What is a Website Content Writer? Your Guide for 2024
Content writers create high-quality, well-researched pieces of digital content like blogs, articles, emails, landing pages and social media posts.
But do they differ from copywriters? And how can they benefit your business?
Below, find out how website content-writing services can boost your marketing efforts in 2024…
What is website content writing?
A website content writer is someone with expertise in creating original, quality and engaging written material for websites. Content comes in various forms, including:
Blog posts
Web pages
Email marketing
Video/audio content
Social media posts
Press releases
White papers
Website content writers specialise in written content. The best website content writers can write across most or all of these mediums while implementing SEO best practices.
Why does website content writing matter?
Anyone can string some words together, but it takes a special touch to make it compelling, original, and downright engaging.
Here are some rock-solid reasons why top-notch content is a game-changer:
Helps you find new customers
Well-written content sparks inspiration and education, and people love sharing it. Shared content means reaching new eyes, spreading the word about your brand, and growing your audience.
And don't forget, well-crafted content that targets specific keywords can help your business appear higher on the SERPs (search engine results page), leading to more visits to your website.
Boosts your marketing efforts
Your content is the backbone of your digital marketing strategy. Whether it's through blog posts, ad copy, product descriptions or social media posts, website content writers can help build your online presence.
Take this blog post. It's not just a random piece – it could pop up in search results, share space in a social media post, and maybe even get shared online by other bloggers.
Better yet, human content writers are just that: human. Unlike AI tools, they can create truly unique and original content, and Google loves rewarding original stuff.
Supercharges your SEO
You want your business to show up when people search for what you offer, right? Website content writers can optimise your content for search engines, potentially leading to increased clicks, sales and traffic.
Website content writers use their knowledge of SEO to ensure that more people – who are searching for things related your industry – find and click on your business or website before choosing a competitor’s page.
Improves your brand image
High-quality, informative content isn't just filler – it's your golden ticket to establishing your brand as a leader in your field. Website content writers can help your business become the go-to expert, building trust among your audience.
Building authority also helps in your SEO efforts, persuading Google that your business is useful and trustworthy and therefore warrants a higher position on the SERPs.
What skills do website content writers have?
If you've been managing all your content writing in-house so far, you're probably well aware of the strain it puts on your team to keep your website up-to-date.
That's where bringing in an external website content writer can make a significant difference in streamlining the process and ensuring excellent content on your site.
A skilled website content writer can:
Craft compelling copy tailored to your target market, increasing the likelihood of turning visitors into leads.
Implement SEO techniques to boost your website's visibility in search results when potential clients are seeking your services.
Update existing content to enhance your site's effectiveness.
Revise text for clarity, making it easier for potential clients to find the information they need.
Describe your services without drowning your message in industry jargon.
If you've attempted to create impactful website copy on your own, you know how challenging it can be to effectively reach your target audience.
Hiring a professional content writer not only relieves the content creation burden on your team but also improves the overall effectiveness of your copy. Better content, happier customers.
What is a freelance content writer?
A freelance content writer is an independent writer who works as a self-employed contractor (or director of a limited company) rather than being employed on a full- or part-time basis by a single company. Unlike in-house writers, freelancers take on multiple clients simultaneously, creating content for websites, press releases, blog posts, internal corporate communications, emails, grant writing, proposals, or newsletters.
It’s common for freelance website content writers to specialise in a particular communications channel or industry.
For example, I specialise in SEO-focused web copy and blogs for B2C and B2B brands.
How much does a website content writer cost?
Typically, you can expect to pay a content writer anything between £15 and £70 per hour, depending on the writer's experience, expertise, and the complexity of the task. Similar to many things in marketing, the quality of content writing often corresponds to its cost.
While handling all your website content in-house might seem cost-effective in the short term, it may not be the optimal choice for long-term growth – unless you have an SEO-savvy website content writer on your team.
You have the option to engage directly with a content writer or opt for an agency that will match you with a writer perfectly suited to your requirements.
What is a website content writer’s job description?
A typical job spec for a website content writer will ask for the following skills:
Web writing
SEO best practices
Brand-centred storytelling
In this role, you’ll likely be responsible for creating diverse content, including website copy, blog posts, social media posts, and product descriptions.
Your main aim will be to address the company’s target audiences and promote their brand effectively.
Key responsibilities usually include:
Researching industry topics and trends
Optimising content for organic search
Revising and editing pieces for clarity and impact
Collaboration with fellow writers and marketers to maintain consistency across the brand
Ideal candidates for website content writer roles should be creative (obviously), strategic, detail-oriented, and capable of meeting deadlines with precision.
Are there any content writer education requirements?
You don't need a formal qualification to kick off your career as a website content writer, but having a bachelor's degree in communication or journalism could be handy. If not, relevant experience (even if you just start blogging about your hobbies) or other qualifications could be enough for some employers.
How to become a website content writer
If you’re starting from scratch, here are my top tips:
Keep an eye out for internships to snag some real-world experience.
Get a handle on digital marketing and SEO to broaden your skill set.
Consider diving into a three-year full-time bachelor's programme in communication, journalism, or a related field.
Build up a portfolio showcasing your work, which you can show off to potential clients and employers.
Copywriter vs content writer
Usually, a copywriter tackles short-form content like slogans, sales copy and social media ads. On the flip side, a content writer writes long-form content, whether that’s blogs, articles or landing page content. ‘Content’ is typically informational, while ‘copy’ is usually salesy.
Thankfully, the best copywriters and website content writers can easily craft both, flicking between persuasive taglines and SEO-friendly blog posts without a hitch. What’s not to love?
Want to boost your content strategy in 2024? Hiring a website content writer could be the perfect way to start.
