Introduction: Any business that wants to market itself today needs amazing content. Everyone is looking for content writing services. If you are a content writer, you are definitely in the right place at the right time. No matter if you are part of a content writing agency or are a freelancer juggling multiple clients- your content needs to be on point, both in quality and quantity.

If you wish to turn up the quality of your content by a few notches, we’ve got you an exhaustive list of tips for writing content that is sure to sell in a market.

40 Tips to Writing Content that Sells

When you are offering content writing services, you need to impress your readers and clients alike with some smashing content being churned out each time. Your goal is to keep your reader hooked. Writing is extremely subjective. However, there are some tricks you can use to make sure your content sells.

Here are some of our tried and tested tips for effective content writing:

• Extensive Research
  Even with a brief idea, you need to research thoroughly before you set out to write about it. Use the internet to research about your chosen topic, and you will be sure to find inspiration to set out writing.
• Extensive Keyword Search for Search Engine Optimisation
  Keywords help you weave magic into a write-up. They make content visible to your audience. Put in efforts to research keywords to rank higher on SEO searches to reach your target readers.
• Understanding Long-Tail Keywords
  While primary keywords need extra focus, drive more website traffic with long-tail and secondary keywords.
• Begin with an Article Outline
  Always have a chalked-out plan for your article to give a flow to your article.
• Attractive Headline
  The headline of your blog must be a head-turner. Use headline analyser tools like the one from Co-schedule to ensure its effectiveness.
• The 3-Second Hook
  You’ve got only the first 3-seconds to hook your reader on to your content. Ensure your first paragraph is eye-catching.
• Use a Conversational Style
  To create a rapport with your reader, always use a conversational tone in your writing.
• Include Call To Actions (CTA) in your Writing
  Including a CTA at the end of your write-up is useful, but you must add 1-2 CTAs in the body of your content too.
• Set Deadlines and Stick to them
  Setting deadlines will help you manage your workload. It’s best to set your deadlines slightly shorter than your average completion time. This will improve your efficiency.
• Edit after you have Written
  Don’t fall into the temptation of editing as you write. Edit only AFTER you write.
• Use Powerful, Emotional Words in your Headings and Subheadings
  Use powerful words to evoke emotion in your readers. They are more likely to click and read the entire article because of such language.
• Open with an Anecdote
  Anecdotes are perfect for relating to your audience. Use them at the beginning of the article to get readers hooked.
• Use an Appropriate Tone and Voice
  Each type of content that you write is going to serve some purpose. Use an appropriate tone and voice in your write-up based on this purpose.
• Avoid Passive Voice
  Avoid passive voice as much as possible as it reduces the readability of your content. Active voice creates a sense of flow and movement in your article.
  Source: https://live.staticflickr.com/2828/32899631473_ee3f382e14_z.jpg
• Write Impressive Meta Descriptions
  A meta-description is what shows up in Google searches. So, spend some time making it impressive to improve visibility.
• Choose a Topic that you are an Expert on
  Readers love to read authentic and genuine articles. However, if you are not an expert in a particular topic, make sure to do your research before you begin writing.
• Choose the Appropriate Structure for your Writing
  The structure of an article will depend upon the topic. Generally, there should be an introduction, body, and conclusion. Try to incorporate subheadings, bullet points and lists for better readability.
• Keep your Paragraphs Short
  Long paragraphs can be distracting, and your reader will soon be lost in the tedious nature of the content. Thus, keep your paragraphs short.
• Keep your Sentences Short and Clear
  Always keep your sentences short by avoiding the use of complicated and compound sentences. Also, remember to vary your sentences in terms of length and structure.
• Interlink Earlier Posts
  Interlink articles and blogs to give more value to your reader’s time. It also improves website traffic.
• Use Simple Language
  You may think sounding like Shakespeare is the ultimate goal but readers love easy-to-comprehend language.
• Cite External Sources and give them Due Credit
  It is okay to use citations from external sources but always give the original writer or research the due credit.
• Avoid Stuffing Keywords
  You should definitely avoid adding too many keywords as it is counterproductive. You may even end up de-indexed by Google.
• Always Add Visual Content
  Content doesn’t always mean written content. Add visually appealing content like images, videos, and infographics to grab your reader’s attention.
• Spend time brainstorming
  Avoid writer’s block by brainstorming by yourself. You can make use of mid maps for this.

• Always Write down your Ideas, Inspirations
  Inspiration and ideas can strike anytime, anywhere. You must always note them down. Use apps like Evernote, Google Docs, etc to document your thoughts.
• Keep Pumping Fresh Content
  You always need to give your readers and customers something new to get them to come back to your blog.
• Avoid using Hyperbole in your Content
  This can put off your readers, especially if you are trying to sell products or services.
• Use Data and Statistics in your Writing
  Everyone likes authentic content. So, use statistics, facts and numbers for more authenticity in your content.
• Stay Clear of Clichés
  It may sound the ideal way to begin your article or blog, but using cliched phrases, quotes, and sayings are too outdated and better suited for academic essays.
• Plagiarism is a Crime
  Avoid plagiarism in your content with tools like Copyscape and Turnitin.
• Use Editorial Calendars
  Too many clients and projects disrupting your schedule? Editorial calendars like Google sheets, paper calendars, or even mobile apps are a great way to plan your content schedule.
• Edit and Edit again
  After drafting the first copy, go back to it and edit. 2-3 revisions ensure a crisp, concise, good quality copy.
• Write to Match your Client’s Brand Style
  Each client is different. Their business, their clients and their products/services differ. Write to match their brand styles.
• Have a Clear Takeaway Message
  Do not confuse your readers! Always have a clear takeaway message in your content.
• Be your Creative Best
  Keep an open mind to infuse your writing with creativity from time to time.
  Key Takeaways
• In content writing services, content is king. If you can create good quality content, you are sure to be successful in this business. Make sure you consistently generate engaging content that your readers want to read. You must establish a robust, repeatable process to keep churning out quality content.
• Remember SEO. No matter how good your content is, it isn’t going to sell itself. To get it out to your readers, you must use effective SEO practices.
• There are multiple tools to help you in every step of content creation. Headline analysers, plagiarism checkers, content idea generators, grammar checkers, and editors that help make your writing more readable. Make full use of what’s available.

FAQs

• Can I make a career in freelance content writing?
  Of course! Most content writers today enjoy freelancing and are successful solopreneurs.
• How do I start my journey as a content writer?
  Good writing begins with good reading. Include both of these in your daily routine. Write something every day in a journal or blog. , Once you feel confident to write for others, apply to freelance jobs or a content writing agency.
• How can I learn content writing?
  Content writing comes with being a good writer and having a passion for writing. Online courses, videos, and books can help you with the tricks of the trade to become a successful content writer.
• What is the best way to practice content writing?
  Write, and then write some more! That’s the best way to practise writing and become a proficient content writer.
• How to get content writing work?
  Content writing services are booming businesses. You can either join a content writing agency or choose to freelance. There are plenty of portals like Freelancer, Upwork, LinkedIn and others that are a great way to find your work.

Conclusion
If you feel you are a writing ninja and wish to join a team of an energetic, like-minded group of freelance writers, Pepper is the place for you. Join our growing content writing services team and convert your words into a business.
Key Terminologies:
Search Engine Optimisation: It refers to tuning your online content to ensure that it is the top result for searches of a particular keyword in a search engine. Call-To-Action: A CTA prompts a reader to do something and take the next step. This could be a button or link.
Keywords: These are words and phrases entered into search engines to search for a topic. Make sure your content has keywords to ensure it reaches your audience.