content writing tips - Express Writers - Page 4
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

content writing tips

The Most Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Hiring a Content Writer

by
The Most Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Hiring a Content Writer

When it comes to your business marketing puzzle, writing is a huge piece of it. You need writing for almost everything: landing pages for your website, social media posts, blogs, advertisements, and more. The problem is, you probably don’t have the time or specialized skills needed to write effective content that gets you noticed in all the right ways. Enter content writers. According to the Hubstaff Blog, hiring great writers is how you provide valuable content to your visitors. In turn, they repay you with their patronage and their business, which equals a high ROI. This graph shows how the Hubstaff Blog tripled their peak traffic over the course of only a few months simply by putting out valuable, well-written content on a consistent basis: Bottom line: you need us writers, but you also need us to be good at what we do. You need content that fits your business and your message to a T. You have lots of options when it comes to content writing – after all, we’re living in the era of the content writer. So, how do you get what you need? What are the secrets to hiring a content writer? How do you avoid the pitfalls of making a bad hire, which can result in poor writing, lackluster content, and zero returns on investment? We’re here to tell you what you might be doing wrong when it comes to hiring – and how you can make a small change to hire writers who are exactly right for your business. Don’t Commit These 4 Mistakes When Hiring a Content Writer These mistakes are easy to make if you’re crunched for time and money. 1. Failing to Review Their Samples You can’t understand a writer’s qualifications unless you ask for – and review – samples of their work. This means looking at a few different examples of what they’ve done in the past, and evaluating the depth and breadth of their skills. They should show you variety, flexibility, research chops, and, most of all, competent, engaging writing. If you don’t do this step, or if you ask for samples but don’t bother to review them, you really won’t know what you’ll be getting into. Since the written content for your business is so important, gambling with your writing talent this way is not a good idea. 2. Hiring a Content Writer with the Lowest Rates Writers who ask for low rates may not have the skills to earn higher pay for their work. You know the saying: you get what you pay for. If it seems like a writer is offering their services too cheaply, nine times out of ten, you can be sure they’ll turn in sub-par work. This means writing that’s riddled with errors, that aims for nothing more than a word count. In the end, you’ll have to edit everything they send you, which will eat up your time. Soon you’ll be thinking, “Wait a minute, didn’t I hire a writer so I wouldn’t have to do this myself?” via GIPHY Good writers may cost more, but in return, you get somebody who knows their stuff. You’ll get SEO content that’s formatted well, thoroughly researched, error-free, and engaging to read. You’ll get valuable content for your readers, and that’s worth every penny. 3. Not Asking for References You may want to hire a writer quickly and call it done, but speeding your way through the process without vetting candidates is asking for trouble. Unless they’re an ultra-talented newbie, professional writers will have references from past work experiences. If you don’t ask to see them, you won’t know which candidate has the clout you want. [clickToTweet tweet=”Thinking about hiring a content #writer? Make sure you avoid these four common pitfalls via @ExpWriters!” quote=”Thinking about hiring a content #writer? Make sure you avoid these four common pitfalls via @ExpWriters!”] 4. Ignoring Grammar or Spelling Mistakes One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring a content writer is overlooking spelling and grammar errors in their work and communication with you. In fact, these errors, along with strange-sounding wording and poor sentence structure, can be a red flag that you’re dealing with a foreign writer. This is someone whose first language isn’t English. Hire this person, and your content will just end up confusing people – unless you also hire a very good editor. A good writer knows that every word they write is under evaluation. They will do their best to edit their work before you ever read it. This applies to seemingly mundane things, too, like emails. If you gloss over bad punctuation, poor spelling, and awkward syntax, then you shouldn’t be surprised when your content is peppered with the same issues. So, How Do You Go About Hiring a Good Content Writer? If the whole writer-hiring process seems like a big headache to you, don’t worry – we get it. At the end of the day, wouldn’t it be easier if you didn’t have to vet your content writers yourself? Guess what? You don’t. via GIPHY In fact, if you work with our team at Express Writers, you’ll get quality writers at your fingertips who have already been tried, tested, and vetted. How Express Writers Delivers the Content You Need Our writers are real professionals who are just plain good with words. This content creation force is assembled by an expert management team who stay on top of your content every step of the way. They’re a group of savvy ladies who know their stuff: They personally guide your written content full-circle: from ideation to hand-picking the right writer for the job, to editing, to delivery. It took months to put this winning team together, but, through trial-and-error, we figured out a formula that works. This trial-by-fire is all part of the story of how Express Writers was born. View that very personal tale here: Now that we’re on the other side, we’re moving full steam ahead. Our team can carry … Read more

3 Ways to Drive Content Writers Crazy

by
3 Ways to Drive Content Writers Crazy

Content writers – the good ones anyway – excel at making something out of nothing, or at least something out of very little.

It’s the job of the content writer to take your stream of consciousness dictation and put it together into a cohesive and thorough article that is both fun to read and search engine friendly. It’s also the job of the content writer to translate a loosely related collection of keywords into a collection of topics that are unique, exciting, and highly interesting to web viewers.  The content writers are the heroes who turn your confusion into cohesion, your indecision to confidence, and your loose thoughts into fully developed ideas. Without your content writer, how well would your marketing pieces perform? How popular would your blog be? How would it affect your bottom line?

Read more

The Benefits and Dangers of Generating Content Through Curation

by
The Benefits and Dangers of Generating Content Through Curation

No matter how you do it.

No matter how often you try.

No matter how early you get up in the morning, or how many cups of “inspirational” coffee you guzzle while sitting at the keyboard staring at a blank page…

Sometimes you just don’t feel like writing.

The thought of discovering new ways of generating content can be incredibly daunting.

I could say “Don’t worry. It happens to everyone.”

(It’s true – it does.)

But then you’ll just throw in the towel and admit defeat.

And that’s not why you’re here, right?

Read more

7 Tips To Deliver Compelling Content Writing that Actually Sells

by
7 Tips To Deliver Compelling Content Writing that Actually Sells

Company owners strive to create a fresh, modern, unique image for their brands, hoping to gain new followers and maximize their return on investment in record time. Compelling content writing plays an important part in this puzzle, representing the bridge between an online business and its segment of potential buyers. In most cases, words are cleverly combined to create beautiful tales for every single product currently available on the market; but are these stories convincing and inspiring enough to stimulate sales, to harness client engagement, or to grow the online presence of a particular brand? 7 Awesome Tips To Help You Create Compelling Content Writing Somewhere along the road to awesome web content writing, most writers get stuck. What exactly triggers their failure and how can one deliver compelling content writing that serves a higher purpose, generating traceable improvements over a short period of time? Apply a few simple tips helping you avoid major mistakes that could easily compromise your online credibility and your previous efforts. Deliver 100% accurate, fresh informative content on a regular basis Remember that fans usually stop following a company that does not benefit from a solid online presence and neglect the fact that meaningful Web content should be posted and updated regularly. 1) Share and promote only 100% original content, presented in a personalized, appealing manner Your readers have the ability to recognize stolen ideas, especially if they are copy-pasted from your main competitors; not to mention the fact that this practice is penalized by search engines and could even get your site banned. 2) A narrow focus can attract a larger segment of visitors Most readers tend to avoid so-called “generalist” bloggers who seem to have an informed opinion about everything these days. Develop your content writing skills, choose topics that represent you and reflect your purpose in business, and come up with truly remarkable ideas tailored to the expectations of you core audience after doing extensive research and conducting brainstorming sessions. Before trying to address the needs of your readers, discover who you really are, identify and list the attributes that you are trying to highlight, and establish goals that you would like to attain in the near future. 3) Share credible information and define yourself as a trustworthy source It goes without saying that honesty is a non-negotiable term when it comes to delivering excellent content writing. Don’t lie and don’t exaggerate your strengths. For example, don’t affirm that you are the best/most-trusted/most-popular plumbing company in your state, unless real numbers extracted from unbiased statistics can back up your statement. 4) The execution of your content piece is essential Your content writing should display a clear, simple, scannable structure. People don’t want to waste time trying to find the main idea of your text. They want to get to the point fast and with minimal effort. Learn more tips on compelling content at Copyblogger. 5) Turn some of the most common questions into brilliant answers and solve the daily problems of your readers Your readers might comment on your blog posts, asking you to provide the simplest, fastest, most-effective solution to their problem. If it’s a common issue, experienced by most of your clients, you can provide a detailed answer in a future blog post, which will definitely be received with great enthusiasm by your followers. 6) Explore fertile social media ground, looking for new sources of inspiration Find out what has gone viral recently in your field of activity, keep an eye on your fierce competitors, measure their progress, and anticipate their next moves. Spot new trends and become a trendsetter yourself by simply being active on some of the most popular social media platforms. Start out with these tips, grow your knowledge, and keep reading – you’ll be awesome at content writing in no time!

The (Double) ABCs of Content Writing

by
The (Double) ABCs of Content Writing

Remember what used to be the ABC of sales in the 20th century? The old adage Always Be Closing rang in the ears of salespeople across the globe as a guiding mantra for decades. This ABC, which suggested that all that mattered was the sale and closing it, was later translated as Always Be Confident, implying a shift from the object to the subject. According to this perspective, there was a slight change of focus from the sale to the salesperson, on whose confidence the sale depended. Now the sales agent was no longer the disembodied entity that had to close the sale, but an individual whose confidence in his or her own skills increased the likelihood to actually close the sale. But what happens now? First of all, it should be noted that the turn of the century brought a shift of balance in the relationship between the elements of the selling triangle: sale ­– salesperson – customer. From the least important in this equation, the customer became the central piece. And online selling is a telling example in this sense. Businesses build Websites to become visible to people surfing the Web, hoping to turn them into potential buyers. To do that, their Websites need to capture visitors’ attention. That’s where content writing comes in. The ABCs of Content Writing: Part of an Online Marketing Strategy Here’s the one we propose. It’s actually a double ABC: Answer and Appeal, Briefness and Buoyancy, Condensation and Consistency. Let’s see what each pair in this AABBCC actually stands for when it comes to content writing. Answer and Appeal Your content writing should be informative, providing answers to visitors’ questions about your product or service. Credibility is directly linked to usefulness, therefore your content should be useful in order to influence the visitor and turn him or her into a potential buyer. Also, if your content is not only offering answers to questions, but does this in an appealing way by providing relevant details, suggestive examples, and explicit action steps, it’s even better. Briefness and Buoyancy To fulfill its purpose, content writing should at the same time follow the rule of briefness and buoyancy. It’s a fact that fleeting attention is the worst enemy of online writing. To convince people to read what you have to say, you need to be as concise as possible while also allowing them to skim and scan your words in search of what’s relevant to them. But brief and succinct does not mean superficial. Briefness should be doubled by buoyancy, by which we mean that the language used to write online content should be simple, fluent and lively, conveying a lightness of spirit, that keeps the readers alert and does not overload their system. And with this, we move to the third pair in our double ABC. Condensation and Consistency Your content writing should not be only appealing and brief, but also substantial. You should provide condensed ideas by reducing the content to the gist, in a simple and clear manner. Even if the content is technical or highly specific you need to find ways to render it in laymen’s terms. Condensation does not mean obscurity. It means synthesis, and it requires the ability to render the essential. To increase the effectiveness of your content writing, you need to be consistent. Customers and prospects appreciate consistency and see it as a sign of reliability. Consistency in Web content quality is fundamental in earning people’s trust and maintaining their interest. Quality content writing is like great customer service. If you surprise people by exceeding their expectations, they’re not only more likely to return to you, but also make referrals to others. By keeping in mind the double ABC of content writing, you can improve the quality of your copy, and as a result increase your traffic and website efficiency.

5 Key Features of Convincing Content Writing

by
5 Key Features of Convincing Content Writing

Web content is much like the Cinderella of the web content writing world. Before content mattered as much as it did today, design claimed all the attention. However, things are starting to change. Great design doesn’t say much if there’s no meaningful content. Tinseltown: The New Web Content Writing Era Both Webmasters and business Website owners are beginning to understand that, and as a result reconsider the way they relate to content and content writing. Tinseltown Websites are now starting to be sanctioned by search engines and readers alike. Google introduced new counterattack defense weapons targeting bad links and duplicate and low-quality content. Readers click away if you don’t grab their attention from the first line. It’s becoming obvious that good content will eventually prevail over marketing tricks. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore your SEO keyword research or other relevant online marketing strategies. But it does mean that you should focus more on your content writing. And getting people to click the link is all that matters, right? Wrong. Getting them to click and buy your subscription, product, or service because they really need it. That’s different. Your business Website is like a storefront, and people passing by window-shopping will be persuaded – or not – to come in by looking at your store window. That is content. Quality Web copy will draw them in, while tedious, illegible content will drive them away. 5 Key Features of High Quality, Convincing Content Writing 1. Make sure that what you say is meaningful and serves a purpose The customer’s purpose, more exactly. To achieve that, you need to know who you are talking to. Ask yourself: How well do I know my target audience? Can you make a profile of your typical customer? If not, it’s time to do your homework. After identifying the profile of your regular consumers, their purchasing behavior, and their psychology, you need to find ways to connect with them through your content by answering their specific needs. 2. Say it in simple, but not simplistic, words Provide relevant information in conversational language. If you want visitors to read your content, stick to the core, don’t beat around the bush. Remove all irrelevant details that don’t pertain directly to your topic. 3. Be transparent about your offering and don’t overstate the benefits You have more chances of winning your customers’ loyalty if you disclose the genuine value of your product or service than if you speculate the argument of low price and fail to deliver on your promise. People don’t want cheap low-quality products; they want quality products at a fair price. 4. Provide clear explanations and telling examples, but in a concise manner While you’re trying to get new customers, make sure that you don’t neglect your old ones. Loyalty is hard to find, so create Web content that is targeted at existing consumers, which keeps them engaged and makes them want to return to your Website. Serving repeat visitors is more important than running after new ones, so don’t place existing customers at the end of your checklist when writing content for your Website. 5. Keep it fresh if you want people to return It’s like going to the marketplace; you go there to find fresh produce. With that in mind, post new material and update your content regularly, otherwise visitors will look somewhere else for new and dynamic info on the topic they’re interested in. Remember: only really useful content will survive, so try to think of the long term and invest time and effort in your content writing now to reap the benefits in the not-too-distant future.

4 Critical Dos and Don’ts of Web Content Writing and Editing

by
4 Critical Dos and Don’ts of Web Content Writing and Editing

When it comes to web content writing and editing, it pays to play by the rules. While there’s absolutely room for creativity and interpretation in the world of online content, there are also just things you’re better off not doing, and things that you should make certain you do. By understanding the ins and outs (dos and don’ts) of this industry, you’ll set yourself up to be more productive and fruitful. With that in mind, check out these web content writing rules to live by. Web Content Writing and Editing: 4 Key Dos and Don’ts Just like learning to waltz requires memorizing a series of steps, learning to be an effective online copywriting requires understanding the rules of the game. In light of that, here are our four top content writing rules for copywriting creatives in the modern world: The 4 Big Don’ts of Online Content In online content, learning what not to do is almost as important as learning what to do. With that in mind, here are four things you always want to avoid in your copywriting. 1. Dull, dry, icky content that could have come from anywhere This covers both how we arrange content on a Web page, and what that page contains or how the information is rendered. First, let’s discuss the actual content you’re writing. Any content you publish should be several things: unique, relevant, well-written, and exciting. If these things sound like a tall order, it’s because they are. This is why so many content writers (unfortunately) go to the dark side and start churning out boring content that doesn’t do anything for their brand or their readers. While this content certainly checks a box and gives the writer something to publish, it misses the larger goal of content as a whole, which is to inspire, educate, and provide meaning. With this in mind, writers must avoid this first pitfall like the black plague. If you don’t have the time to put out high-quality content, you have exactly two choices: you can cut down on the content you’re publishing, or you can hire a writer (or a team of writers) to help you. The best decision is the second one, and you’ll notice that “start publishing crappy content” is not an option at all. Boring, poor-quality content is the bane of the online world, and it will harm your online presence much, much more than it helps it. To get the most traction from your content, you’ll also need to ensure that you’re arranging it on a page in a way that avoids being dull, dry, or icky, and lands solidly in the realm of creative, unique, and exciting. 2. Rambling without a point, or being overly verbose While most writer jokes in the world center on an overly-intellectualized person making a simple concept difficult, the reality is the job of a writer is exactly the opposite. To be effective, you must abide by the golden web content writing rule: keep it simple. Simple content performs better, and it’s a more efficient way to reach your audience. With this in mind, sift through your content to cut out unneeded words, trim the fat, and get to the point. Your readers will thank you and your content will perform better. What’s more, you’ll need to avoid common pitfalls. Remember that the best online content is original and creative, so try to avoid clichés, worn-out language, obvious statements, and irrelevant examples. In the battle for page rank, the winners are the ones who can be authentic and simple in one easy package. Chunky, clunky, stuffed-too-full pieces need not apply. 3. Plagiarized content (or any duplicate content) While most people imagine duplicate content as copying and pasting someone else’s website, it can be much more nuanced than that. Often, plagiarized content comes in the form of duplicated meta descriptions or improperly cited facts. Whatever you do, avoid both of these things in your online content. In addition to improving your Google rank, this will also make your content more authoritative and relevant to your users. 4. Content that is filled with mistakes While all writers make mistakes, it’s essential that you catch them before your audience does. Spelling and grammar mistakes can destroy the functionality of your content. With this in mind, run your content through a spelling and grammar checker like Grammarly, and always give it several proof-reads before you send it off to be published. What are the Dos of Content Writing? Now that we’ve covered what not to do let’s talk about what you should be doing. Follow the tips below: 1. Make your point clear in every piece you write Today, the average reader’s attention span is shorter than a goldfish’s, so you don’t have much time to make your point. Because of this, it’s essential to be upfront about why you’re writing the piece, and what it will offer the reader. If the user can’t immediately determine this, there’s a good chance they’ll leave for a piece that’s a bit more straightforward. Open your pieces with an attention-grabbing sentence, and then get to work explaining your purpose. Your reader will thank you. 2. Stay on topic in your material Nobody like a rambler and your content will lose readers if it wanders too far from the point. With this in mind, pick only one idea only to discuss, illustrate, or elaborate on in your article or blog post. Once you’ve done this, back it up and flesh it out accordingly, but stick to it. This helps your readers locate what they’re looking for, and allows you to deliver more focused content from beginning to end. 3. Experiment with different content types It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, and many content creators and writers find what they love and stick with it. Unfortunately, this renders you a stranger to dozens of unique and highly profitable forms of content that could be benefiting your company. Things like infographics, videos, memes, SlideShare presentations, and podcasts can all enhance … Read more

No HR needed to get access to the best writers, editors, QAs and strategists. We are your all-in-one content writing service delivering publish-ready content.

Copyright – 2025 Expresswriter -All rights reserved