Writing careers for wordsmiths
Have you ever wondered if your talent for writing one-liners or having a way with words could pay the bills? The answer is yes! No, you don’t have to painstakingly write a book and pray for someone to publish it. Check out these 12 in-demand writing careers and get paid to do what you like most!
1. Copywriting/advertising
If you are so persuasive with your writing that you can show a consumer how a product benefits them and increase the number of leads and sales, then you can join the copywriting league!
Copywriters write marketing material such as advertisements, landing pages, emails, social media posts, and packaging content. The objective of their writing is to get user to take a particular action. For example, buying a product. Ever opened an email and ended up making a purchase? Kudos to the copywriter!
Copywriting is more important than ever because the competition is at an all-time high. So, the messaging of a brand can make a significant difference. Copywriting can help a brand resonate with the audience.
A copywriter should be adept at getting the reader’s attention. This is done through compelling headlines, engaging email subject lines, or storytelling techniques.
Besides writing, copywriting skills include researching and editing. While degrees in journalism, English, and marketing could be helpful to learn these skills, it is not a requirement for most jobs. Instead, most employers look for experience or a portfolio.
You can create a portfolio with sample copywriting about an existing or imaginary product. Other writing experience can include having a blog or a popular social media page. Once you have learned how to write a copy, you can start applying for internships or freelancing to gain experience.
2. Content writing
Content writers are responsible for writing educational or entertaining content such as blogs, social media posts, video scripts, etc. They are primarily responsible for building brand awareness by creating engaging content.
As in the case of copywriting, you don’t need a specific degree to become a content writer. Common in-demand skills for content writing include SEO, researching, and editing.
3. Technical writing
If you can write complex, technical information in an easy-to-understand format, then you could venture into technical writing.
Technical writing generally refers to writing instructions to help the user understand how to use something. Besides technical documents, it can take on other formats such as videos, research articles in journals, and grant proposals.
Technical writers should be very well-acquainted with the audience as it helps in deciding the tone and language. For example, a document that explains how to use a software will be more simply written than one describing how to develop a software.
They also need to pay close attention to the presentation and formatting of the document. For example, the font should be readable for the audience and use of certain colors like red could be used to give warning. Additionally, they should learn about commonly used style guides and layouts.
While a certification or degree in technical writing can be useful, it isn’t necessary. What really matters is the ability to quickly understand the technical processes and put it down into words.
However, technical writers often work in the field of science and engineering, so it can be useful to take up courses in fields that you want to work in.
4. Public relations (PR)
Public relations refers to the strategy of building a relationship between the public and a company through the medium of press. This is done by sharing content that builds or protects the company’s reputation.
For example, in 2017, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) was building a new metro line that would reduce the pressure on the local train. However, the project was going to cause temporary displacement and deforestation, which caused social activists and environmentalists to protest. So, MMRC reached out to 5 million people whose lives would be affected by the construction through public relations, ads, and digital programs. They engaged with the people to understand their concerns while also educating them about the positive change that the new metro project would bring. This campaign, called ‘Mumbai Life Line 3- Connecting the Unconnected’, was so impactful that the Bombay High Court revoked a stay order against the project.
It is the job of a PR professional to convince a journalist to cover a story for their client. This is done by writing media pitches. Other responsibilities include writing press releases, blogging, responding to requests for comments, and conducting surveys with customers to get insights that may turn into an interesting report. So, good communication skills, both written and verbal, are central to the role.
To pursue public relations as a career, you can get a degree in mass communication or a diploma in public relations. You could work for a company, government organisations/officials, institutions, and even celebrities.
5. Copy editing
Do you take pride in being a grammar Nazi? Can you separate fact from fiction like a pro? Then, it’s time you turn it into a profession!
Copy editors are responsible for proofreading and editing communication documents such as newspapers, emails, magazines, etc. They need to make sure that the document is factually correct, free from any errors, and uses the correct tone and style.
Like most writing jobs, you could apply for this role without a certain degree. You should have impeccable grammar, be well-versed with popular style manuals, especially the one used by the publication, and be a masterful researcher.
6. UX writing
User Experience (UX) design has become a key part of using any product or service. This experience is created by both designers and writers.
A UX writer is responsible for guiding a user on how to use a product through a clear and concise copy. For example, when the user has just signed up, you can help the user with clear, straightforward messages to help them understand how to use the app or website.
Another example is an error message. The UX writer should be able to put themselves in the shoes of the users and write a message that empathises with the user.
They work with the design team and product managers to understand user needs and business goals. Like UX designers, they also conduct user research to enhance their understanding of the target audience. They should also make sure that the tone of content is consistent throughout the app or website.
To apply for a UX writing role, you will need a portfolio that shows your ability to write awesome microcopies. In addition to writing, you need to understand the basic UX design principles.
7. Content strategy
A content strategist is responsible for defining the overall vision of content. They define the tone and style of the content, decide upon the publishing channels, define the goals, analyse the performance, and set up an editorial calendar. They are responsible for managing a team and making sure that everything is on track.
Because this is a leadership role, you need a few years of experience under your belt.This includes experience with writing, editing, executing campaigns, analysing results, and communicating with different teams.
8. Content marketing
Content marketing refers to creating, publishing, and distributing content. Distribution channels can include blogs, social media, podcasts, emails, videos, etc.
Content marketing skills include writing (yay!), familiarity with content management systems such as WordPress, SEO, competition analysis, and ideating topics.
9. Social media
Social media associates and managers are responsible for building or enhancing the social media presence of a company. They should be able to identify the audience and create an emotional resonance with them.
Their day-to-day activities consist of creating and publishing content, and analysing performance using various metrics such as impressions, engagement rate, reach, etc.
Social media professionals come from all disciplines. As long as you can show that you can create and grow a social media account, you’re good to go! Alternatively, you could also begin with an internship to hone your marketing and writing skills.
10. Speechwriting
Do you believe in the power of public speaking and often find yourself enraptured by good speeches? Then, speech writing could be the right fit for you.
As a speechwriter, you will be responsible for writing a speech for a public figure. This needs familiarity with their speaking style, policies, and audience. Besides writing, you will need to have an interest in the field that the public figure belongs to such as politics, technology, etc. On the job, you will also need to work with various departments and subject matter experts to get accurate inputs.
The path to speechwriting is not set in stone. Apart from applying to job listings, many speechwriters transition from a media role such as reporting and public relations to full-time speechwriters.
11. Email marketing
Email marketing specialists are responsible for creating and analysing email campaigns. This includes writing emails to raise brand awareness and increase conversion rate.
Apart from writing persuasive emails, email marketers should be familiar with using email automation tools such as Mailchimp, databases, Excel, and analytics tools.
They are also responsible for building and maintaining email lists. Moreover, they work with the design team to make sure that the email templates are user-friendly and engaging.
A degree in marketing or an experience in a previous marketing role can help you start your career as an email marketer.
12. Reporting
If you love keeping up with the news and writing, you could become a reporter!
As a reporter, you will be responsible for researching stories and bringing them out for newspapers, radio, television, and magazines. This includes conducting interviews and updating stories with developments. This role is perfect for writers who thrive in fast-paced environments.
This job generally requires a degree in journalism and internship experience.
Now that you know about types of writing jobs out there, are you excited to start a writing career? Then, check out Internshala’s Creative Writing training to exercise your creative muscle and experience different types of writing. You can use BLOG10 to get a discount of 10%.
Already got the skills and can’t wait to turn it into your profession, then check out these writing internships or writing jobs for freshers!
