CONTENT WRITING 101 -- (Part 1 of a Lecture on Creative Writing by @c-cube)

(Source: Google Images)

Let's talk about what every -- or almost every -- Steemian does on Steemit: "Content Writing." What is Content Writing? Surely you must know what it is, otherwise you wouldn't be here in the first place: because, one way or the other, you MUST be involved in writing a Content as far as the Steemit platform is concerned. So, if you know what Content Writing is, why should you bother reading this content in the first place? Good question! Now for those of you who already know what it is, I want you to further know that this blog is primarily targeted at the Minnows (Newbies in Steemit). Therefore, you are a secondary target as far as follow-up comments, appreciation and upvotes are part of the Steemit culture. Either way, this blog is still for you. So, relax and enjoy!

A lot of Newbies come into Steemit with the high hope of making a lot of Steems in the shortest possible time. Most of them have this BIG "WHALE" IDEA that their contents would bag them quick drops of Steem via upvotes from readers. However, after a few months of displaying their "best" contents, they get frustrated along the way...

(Source: https://cctin.org)

But they shouldn't despair: Hope and dogged Determination are what they need to build their strength in good Content Development. In another blog, I'll talk about the processes of Content Writing development. Inclusive in the topic will be the 4-Cs, which implies that the Content Writer must be:

1. Creative
2. Calculative
3. Caring
4. Consistent

I'll talk extensively on these 4 points and how they can help the Minnows hone their Content Writing skills to the point of launching them, in time (one year, perhaps, or even less), into Whaledom (becoming a Whale).

In the meantime, let's stick to the topic of the moment: Content Writing.

What is Content Writing? According to V Skills, (the link of which is indicated below) (https://www.vskills.in/certification/tutorial/life-skills/introduction-to-content-writing/), "Content writing is an art of writing specific content for a website that would drive tariff to it. This type of writing requires good writing and language skills. Basically content writing can be any kind of writing that is read on internet like website writing, SEO copy writing, SEO writing and blogging etc. The piece of writing must be genuine and authentic with no particular format but the style counts a lot.

"The content must be informative that adds to knowledge of the viewer which demands practice and deep knowledge which can only be gained by experience. A content writer is a person with good learning skills who can get a good grip on the object he/she is describing. He must be simple and concise in his writing with a goal set to get people to read.

"Content writing like any other form of writing requires in depth knowledge and great skill. In order for an article to be successful, the written content must be original and valuable."

(Source: Google Images)

Observe the operating words once again: "the written content MUST be ORIGINAL and VALUABLE." Now, that's intense. It isn't just enough for you to wake up and say: "Let me write about... Content Writing." There's a lot more to it than just writing about it. You need to do your homework well. Do your math. Get your research materials assembled. Spend the nights awake while others sleep, on self-brainstorm and studies. And come out with the "best" possible content you can ever cook. Even that may not be good enough when critics go through your work and give you discouraging remarks.

But again, that shouldn't discourage you. Their discouraging remarks should rather serve as springboards to launch you into a platform of a better Content Writer. Once you can understand that, then you are on your way toward becoming a Whale -- eventually.

(Source: https://rebrn.com)

Below are a few pointers toward achieving a better Content Writer:

• Strike to Make your Content Exceptional: Readers like to read something new and interesting -- and most importantly, exceptional. Even if your Content is based on an old concept, strive to find a new way of telling the story around it. It's like pouring a new wine into an old bottle. The wine will still taste new, the old bottle notwithstanding.

• Identify your Target Audience: The sooner you pinpoint who your target audience is, the more appealing your Content would be -- because you are writing for a specific set of readers. If, for example, you're writing on how to convert fabrics into fashion wears, then your target audience should be:

1. Fashion Industrialists
2. Modeling Firms
3. Costumeers
4. Clothing-line Entrepreneurs, etc.

(Source: Google Images)

• Concentrate on Your Target Audience: Once you have gotten your target audience's attention -- DO NOT LOSE HIM (HER)! Unless you've not heard the axion: "Client is king!" Even so, you should do whatever it takes -- within reason, of course -- to keep your target audience. Why? They are the people that will eventually make you the Whale that you constantly dream of. And you can take that to the bank!

(Source: https://makeagif.com)

• Make Your Writing Style Simple & Impersonal: You don't need to be a Professor to make your Content punchy. Simplicity is the spice of the game. Neither do you need to make the Content all about you. The less your personality is involved -- the more the reader's interest is reflected -- the more interesting your Content will be. In other words (according to V Skills) "The readers are not interested in judging the writer’s scholarship." But then, it becomes dangerous when a professor cannot even spell his title. Well, what do you know: ha ha ha!!!

(Source: https://giphy.com)

• Keep In View the “15 seconds” Rule: If in 15 seconds your Content do not capture, hold and sustain my attention, then you've lost me. Your Content must posses a magical kind of punch that should grip the visitor’s attention within those dicey 15 seconds. That means you must pay most attention on making your first 150 to 200 words the most enchanting words you could ever weave. Otherwise... Zip it!!!

I'm going to pause here so far. I'll try to be making these posts as regular as possible. Meanwhile, you are free to contribute to this Content. I'd appreciate your opinions on some points I may have missed out. Or even some corrections on some points I may have gotten wrong. I'm an open book. So, bring it...

Thank you for reading, and...

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