Let me be clear.  The kind of rebel I’m talking about is the useful, genius type – the kind who can honor and digest the voices that existed before her yet can also “step wildly outside the box when there’s a door of opportunity…” and create something radically new and beneficial to others, to a greater community.  The kind of rebel who’s invested in taking all of what she’s been taught and learned from experience, and yet still has a remarkably high openness and flexibility to what is current and what else might be possible.

Multifaceted Role with Many Names

Content writer. The title seems pretty straightforward, yet when you peak under the covers, many layers of complexities unveil themselves.  For one, there are many different names a content writer might use. Here’s a few, although the list could be exhaustive and continues to evolve:

• Content developer
• Content editor
• Content strategist
• Content marketer
• Web content marketer
• Web content marketing manager
• Copywriter
• Content strategy manager
• Editor & project manager
• Content marketing manager
• Web writer & editor
• Online writer

What Exactly Does a Content Writer Do?

The writer has the ever-so-small task of developing impeccably written, compelling, relevant content that will speak to and be delivered to the right audience at just the right time in just the right medium. The goal is to attract, engage, and convert; to open new business opportunities and expand the client’s marketing reach. Actual content varies greatly depending on the purpose for which it is being written and the marketing strategies being used. Content can come in the form of blog posts, tip sheets, webinars, video scripts, brochures, eBooks, emails, web content, buying guides, press releases, social media posts – you name it.

A great content writer will capture “the voice” of the brand that customers want to pay attention to and identify with, AND be able to adapt that across venues.

A Little Rebel Spirit Goes a Long Way

Writers claiming they can create online content, i.e. blog articles, press releases, social media posts, etc., come a dime a dozen these days. My experience is that perhaps 10% are worth the penny you pay. To help ensure you get the most bang for your buck (okay…I’ll stop. I promise!)

You want a writer with a little rebel spirit because you want to get noticed, stand out in this world of continual advertising bombardment. That takes someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, aka someone who isn’t afraid to take an idea and run with it, who relishes the idea of being a little different than the rest of the crowd – but not so much so that they are ignored, discounted, or come off as arrogant or offensive.

I found the perfect description of me as a content writer and social media marketer in this quote by Fast Company in reference to CeeLo Green being one of the most creative people in 2012:

I am “a strung-together mash up of titles made mandatory when no single job description suffices to describe a certain someone’s magnificence.” I am a jack-of-all-trades, able not only to acquire new skills and knowledge in a rapidly changing industry but to also turn that around and apply it in whatever manner might be called for.

Bottom line, a great content writer has expert journalistic and editorial skills mixed with a personality and conglomeration of experience that gives them the ability to create content (visual and written) that makes for a better user experience.

Beyond the Personality, a Writer Must Also Have Skills

Here are a few essentials:

• Fresh, unique writing style fitted to your target audience
• Excellent project management with experience working independently and proactively
• Ability to create and manage an editorial calendar based upon statistics of customer personas
• Ability to translate technical or industry “speak” into a language that readers love and clearly states how the client’s service/product benefits the customer
• Expert understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and reputation management strategies

Lastly, but of utmost importance, a content writer must possess outstanding proofreading, fact checking and editing skills. No matter how funny, witty, or original a writer is, their content will be your embarrassment and frustration if it’s full of spelling, grammatical or factual errors.

The only sin worse would be hiring someone who plagiarizes.

If you’re in need of a content writer and/or social media marketer – and you’re not afraid of a little rebellious spirit mixed with the highest degree of integrity and passion- give Write by Design a call at 415-218-8560.  Look forward to doing business with you!