When you think of marketing, it is probably images that come to mind first. Perhaps a video or two. But do you realize how much weight the words within and around those images and videos hold? I read somewhere that those images are the first impression that a business gives, but words are the lasting ones. As a content writer, I feel the gravity of my role, and also the overwhelming pride in knowing that what I type makes a lasting impact for my clients… the successful business owners who hire me.

Content writers do more than write. They research a wide variety of topics and learn about their clients and the audiences for whom they write. They work with the marketing department to assist companies with their brand voice and communicate well-written pieces to drive conversions.

As a business owner, you know that you need marketing, but the way to get it done may seem a little hazy. I am here to clear the area of content writing up for you. In this article, you will find a clear and concise breakdown of what a content writer does and why you need one if you plan on keeping your business a success. Read on, as I give you a peek behind the scenes of the content writing world.

So, What Exactly Does A Content Writer Do?

As an integral member of the marketing team, a content writer can do so much for your business, and having a good one on your side has become almost a necessity.

Gone are the days when it was possible to jot down your thoughts in a blog every few days, “Doogie Howser, M.D.” style, and garner views and leads. These days, every word counts toward your SEO score (or lack thereof,) and if you want to make it, you need a professional to keep you in the game.

A good content writer is like a gift that keeps on giving. Let’s look at the main roles of these vital members of staff and what they mean for your business.

1.      Content Writers Are Master Researchers

When you set a content writer free, you are unleashing a research beast. A good content writer will spend hours and days getting to deeply understand your business, your goods and services, and your audience before they even think about starting their first article.

Not only do we take the time and effort to get to know you and your audience well, but we also cross-reference everything we research while writing an article. For us to provide third-party links and sources in your company’s articles, we need to be sure that we are giving links to information that is correct.

So, we research and research some more. You can just imagine how exciting we are at social gatherings with all the information we have crammed in our heads!! 

2.      Content Writers Craft And Maintain Style Guides For Companies

You may already have a visual style guide in place, and if you do, that is absolutely awesome! When you start working with a content writer, you will also need a brand voice document, and your content writer will help you set that up and maintain it.

Just like a visual style guide, a brand voice document helps you, your content writer, and all other team members keep the business on brand at all times.

So, every article, social media post, email, reply, and more, will be written in the exact tone and voice of the brand you have so painstakingly worked to perfect.

Content writers care a great deal about ensuring we keep your true voice as we write. It helps to maintain the dignity of the brand. It’s also one of the reasons I enjoy getting to know my clients. When I have your face and voice in my mind, I can almost channel your energy and ensure that your true spirit comes across in your written content.

3.      Content Writers Have An Understanding Of Writing For The Web And SEO

Most content writers love to write. But being able to wax lyrical about any topic for days does not always equal good content.

To be a good content writer, we need to have an ongoing understanding of web writing trends and SEO.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is writing that helps search engines pick up on your content. What used to involve cramming as many keywords as possible into an article has now become a kind of art form, and I have to admit, one I quite enjoy.

Having a content writer on your team means having someone who stays on top of web writing trends so that you don’t have to. Ah, is that a sigh of relief I sense? Go on, you deserve it!

4.      Content Writers Need To Understand What Audiences Want To Read

This topic is usually reserved for copywriting more than content writing, but there is definitely an element of psychology involved with content writing, too.

When a content writer has a sound understanding of whom they are writing for, and why, they are way likelier to hit the nail on the head when it comes to delivering what the reader wants to read.

When it comes to sales, every cent spent counts. Every minute I spend writing for a client is billed and goes toward their marketing budget. To make it count, I need to know whom I’m writing for, what they want, and how they can benefit from my client’s product or service.

Having a clear audience profile goes a long way in helping content writers write with precision. And a good content writer can climb into the shoes of that audience member, whether they are stilettos, work boots, or sneakers, and type directly to them.

5.      Content Writers Are Storytellers, Great At Grammar, and Proofreaders

I left this point for last because I guess it’s kind of obvious, but a content writer needs to be a genuine writer.

I have come across content writers who write articles for clients in their spare time (no shade there) and had absolutely no passion for writing, English, reading, grammar, or anything to do with the job. While I can understand the need to make money with a side hustle, I can imagine there are several easier ways to do it.

If you are looking for a content writer, be sure to bring one on team that is passionate about writing, reading, grammar, the English language, and literature in general. They should love tapping away at the keyboard and creating stories from nothing. Their head should be in the clouds at least part of the day…

Go for a content writer who can turn a product into something you would also want to buy. But ensure that their writing comes with a healthy side of proofreading and editing, too. The articles you put out should be quality, well-written pieces that are perfect, or as near to perfect as possible.

Wrapping Up

Content writers are phenomenal worker-bees who add quality to any marketing team and business. If you want to keep your business successful in 2023, consider bringing one on board and use their expertise to expand your literary reach and SEO capabilities. Used well, quality blog articles can be fantastic marketing tools to educate your audience and get traffic to your page.

To hire a professional content writer from the Grammar Goblin, chat to us right here, via the contact page!