3 Common Myths Writers Have about Content Marketing
Over the past two years, as I have discussed content marketing both with other writers and potential clients, I have encountered a number of myths about content marketing writing. Today I am going to focus on the misconceptions that writers have, but in a future posts will tackle this issue from the brand side as well.
Here are three common myths that writers have about content marketing writing:
MYTH: Content marketing writing means writing for content mills.
TRUTH – Not at all! Content marketing writing is not the same thing at all as writing for low-paying content mills. I think that this misconception comes partly between the unfortunate similarity between the terms content mills and content marketing. But I also think that part of this myth has been perpetuated because many content marketing writers (myself included) use content creation companies (such as Contently and Ebyline) to get new content marketing writing work. These companies are not content mills because their pay rate is much higher, most allow you direct contact with the customer and you usually get to develop a relationship with the editor. I will go into more depth at a future date on content companies, but the adding content marketing to your services as writer DOES NOT mean that you will be writing for low-paying content mills. I have found that there are many places and ways to get content marketing gigs. And although I do some of work through content companies, I prefer working directly with brands and service professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and dentists, for many projects, which typically garners a higher pay rate.
MYTH: All content marketing writing gigs are high paying/All content marketing gigs are low paying.
TRUTH – Just like with other freelance writing projects out there, there are high paying gigs available and there are low paying jobs out there. I have found many people assume that content marketing mostly falls into one extreme or another. Yes, it does take more effort to find the high paying jobs, but trust me they are out there. Within a 24-hour period, I was offered a job that worked out to paying over $150 an hour as well as a content marketing writing project with a flat pay rate of $50 for a 800-word article with two sources on a technical topic. I said no to the $50 job and it took a lot of effort not to laugh. The secret to finding the high paying gigs is developing a niche, understanding how to create effective content marketing deliverables, and continually marketing yourself, both silently and through word of mouth.
MTYH: You need to have a marketing or public relations background to write content marketing deliverables.
TRUTH – I actually think that the opposite of this is true. What makes effective content marketing deliverables is that the content helps the reader solve their problems to build trust in the brand and does not try to sell the reader on any products or services. I am confident that any journalist experienced in writing for traditional consumer and trade publications can easily transition into content marketing writing as long as they understand the similarities between traditional journalism and the differences with content marketing writing.
Hello Jennifer,
Thanks for writing this great post about content marketing. Your perspective is encouraging. I am transitioning from a three-year stint as an Editor-in-Chief of a local magazine to my own writing services business. I have many publishing credits (mostly feature articles in print magazines) and have written a book of short biographies. Your article encourages me that I can apply my current skills to content marketing. Thank you so much for the boost!
Alicea,
Thank you so much for the nice comment! I am so happy that you found my blog. I promise that you can make the transition. Have you looked around at the other posts? There are several that may be helpful for you as far as making the transition
https://www.jennifergregorywriter.com/2013/07/31/191/
https://www.jennifergregorywriter.com/2013/06/26/what-exactly-do-content-marketing-writers-write/
https://www.jennifergregorywriter.com/2013/06/06/how-to-quickly-find-your-niche-as-a-content-marketing-writer/
https://www.jennifergregorywriter.com/2013/06/02/how-is-content-marketing-the-same-as-other-types-of-writing/
https://www.jennifergregorywriter.com/2013/05/13/101/
Are there any specific questions you have or topics you would like to see in my blog? I want to help you succeed in any way that I can!
Hi again Jennifer. I have read your “Myths” article and will definitely read the others. I do have some specific questions:
1. How do I get my first client to take a chance on me when I don’t have content marketing clips to show them? I have published loads of magazine articles, won a couple of writing awards and written a book of biographies. Do you think clips of these projects would be convincing enough to start?
2. Are there any books/courses you would recommend on content marketing? and,
3. Do I need to define a niche? Most of my writing has been features about people, motherhood and businesses. I also have an extensive banking background. Would you suggest narrowing my focus?
Thanks Jennifer. I appreciate your input.
Great questions! I am actually going to do an entire blog post dedicated to answering your first one. Thank you. Some of this information will be in that post, but wanted to make sure you have the answers you need ASAP.
As far as magazine clips, yes, they can definitely count towards getting a job if you are looking for a content marketing gig in the same industry. The key is to find a brand whose target audience needs the type of information that you specialize in. For example, you mentioned that you have a lot of experience writing about parenting. Look for brands who are marketing to parents and want to attract parents to their website with useable content, such as diaper brands, baby food makers, educational toy companies, day care providers. Brands targeting parents want a writer such as yourself with parenting writing experience. I have found that brands care less about content marketing clips per se as long as you have clips related to their subject AND demonstrate an understanding of content marketing.
Definitely take advantage of your banking experience since banks are in need of good content to educate their customers about financial subjects. If you used to work at a bank or have contacts, start there and pitch some ideas. It is always best when you are starting out to start with people who know you because they are more likely to take a chance on you.
2. I am not sure about any classes, but I highly recommend the Contentmarketinginstitute.com website. They have great information. Are you near Chicago? There is a one day conference that I am actually presenting at by ASJA in Chicago in November that would be a great place for you to start.
3. I wrote a step by step guide on how to go through your clips and find a niche (https://www.jennifergregorywriter.com/2013/06/06/how-to-quickly-find-your-niche-as-a-content-marketing-writer/). Be sure to focus on the business clips that you have since many of the companies doing content marketing are business to business companies.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Wow. What a servant’s heart you have. Great information. Thanks for taking the time to respond so thoroughly! I’m in Texas but will check out the conference info. Thanks!
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