The year is 2022, and content is everywhere. From social media platforms to blogs to even mobile apps, content fills up a lot of digital space. Content writing has become an essential part of someone’s skill set.
Content writing may sound intimidating, but it’s pretty simple. Here, I will discuss the seven most common mistakes that content writers make and how to avoid them.
Not Enough Research
Preparation is key to success. One of the biggest mistakes you can ever make, not just in content writing but in life, in general, is being underprepared. Before you start writing your article, you need to allot some time with preparation.
Read about the topic that you want to write about. This way, you can ensure that you’re knowledgeable about the subject. It’s better to know tons of information than have nothing to write about.
Plagiarising
It’s a well-known fact that plagiarism is not acceptable. However, many content writers still plagiarise unconsciously. Be extremely cautious when getting information from other people or texts. The rule of thumb is to always add a section at the end where you cite your sources.
Not Using The Right Tools
The world right now is significantly different from what it was ten years ago. Today, a content writer can use hundreds of apps and online platforms to improve his work. It would be a shame not to use them to our advantage.
Here is a couple:
- Meaning.io – an interesting AI tool that provides clear definitions of words. It’s mainly used as an online thesaurus that uses context to suggest related words.
- Hemingway App – a platform that points out grammatical mistakes, suggests corrections and provides readability ranking.
Forgetting to Proofread
Speaking of grammatical mistakes, it might sound obvious but never forget to proofread your work. Many writers submit their articles without running them through a grammar checker. This leads to tiny mistakes that could drastically affect the readability of the entire piece. It also makes the reading experience much better when there are no mistakes.
Blatant Advertising
Most content writers are paid to advertise a specific product or service. That much is a given. However, blatantly promoting a brand without offering any additional thought or idea makes for a dull read. The best content writers sell their sponsors through subtle brand mentions and link insertions. This makes it easier for the readers to consider the brand as a viable product instead of just another marketing ploy.
Overdoing the Word Count
When you’re in the groove of writing, it’s easy to overshoot and blow past the necessary word count. While it may sound like a good thing, you’re making it a chore for your readers. Have the self-awareness to know just how long an article should be.
Forgets Actionable Content
When you’re near the end of your article, don’t forget to write a paragraph with actionable content. You don’t want to conclude with an open-ended section. Direct your reader towards something you want them to do. Whether it’s buying a product or leaving their email address, it’s better to provide some direction.
Now that you’ve read the seven most common mistakes make sure that you avoid them for your next article. Good luck!
