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10 Things All Genuinely Good Content Writers Do (And 3 Things They Don't!)

Let's be honest for a second—everyone is constantly bombarded by information on all sides. 

Think about it—music, news, articles, memes, videos, ads, landing pages, emails, and DMs. Of course, that's barely scratching the iceberg, but you get the idea, right?

It's common to feel the need to investigate several things at once, but unhappily, this compromises our attention spans. Our average attention span is now 8.25 seconds, but a goldfish can keep it together for 9 seconds.

Yeah, we've gotten to that point.

So how are you supposed to:

1) compete with everyone else's content and

2) be entertaining and helpful enough to keep readers interested?

Read on to learn how good content writers can help with that.

 

"Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail"

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

The best writers understand that the craftmanship of premium content requires a plan. 

While it may sound clichĂŠ, creating content without a plan may be challenging. Moreso if you try to resonate with your target audience. A good content writer understands and researches their target audience, identifies their pain points, and tailors the content to meet those needs. In addition, a plan ensures the writing process is organized, and the content flows smoothly.

As a result, your readers easily relate and connect with the content thanks to its straightforward and understandable presentation. Conversely, without a plan, writers may produce content lacking focus or fail to communicate with their audience. So, the best content writers know that a program is the key.

Planning leads to creating content that builds a loyal follower base and resonates with the audience.

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Tell A Story, Use an Anecdote, and Draw Me In

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Okay, you know those three content writers that were let go? 

The main reason was the writing could have been more engaging. But, unfortunately, it was reading a textbook, not content meant to engage and entertain.

That's where storytelling comes in. 

Storytelling, anecdotes, and personal experiences make the best content writers stand out. Get your reader's attention by starting with a story. However, integrating a narrative is not the only aspect writers must consider. The story needs to be relevant and add value to the content. Illustrate your message with a story and make it more relatable and understandable for your readers.

Ultimately, the best content writers know that storytelling through anecdotes is a powerful tool to connect with their audience.

 

Care About It—Both the Topic and the Readers

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

What is one of the most exasperating reading experiences? 

It's when you can tell the writer doesn't care about the topic. So they churn out content without passion or interest instead of going for it.

Good content writers spend time researching, understanding, and approaching the subject matter with curiosity. They also put themselves in their readers' shoes while anticipating their questions, concerns, and needs.

Let's be honest; caring is not something you can manufacture. If something is outside your interests' scope, you might need help to care about a topic. Therefore, it's ideal to work with another writer passionate about your chosen topic to improve your content. Hiring someone who truly cares about the subject can significantly enhance its enhancement. Last but not least, empathy. You have to think from another person's perspective. The secret to connecting with readers and building trust is empathy. When you identify and address your target audience's most common issues and needs, you establish a stronger connection between your readers and your written work. In short, good content writers care about the topic and the readers by dealing with the subject matter enthusiastically and curiously. They put themselves in their readers' shoes to create empathy. Sometimes it's hard, but it's what distinguishes good content from great content.

 

Do Thine Homework and Then Do More

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

There's a reason why they say "knowledge is power." 

In content writing, performing thorough research and doing your homework to produce accurate, reliable, and engaging information is essential.

One crucial aspect of your homework as a writer is keyword research. Determining the type of keywords that your potential readers are searching for can help you create optimized content for SERPs. 

Keyword research can be done quickly using Google's autocomplete feature, related searches, and keyword research tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs.

However, your homework continues after keyword research. 

It also encompasses acquiring thorough knowledge and comprehending the topic you create. If you're writing about a topic you're unfamiliar with, guessing or taking shortcuts can lead to significant falls on your face. 

If you create inaccurate and unhelpful content, you will deceive your readers and undermine your credibility. And remember, once credibility is gone, it's hard to regain it.

Hence, good content writers research, read up on topics and consult experts if necessary. They want to understand the subject matter well for informative, accurate, and trustworthy content.

 

Get into the Feeling

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Good content writing isn't just about presenting information - it's about the emotional connection you create with your audience. 

You need to understand how your audiences feel and empathize with their perspective to do that.

Think about it: you can't move the emotional needle without knowing how your audience feels. If you want readers to remember your content for a long time, determine your target audience's needs, wants, and concerns and deal with them. This means getting into the feeling and putting yourself in their shoes.

For example, this article addresses the everyday struggles and frustrations many faces regarding content development. 

Maybe you feel intimidated by the process or annoyed by all the fluff and jargon. Or perhaps you're an experienced business owner tired of being talked down to like a newbie.

Whatever your emotional state, good content writers consider how their audience feels and what they'd like them to feel. To create engaging and unique content, show empathy to your readers and appeal to their emotions.

So don't be afraid to feel and connect with your readers emotionally. Prioritize this step before you commence writing to ensure that your content relates and links to your potential readers and inspires them to act in your favor.

 

Cover the Basics

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Content creation may overwhelm you - the ideas, the research, the clever wordplay. However, pay attention to the fundamental principles of good writing while you craft your content.

Many people need help to tell proper grammar from a shiny hammer, and if you want to be a good writer, you better understand the fundamentals. 

This means paying attention to sentence construction and paragraph structure and avoiding common pitfalls like run-on sentences and subject-verb agreement errors.

While it may not be all sparkles and glamour of content writing, it's essential to communicate effectively and maintain credibility.

Remember: even the most brilliant ideas can be undermined by sloppy writing.

Therefore, revisiting and reinforcing your knowledge of the foundational elements is best. Read some style guides, take an online grammar course, or practice writing with a critical eye. 

The fundamentals will improve your writing, and you'll stand out.

 

Get Your Facts Straight

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

At all times, give your readers reliable and genuine facts. This process goes beyond ethics and intricately builds credibility.

Don't get caught up in a rush to publish; sharing your content is easy. 

However, taking a few minutes to verify your sources and claims can save you from the embarrassment of spreading false information.

Your readers look up to you as an expert. Take the time to fact-check and save yourself from losing the reader "s trust and reputation damage.

Make sure your info is accurate and trustworthy before you hit publish.

If you need more time, do your due diligence and fact-check before you share content with your readers.

When you verify your information, you establish yourself as a trusted source of data for your field and maintain credibility.

 

Be the Authority

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

You need to sound like an expert when you write content. This means you need to develop authority and expertise in your writing.

It's essential to read what other authoritative writers in your field sound like to create a sense of authority in your content. However, being well-informed about your chosen topic does not imply arrogance or superiority but conveys wisdom and the ability to tackle different niches.

Establishing authority also means researching and staying up-to-date with your field's latest trends and developments. Finally, developing confidence and credibility in your content allows you to earn the faith and loyalty of your target audience.

Skilled writers deeply understand their topics, and readers rely on their content to gain more knowledge.

With authority and expertise, you can provide high-quality content to your audience and establish yourself as an industry thought leader.

 

Be Human

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Nowadays, AI is undeniably powerful, which is why many business owners use it to create content that engages their audience. However, though AI technology has significantly advanced, it remains distant from human replacements. 

While AI-generated content can elicit some emotion and empathy, it cannot replicate the depth of human emotion and experience. 

Hence, as a writer, ensure your human qualities shine through in your content. Be the human behind the words, and let your audience build a strong bond with you.

The AI capabilities are remarkable, but machines can never mimic the essence of human emotions and experiences.

Copywriting is like surgery. It asks you to form a meaningful comprehension of your audience and the ability to craft words that resonate with them. While AI can aid in the writing process, it can't substitute the intricacies and innovative thoughts of the human mind.

So, be the human behind the words. Then, use your unique experiences and perspectives to write content that resonates with your potential readers. 

If you practice this process, you can produce and publish content that connects with your readers and distinguishes you from other writers.

 

Show Some Character

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

In content writing, more is needed to be informative and well-written. To create a different writing style and content, it "s crucial to showcase your unique characteristics.

By character, it doesn't mean being manipulative or misleading. Instead, it means being both exciting and ethical.

Your writing should always reflect your brand's personality and values, yet you should be bold as you inject humor or wit into your content if it fits the brand's voice. Your audience will appreciate the authenticity and relatability of showing some personality.

However, always exercise caution and never cross the line into unprofessional or offensive territory. Remember that your writing represents your brand, and any missteps can have lasting consequences for your reputation and sales.

Embrace your brand's unique character and let it shine through in your writing. Soon, you will write content that connects with your target readers and sets you apart from your competitors.

 

Three Things Good Content Writers Do NOT Do

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Ignore Individual Differences

Good content writers understand that people learn and process information in different ways. 

While a clear structure and strategy for your content are essential, you must also provide your audience with flexibility and options. Please don't force your ideas on them, or you'll lose them altogether. 

Utilize different writing formats or styles for your content and allow your target audience to enjoy reading in a manner that suits their preferences and needs.

 

Use Generic or Confusing Titles

When you present options or upsells, good content writers know how to use clear and specific titles that help readers understand the differences between each choice. 

Avoid using generic or vague titles that leave your readers guessing what each option entails. Instead, be clear and specific, and help your readers make informed decisions.

 

Leave Readers Hanging

Good content writers don't assume their readers know what to do next. Instead, they provide clear, actionable steps that guide the reader through the content and toward the following action. 

Refrain from leaving feelings of uncertainty on your readers about what to do next, as it's likely to lead to losing their attention. Instead, be explicit and straightforward. Then, guide the necessary steps to accomplish their objectives.

 

Unleashing The Power: How Visual Content Transforms Your Message

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

In the vast sea of digital content, capturing and holding your audience's attention has become a Herculean task. But fear not, as visual content is a mighty weapon at your disposal. 

In this section, you'll unlock the power of visuals and explore their transformative capabilities to send your message to your audience. 

Get ready to unearth the full potential of visual content and embark on an exciting adventure of creativity and engagement.

 

The Impact of Visuals: Engaging the Senses

Visuals are a game-changer in the content landscape. They make an immediate impact, draw readers in at first glance, ignite emotions, and forge connections.

In a world that overflows with text-heavy content, visual elements act as a beacon, cutting through the noise and breathing new life into your writing. 

When you leverage the power of visuals, you can engage your readers, enhance comprehension, and create memorable experiences. So, break free from the normal of writing, incorporate visuals in your content, and see how your content shines. Embrace the visual revolution and watch your writing thrive in an increasingly visible world.

Writers can craft more engaging content when they unleash the emotional impact of captivating images that speak volumes without saying a word.

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Crafting Compelling Visuals: Techniques and Best Practices

As mentioned earlier, storytelling is critical to successful content. Storytelling in visual content is vital since it captivates your target audience. But ensure you maintain a consistent visual style across your range for brand recognition.

Visual content is also a significant factor in the digital world, particularly in social media marketing. And with the rise of mobile usage, optimizing your visuals for seamless mobile experiences is crucial. This will drive genuine traffic to your web page.

Indeed, in a world bombarded with information, harnessing the power of visual content is your secret weapon to stand out, captivate your audience, and leave a lasting impression. 

 

Visual Elements: Images, Videos, and Infographics

In the realm of content creation, visual elements hold immense power. From captivating images to engaging videos and informative infographics, each visual style uniquely conveys information and captivates audiences.  

  • The Allure of Images (Paint a Thousand Words): Unleash the power of images in your content to evoke deep emotions and forge an instant connection with your audience. Visual storytelling can narrate a beautiful story, capture attention and leave a lasting impact. Remember that well-curated and visually appealing images can enhance user engagement and encourage social sharing.
  • The Engaging Power of Videos (A Journey in Motion): Videos bring stories to life, engaging multiple senses and immersing viewers in a captivating narrative. They simplify the explanation of complex ideas through visual demonstrations and motion. In a nutshell, the human element in videos fosters a sense of relatability and authenticity since it deepens the connection with your audience.
  • Infographics (Communicating Complexity with Clarity): Infographics distill complex data and concepts into visually digestible and easily understandable formats. The strategic design elements and visual cues in infographics guide readers' attention, emphasizing key points. And with the research-backed benefits of infographics in enhancing information retention, your content is more memorable.

From beautiful images to excellent videos and informative infographics, visuals can convey your message compellingly and memorably. 

So, embrace the visual revolution, ignite your creativity, and unlock the true potential of visual content to take your writing and content creation to new heights. 

Get ready to unleash the power and witness the transformation of your message like never before.

 

Techniques For Developing A Personal Writing Process

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

In writing, there must be a generalized template or formula. Instead, each writer possesses unique skills, preferences, and creative instincts. 

Developing a distinctive writing process is the key to unlocking your full potential and crafting remarkable pieces that captivate readers. So let's embark on a short trip of self-discovery as writers. You'll discover new methods to achieve a unique, personal writing style that harnesses your strengths. Here are some tactics to develop your writing process:

  • Embrace Your Creative Quirks: Understand Your writing DNA and follow your writing instincts.
  • Self-Reflection: Dive into introspection to identify your writing style, quirks, and areas of expertise.
  • Maximize Your Strengths: Leverage your unique talents and perspectives to enhance the authenticity and impact of your writing.
  • Unleash Creativity: Explore new techniques to nurture creativity, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or engaging in inspiring activities.
  • Establish Rituals: Tap into the power of consistent routines, such as setting writer goals, practicing warm-up exercises, or incorporating meditation.
  • Manage Distractions: Learn strategies that minimize interruptions and create an environment conducive to deep work and flow.
  • Experiment and Observe: Discover your most productive and creative periods through experimentation of different writing times and observe your output.
  • Read for Inspiration: Explore the power of reading widely across genres, absorb diverse ideas, and spark your imagination.
  • Seek Constructive Criticism: Embrace feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or writing groups to gain insights and improve your writing.

To develop a unique writing process is the key to unlocking your creative potential and crafting captivating pieces that leave a lasting impression. 

By understanding your writing DNA, designing a personalized ritual, discovering your optimal writing time, cultivating a rich creative ecosystem, and embracing feedback and iteration, you can unleash your writing superpower and stand out in a sea of words. 

So, embrace your quirks, carve your path, and embark on a journey of self-expression and mastery. Get ready to wow readers, motivate fellow copywriters, and leave a mark in the literature universe with your distinctive writing process.

 

What Sets Good Content Writers Apart

10 things all genuinely good content writers do (and 3 things they don't! )

Navigating through the world of content creation requires attention to the fundamentals, ensuring factual accuracy, and developing authority in your writing. Adding a touch of human quality and showcasing your unique character further enhances your content's appeal. Avoid common pitfalls, such as ignoring individual differences and using vague titles, to truly resonate with your audience.

Harnessing the power of visual content and integrating images, videos, and infographics can transform your content, making it more engaging and memorable. As our digital world continues to evolve, the role of visually striking and informative content becomes increasingly crucial in standing out and making an impact.

Embrace your individual writing process. Understand and leverage your unique skills, manage distractions, and seek feedback for growth. By refining your process and continuing to innovate, you'll master the art of content creation, leaving a lasting impression with every piece you produce. Through your writing journey, you are contributing to the broader narrative of content creation worldwide—a testament to your growth and remarkable achievement.

 

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