Content Writing Jobs Examples – Various Types of Content Writing Careers
Content writing has become one of the most popular and in-demand types of jobs in the digital age. With more and more information being delivered online through websites, blogs, social media, email marketing, and other digital channels, the need for high-quality content has grown exponentially. As a result, content writing jobs have seen significant growth in recent years. With so many opportunities available, it can be difficult to understand the various types of content writing roles that exist. This article aims to provide examples of some of the most common content writing jobs to give you a better idea of the career paths available in this field.
Blog Writing Jobs
One of the most common online content writing gigs involves writing blog posts for companies, brands, and organizations. As blogs have become a crucial part of most marketing strategies, the demand for talented blog writers is very high. Blog writing jobs involve researching topics, crafting engaging posts on a consistent basis, optimizing posts for search engines, and sometimes managing the blog. Blog writers are typically given style guides and topic areas by their clients and are expected to pump out anywhere from 1-5 quality posts per week. Many blog writers work as freelancers for multiple clients at once. Some examples of companies that hire blog writers include online publications, e-commerce sites, SaaS tools, and professional services firms.
Email Content Writing Jobs
Another staple online content role involves creating copy for email marketing campaigns. Email remains one of the most cost-effective digital marketing channels, which means email content writers are in high demand. These jobs involve writing subject lines, preheaders, headlines, body copy, call-to-action buttons and other elements for transactional emails (receipts, updates etc.), promotional emails, and newsletters. Email marketers hire copywriters to develop email templates and series on seasonal/recurring topics that engage subscribers and drive the desired outcomes like clicks, purchases, downloads etc. Expertise in writing for emails requires understanding what resonates via this channel versus other formats. Sales and marketing technology companies, eCommerce brands, and SaaS tools are always on the lookout for talented email copywriters.
Article Writing Jobs
For online publications, magazines, journals and other content-driven companies/publications, article writing is a core job function. These roles involve intensive research to develop long-form, in-depth articles on topics relevant to the target audience. Article writers are typically assigned topics or allowed to pitch their own. The goal is to deliver highly valuable, well-written, and properly formatted articles on a regular schedule (weekly, bi-weekly etc). While some focus on producing evergreen topical pieces, others specialize in time-sensitive news/feature articles. Proper sourcing, citation, and adherence to the publication’s style are essential skills. Successful article writers have prolific research abilities and a knack for engaging long-form storytelling. Opportunities exist at media companies, content syndicators and vertical publications/sites.
Product Content Writing Jobs
With more purchases moving online, high-quality product content has become integral to the buying experience across eCommerce platforms. Product content writing jobs involve describing the key attributes of a company’s products in a compelling, optimized way. Responsibilities include research products, understand unique selling propositions, write concise title/meta descriptions and more detailed descriptions packed with relevant keywords and trigger words. A strong command of the technical specifications as well as the craft of persuasive storytelling are necessary skills. These roles exist at online retailers, marketplaces, and B2B commerce platforms where new products need detailed pages on a regular cadence. Content writers must work closely with product/catalog teams.
Landing Page & Web Content Writing Jobs
Every company relies on their website for lead generation, sales, and serving as a primary company profile and branding tool online. As such, web content writing is a critical role and encompasses writing everything from landing page copy and microsites to company “About Us” pages. For lead generation pages especially, landing page writers must craft optimized headlines, compelling value propositions, clear calls-to-action and other persuasive elements proven to convert visitors into leads and customers. Web content jobs also involve writing navigation copy, service/solution overviews, case studies, executive bios and more general web pages. Technical skill with content management systems, as well as SEO expertise are assets in these roles. Demand exists across B2B SaaS, eCommerce, and lead gen-focused companies.
Content Strategy & Management Jobs
As the quantity of online content multiplies, the need for professionals to strategize, organize and govern it has grown. Content strategy jobs focus on high-level planning – researching audiences, mapping content ecosystems, defining frameworks/style guides, setting productivity & quality benchmarks. Content managers meanwhile are tasked with implementation. This can involve curating contributor networks, assigning/tracking projects, ensuring brand/voice consistency, reporting metrics/analytics, and spearheading optimization efforts. Both roles require a blend of analytical, organizational and writing chops. Top companies ranging from Verizon Media to Intel employ full content strategy/management teams to keep their vast content operations running smoothly.
Educational & Instructional Content Writing Jobs
With the explosion of online learning resources, many companies invest heavily into developing educational and instructional content. These roles involve tailoring information to be as clear, concise and engaging as possible for learning purposes across online courses, tutorials, guides, FAQs and other reference materials. Instructional content creators must have strong pedagogical instincts as well as technical expertise in the topic area. Cramming complex information into more digestible formats while maintaining accuracy is a key challenge. Popular destinations for instructional writers include online education platforms like Coursera and Udemy as well as edtech and software training divisions of corporations. Technical and soft skills are highly valued in these writing roles.
Technical & Developer Content Writing Jobs
As software, devices, APIs and other technologies become more specialized, the need has grown for content tailored specifically for technical and developer audiences. Technical content writing jobs involve developing API documentation, coding tutorials, software guides/handbooks, developer blogs, and other materials focused on enabling programmers or power users. A strong working knowledge of coding languages and developer tools is a prerequisite, as is the ability to translate complex technical details into more digestible formats without “dumbing things down”. Major tech companies hire developer relations teams comprised of technical content writers, engineers and program managers. Other opportunities exist at SDK and API platforms as well as coding educational services.
Freelance & Remote Content Writing Jobs
With the rise of remote and freelance work enabled by technology, many content writers choose to operate as independent contractors. This provides flexibility to take on a variety of writing projects from various clients simultaneously. On freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, content writers can bid on all sorts of short and long-form writing jobs across different subject areas based on their expertise, pricing and availability. Some specialize in particular niches while generalists take a wider range of projects. In addition to platforms, many writers cultivate their own client bases directly by networking or through building personal sites/portfolios. As an independent contractor, focus, discipline and project management abilities are must-have skills for content writing success.
Social Media Content Writing Jobs
Engaging social networks are core to any multi-channel content strategy. As such, jobs exist specifically for crafting social posts across major networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Social media content writers are responsible for ideating, scheduling and publishing timely, relevant posts according to strategic plans and KPIs. This includes everything from status updates and photos to longer social articles and videos. Analytics expertise helps optimize the social publishing mix. Popular employers are media/entertainment brands, influencer networks, and companies focused on cultivating engaged communities. Humor, concision and grasp of different social norms are hallmarks of strong candidates.
Video Script Writing Jobs
Today, visual and video content account for large portions of web traffic. As a result, companies heavily invest in creating explainer, promotional and educational videos for their websites and social platforms. Video script writing jobs involve researching topics, outlining concepts, crafting scripts, rewriting based on feedback and collaborating with production teams. Scripts must flow smoothly and hold viewers’ engagement from open to close. Creativity, storytelling instincts and technical command of the production format are crucial skills. Opportunities exist at agencies, studios and all types of companies conducting their own video marketing campaigns. Especially sought-after are scriptwriters who thrive across multiple video genres.
Copywriting Jobs
While often conflated, copywriting is a distinct discipline from general content writing. Copywriting focuses on the written elements of creative advertising, marketing communications and persuasive business messaging. It encompasses everything from slogan and branding tagline development to direct response advertising copy designed to generate actions. Successful copywriters understand the psychology of persuasion, have polished writing styles that align with brands, and can craft compelling value propositions. Copywriting skills are valued at ad agencies, marketing firms and consumer/B2B companies running extensive promotional campaigns. Portfolio quality work is a must for breaking into copywriting roles.
As this overview illustrates, the content writing profession spans a fascinatingly broad range of career options across industries and formats. With ongoing demand driven by an always-online world, these types of content jobs will continue growing in numbers and opportunities. With the right mix of skills, experience and passion for the craft of written communication, content writing offers a fulfilling and versatile career path for many.
Andrew Stroud