Content writers craft articles, blogs, whitepapers, brochures, social media posts, and more for a variety of companies. Professional writers should have ten copywriting skills to produce useful content that drives traffic to a company website, builds trust, and encourages visitors to take action.
Research
A copywriter must research a wide range of topics for everyone from manufacturers to fashion designers. Often the writer knows little or nothing about the subject matter. Using reliable resources and creatively expressing the facts is imperative to develop unique content. Providing little-known facts establishes authority and encourages readers to come back for more.
Spelling
From simple words we use daily to medical terminology, writers need to spell everything correctly. Fortunately, there are resources to verify the spelling of challenging words, including the tried-and-true dictionary and various apps. Misspellings make people question the reliability and validity of the content.
Grammar
Long or confusing sentences confuse readers and drive them away. Proper grammar makes content easy to read and understand. Apps also exist to help writers check their work and make sure it is grammatically correct. Poor grammar drives intelligent readers away.
Versatility
Every client has a unique voice. It is imperative for a writer to understand the client’s brand mission and voice before writing any articles. Writers need to assume different voices based on the nature and intent of each client. The right voice helps brand a business and makes routine content stand out from the competition.
SEO
Besides writing compelling content, a professional needs to understand basic search engine optimization concepts and trends. The proper selection and use of keywords help search engines, and people find the content. Top writers also know how to perform keyword research.
Focus
Most articles and promotional content have a specific focus. The material has an intent, which requires the writer to stay on point. Veering off into other topics waters down the relevancy of the content and become distracting to the reader. A capable writer always remains focused on the specific item they are covering.
Time Management
It takes time to perform research, write great content, and edit it until it reads smoothly. A writer needs to master time management, so clients always get what they need within the designated time frame. When content is late, clients often question the professionalism of the content service.
Understand Feedback
Professional writers are open to feedback and construction criticism. They listen so they can incorporate these concepts and ideas into their content. The ability to handle feedback helps writers improve their work and keep clients happy.
Avoid Perfectionism
Often a writer becomes immersed in the work and may start to expect perfect results. The quest for perfection can lead to delays and missteps. It is better to create a quality article on-time and on-topic rather than obsessing endlessly about making it perfect.
Marketing Savvy
Commercial writing incorporates concepts such as branding, building trust, and including calls to action. A savvy writer knows how to seamlessly integrate these concepts into the content without being cheesy or sounding like a used car salesperson.
These are just ten of the copywriting skills business content writers need to remember. A professional copywriting service screens its writers to ensure they are skilled in all of these areas and more.
