100 + 1 Best Content Writing Tips for Beginners

Content Writing Tips for Beginners: What to Do Before Starting Your Piece

1. Research your topic before you begin writing. This way, you have a fair idea about the content already out there, your reader's expectations, and how to provide value.
2. Do your keyword research before you start drafting. This will help you understand commonly searched terms and readers’ expectations. You will also get cues about their search intent. Not to mention, incorporating these keywords in your piece will help readers discover your content easily. 
3. Create an outline before diving headfirst into writing. Doing this helps you avoid writing paralysis by creating smaller sections to work with. 
4. Use results from Google's first page to create an outline for your post. This way, you know your subheads are valuable, and your post is more likely to rank higher.
5. Writing a blog for a client? Understand their business and industry niche to create a compelling piece.

Content Writing Tips for Beginners: How to Write Better Introductions

6. Humans thrive on stories and emotions. Want to grab their attention? Use storytelling in your introduction.

7. Another excellent tip for writing a memorable introduction is to use the PPP framework. 

• Mention the person who will benefit from the article
• Shine a light on their problems
• Show proof that you have the solution

8. Your readers don't have the time to read overtly long intros, no matter how interesting they are. Get to the crux of the piece quickly.

9. Use a unique angle to hook your reader from the beginning. 

10. Your reader's time is valuable. Give them the most important information up top. Or as the journalists call it – the lede!

11. Create a memorable opening to make your reader curious and interested to read further. 

12. It takes only 3 seconds for your reader to decide whether to continue reading or click away.  Include a catchy hook to make them stay. 

Content Writing Tips for Beginners: How to Write Better Conclusions

13. Use a clear call to action in all your content. This will keep your reader engaged and prompt them to take the next step. 

14. What do you want your reader to take away after reading your content? Think about it and address it in your piece. 

Content Writing Tips for Beginners: What to Consider Before You Hit Publish

15. Format your blog for the web. Make it easier for readers to skim through it and get value.

16. Create quotable moments in your blog and provide easy social sharing buttons. This encourages the audience to repost interesting insights on their social handles, bringing traffic inadvertently to your blogs. 

17. Attract your target audience with a headline that promises a solution to their query. See how we did this with one of our blogs: Using ChatGPT for SEO & Content? Beware of the AI Watermark

18. Add clear and actionable subheads wherever necessary to simplify your reader’s skimming experience. 

19. Optimise your headings and subheadings using proper H1, H2, and H3 formatting. Google will reward you for it.

20. Provide visual breaks in your content using images. And make sure each image ties in with the point you’re making. You can include infographics, charts, graphical representations, etc. 

21. Want to add credibility to your piece? Use specific data and statistics to solidify your arguments.

22. Address your target reader directly using “you” pronouns to engage them. 

23. Write in short paragraphs. It reduces your reader's eye strain and makes for a better viewing experience on mobile.

24. Listing out information? Use bulleted/numbered lists instead of paragraphs.

25. Always run a grammar checker. Always. Proofreading is the mother of all good content. 

26. Add internal links to blogs wherever possible. It helps in keeping the reader on your website and building topical authority. 

27. Cite your sources to make your piece credible.

28. Don't make your reader ponder over the meaning of words. Instead, write simply but with authority.

29. Pay attention to the intent of your piece and use a tone to match it. You don’t want to sound salesy when empathising with a reader's problem.

30. Know your reader's problems and address them in your blog. This helps you build trust with them.

31. Stale data will lead you to wrong conclusions. Always use current statistics (up to 2 years old).

32. Make sure to always cite the statistic's original source (report, survey or study).

33. Don't have an image to complement your text? A video snippet, a poll or an ad can help you break the monotony of a text block.

34. Only keep the text that adds value to your readers' lives. Kill everything else. 

35. Add quotes, tweets or video clips from thought leaders to lend credibility to your piece.

36. Too many ideas can confuse a reader. As a rule of thumb, introduce one idea per paragraph.

37. Stick to facts and avoid making grand claims. This makes the writing seem trustworthy and creates a better impact.

38. Address the five W-questions while writing your piece – who, what, when, where, and why.

39. Write meta descriptions that clearly state the value your reader will get. 

For example, here’s the meta description for our blog: How to Overcome Writer's Block: A Guide for Marketers

“ Can't write anything today? Fear, boredom, & perfectionism might be at play. Read this handy guide to understanding & overcoming writer's block, and write away!”

40. Don't stray away from the intent of the article. Stick to it from start to finish.

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