Content Writer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Content Writer, sometimes called a Writer, writes promotional content. This content may include blog posts, website copy, social media posts and white papers. Their duties include writing, researching and proofreading.

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Content Writer duties and responsibilities

Content Writers are responsible for the creation of clear and consistent written content. This task often involves liaising with clients and other marketing professionals. Their duties and responsibilities can include:

Completing writing projects according to given style and assignment specifications before deadlines
Developing new content ideas for clients
Researching topics so their content contains timely and accurate information
Revising existing content to reflect business changes or new preferences
Creating or revising style guides, either alone or with a team, to ensure all written content is effective and consistent
Determining content needs through conversations with clients and their representatives

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What does a Content Writer do?

Content Writers create written material for online and offline publications. They focus on writing clear and actionable copy that is easily understood by the public. They follow established style guides and company requirements, including assignment brief guidelines. Researching their topics carefully helps Content Writers create factually accurate content. Including keywords in their online content, this boosts search engine optimisation for more web traffic and sales. Content Writers proofread all their content to make sure it’s free of errors. Some Content Writers create a range of content while others specialise in areas such as fashion and technology.

Content Writer skills and qualifications

Content Writers rely on various skills in their careers. A successful Content Writer candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include:

Grammar, including a history of editing based on the parts of speech in English
Content creation, structuring articles, choosing consumer titles and assigning SEO keywords
Specialisation in a specific market, niche or industry
Market research and analysis skills to identify trending, in-market topics
Advanced computer literacy like short keys, HTML coding and internet publishing
Quantitative and qualitative research, identifying credible sources and web-friendly links

Content Writer experience requirements

Experience is often more important for Content Writers than a university education. While there are some Junior Content Writer roles, many Content Writers take entry-level roles in marketing departments or enter specialised marketing agencies after graduating. Working in a relevant junior position, such as a Marketing or Social Media Assistant, gives Content Writers the ideal writing experience. It also helps them understand content’s role in a marketing strategy.

Content Writer education and training requirements

Content Writers usually need a bachelor’s degree. Many Content Writers hold a degree in English, journalism or communications. Some content writers need degrees for the subject matter they’ll write about. Science and mathematics degrees are common areas of expertise along with finance and entrepreneurship. Content Writers can gain training from completing content writing offered by online learning institutions.

Content Writer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Content Writer is £24,359 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

Many jobs involve content creation, so a Content Writer may not be what you need. Reviewing these job descriptions for similar positions may help your job posting:

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Content Writer job description FAQs

How can I attract the best Content Writers?

Many Content Writers are attracted to flexible working arrangements. If your Content Writers can work remotely, either part-time or full-time, or work non-traditional hours, include this in your post. Content Writers are often passionate about learning new things and writing about varied topics. If applicable, mentioning some of the diverse topics and tasks they’ll complete, this may encourage applicants.

How can I be sure my applicants are suitable for the challenges of my Content Writer role?

Be honest about the challenges your Content Writers might face. If you expect they will meet tight deadlines and deliver clean copy needing little revisions, mention this in your posting. If you want remote-working Content Writers to attend regular team meetings in your office, note this too. Making your expectations clear from the start should help you attract suitable candidates.

Should I ask candidates for writing samples?

Asking your candidates for writing samples can help you gauge their writing skills. Strong writing skills are particularly important if you are advertising for a Senior Content Writer or have little time for training. Asking for three relevant writing samples is common for Content Writing roles.

What is the difference between a Content Writer and a Technical Writer?

Technical Writers typically write more technical and complex content than Content Writers and need expert knowledge on particular content areas. Whereas Content Writers need expert writing and research skills. Employers usually hire Technical Writers for creating content for specific groups or industries, this might include instruction manuals and training guides. Content Writers, on the other hand are usually hired for creating content that is accessible for the general public.