something that appeals to your passion for writing and desire to learn new things? If so, keep reading to find out what skills and competencies can help you thrive in this profession.
find your jobaverage salary of a content writer
According to Payscale, the average salary of a content writer is around ₹295,000 per year or roughly ₹144 per hour. The full pay range for a content writer starts at around ₹125,000 per year for an entry-level position and can reach as high as ₹582,000 per year for experienced content writers.
factors that affect content writer's pay
The main factor affecting your earning potential as a content writer is the technical level of your content. As a general rule, the less research required to produce a piece of content, the less a writer is paid. The highest-paying content requires advanced knowledge and qualifications or experience in the subject matter. While this principle is more relevant to salaries of freelance writers, it also applies to employed content writers. If you are hired to write relatively straightforward content that requires minimal research, your earning potential will be lower.
Qualifications can also play a role in determining your earning potential. If you are a content writer producing content that requires expertise, a relevant degree will show your employer that you have the right background for the job. Similarly, experience producing content in a relevant subject matter helps.
types of content writer
While you can specialise in a given subject matter as a content writer, there are also different types of content writers, each with their specific style, conventions, and goals. Here are some of the most common types of content writers:
- copywriters: copywriters specialise in creating promotional and advertising copy. You write sales letters, landing pages, and other types of content to persuade readers to take a specific action, such as buying a product or signing up for a service.
- technical writers: in this role, you create content that is focused on explaining complex topics clearly and concisely. You create user manuals, how-to guides, and other instructional materials to help readers understand technical concepts. This type of role often requires specialist qualifications or experience.
- seo writers: search engine optimisation (SEO) writers create content to improve a website's ranking in search engine results. You research keywords and use them strategically in your content to increase its online visibility.
- bloggers: as a blogger, you write articles and blog posts on a variety of topics, ranging from news and current events to personal experiences and opinions. As a blogger for an organisation, you write about your organisation's latest news and topics related to its industry sector.
- social media writers: you create content for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You write short, snappy posts to engage and entertain followers and longer-form content like videos and blog posts to share on social media.
- academic writers: academic writers create content focused on educational and scholarly topics. This level of content writing requires at least a degree, as the content produced may refer to research papers, journal articles, and other academic sources. These works are intended for a specific audience, such as scholars and researchers.
working as a content writer
The specific duties of a content writer include the following:
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content writer job description
The specific duties of a content writer include the following:
- researching topics: before you create content, you research the topic thoroughly to ensure that the information you present is accurate and up-to-date. This may involve reviewing industry publications, analysing data and reports, and even conducting interviews in some cases.
- writing content: your primary responsibility is to create high-quality written material that is tailored to the intended audience. The way you write your content will also differ depending on whether you are writing blog posts, articles, social media content or product descriptions.
- editing and proofreading: part of your role as a content writer is ensuring that all of your material is free from errors. You review your work carefully and make any necessary edits or revisions before publishing.
- conducting keyword research: if the content you produce is intended for online publishing, your employer may want it optimised for search engines.
- meeting deadlines: you are able to work efficiently and meet deadlines, particularly if the content is time-sensitive.
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work environment
Your work environment as a content writer typically involves an office or office-like environment. You work at a computer to produce your written content. However, remote working is increasingly common in this profession. If you work remotely, your work environment is your home (or wherever you choose to work).
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues as a content writer are typically your editors and any other content writers you are collaborating with on projects. Depending on the arrangement your employer has in place, other potential colleagues include content strategists, digital marketing managers, project managers, SEO specialists, social media managers, marketing managers, marketing executives, brand managers, graphic designers, marketers, and web developers.
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work schedule
Your schedule as a content writer depends on the specifics of your employment, but there is a great deal of range in this profession. Full-time work is an option and is typical when you work from an office at your employer's location. If you work to a more flexible schedule—particularly if you work remotely—you often organise your own schedule. In this situation, your employer is not concerned with your schedule as long as your content is turned in by the relevant deadline. In recent years, a mixture of office and remote work has become very common.
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job outlook
The job outlook for content writers is mostly positive. The importance of content for keeping customers informed and increasing online visibility is recognised by organisations. Therefore, content writers should be in demand for the foreseeable future.
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advantages of finding a content writer job through randstad
Finding your content writer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a content writer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
There are no specific qualifications associated with being a content writer as long as you can demonstrate a strong grasp of the required language and good research skills. However, having registered qualifications will make getting hired much easier, and specialising in an area of expertise will greatly increase your earning potential. The higher your level of education, the more authoritative and valuable your content is to employers.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a content writer include:
- writing skills: first and foremost, you have a strong grasp of the written language required by your employer. You are able to produce content that is grammatically correct, free from errors, and engaging to read.
- research skills: a significant part of your role is research, as the information you provide must be accurate. You know where to find the relevant information and how to extract the required detail for your content.
- time management: whether working in an office or remotely, you are responsible for managing your time. You are often given a project with a deadline and are responsible for seeing that it is completed on time.
- creativity: your content is not just factual and error-free; it is also engaging. You use your creativity to find ways to make the subject matter interesting.
FAQs about working as a content writer
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of content writer.
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how much are content writers paid?
Content writers in India typically earn between ₹125,000 and ₹582,000 per year, with the average being ₹295,000.
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is content writing a good career?
Content writing can be a very good career for the right person, especially those who enjoy managing their own time. It is a job in relatively high demand with a lot of potential flexibility around the hours worked and the location of the work.
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how can I become a content writer?
If you want to become a freelance content writer, build a portfolio and start pitching to clients. However, if you want to work for an organisation, qualifications will help. These qualifications can be related to writing or a specific area of expertise.
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is a content writer job easy?
Content writing can be stressful when the workload is high, and deadlines are approaching. For the most part, however, it is not a stressful job if you are good at managing your time.
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how much do content writers charge per hour in India?
Content writers are typically paid on a per-word basis. The amount paid per word can vary depending on the content of the job but can often be around ₹1 per word.
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how do I apply for a content writer vacancy?
Applying for a content writer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!