How do I start content writing with no experience? | 10 Steps
Bella Rose Emmorey
book editor, rogue behaviorist, digital marketer, writer, brand builder, plant aunt, and cheese enthusiast.
The written medium isn’t going anywhere, so learning how to start content writing even if you have no experience is still valid. Not only can it get you in the door for other career opportunities, but it’s a great skill to have regardless.
Video is popular right now, sure. But with a certain type of person.
People still read. They will always read. There will always be people who prefer reading.
And having starting content writing from no experience (or college or formal education) to running the content marketing of a multi-million dollar company, I’ve got a few tips for how you can make it happen.
Basically, here’s what I did or who I would hire.
How to Start Content Writing with No Background in it
Writing isn’t something you need experience in. But you do have to learn the nuances of content writing versus writing something just for shits and gigs.
So here are some steps to make it happen:
1. Pick a topic
You’ll want to enjoy what you write about. There are days where I put in 6,000 words, and weeks where I’ve written 30,000. In blog posts. That’s informational content, teaching, research-based.
If you hate the topic, those 30,000 words are going to crawl into your eyeballs and gouge them out. But for me? I’m usually stopping myself from writing more. My niche is fiction and writing and marketing. I know the topic deeply and it’s fun for me.
You have to ask yourself what it is you not only know a good amount of right now, but also what you want to learn more about. Because as you write, you’ll have to research. Put it to good use and make it something that will aid in other areas of your life too.
Content writing is teaching. Teaching is the best way to learn. Finding that sweet spot between what you like and what you want to know more about will also produce more engaged, interesting pieces anyway.
That will come across in your work, and editors/managers will notice.
2. Pick a medium
"Content writing" no longer just means a blog post. There are various types of content, and you’ll want to figure out which one suits you best.
For example:
- Blog posts: These are great for building long-form content skills where you’ll have to learn SEO and brand voice.
- Sales copy: If you enjoy persuasive writing, copywriting for sales pages or ads might be a good fit.
- Social media posts: These require concise, catchy writing and are ideal for those who enjoy shorter pieces or who really understand the virality of writing and content that gets shared.
You don’t have to limit yourself to one. Experimenting with different mediums will help you discover what works best for you. As of right now, writing blog posts is a great way to open the door, develop your writing chops, and learn SEO (because even social uses the same algorithmic principles as search engine optimization).
3. Write a portfolio
You need proof. No editor is going to just accept that you want to write. We know that writing is a talent, a skill.
Hiring you will require seeing samples.
Some managers will require you to write a custom sample for the job application, but others are perfectly happy being able to see 3-5 blog post length samples (or whatever type of content writing you want to do). Which means you need a portfolio.
Preferably in the niche you want to write in. Preferably published on websites with a byline.
But when you have no experience, a link to samples works just fine.
When I first started, I just wrote 3 "blog posts" in the style of the niche I was going after (I started in love/relationships) in a Google Doc, and linked that when applying for roles or in my bio for freelance writing sites until I got published on sites.
A couple tips:
- Type a keyword in Google and see what’s ranking
- Why is that post working well?
- Don’t copy, but make your own version of the structure you see (tips, list, story, etc.)
- Use your own voice and talk directly to the reader
- For the love of God, if one so exists, do not use Chat GPT. Just don’t.
- Get some feedback on the writing from other people
- Edit! Proofread! It’s your first impression
4. Sign up for writing sites
It’s an option, and you’re not likely going to get paid a ton at first, but good opportunities do exist. If you have a strong portfolio, especially if you’re a native English speaker, you can snag jobs over less qualified candidates.
These are sites like $ Upwork$ , $ Fiverr$ , or $ Freelancer$ . These websites connect writers with clients looking for content creators. Start by applying to smaller jobs. The goal is to build your portfolio, get feedback, and gain confidence in your writing.
Having the proof is important, so don’t turn your nose up at putting in a bit of grunt work that doesn't pay great at first.
5. Put yourself out there on LinkedIn
Managers are on LinkedIn. Optimizing your profile for keywords and having links to your work can be a huge help. You can even get inbound work that way. Don’t spend all your time here, but if you have opinions in your industry, crafting interesting posts can get the attention of the right managers.
Plus, editors will list freelance "jobs" through their own posts, and not the job boards, so it’s important to do your researching there too.
6. Ask for the numbers
If your manager is open to it, ask them what your rankings look like. Ask them for traffic numbers. It might not seem important to you now, but if you want to get higher paying content writing jobs, knowing the impact of your work helps a lot.
A lot of marketing hiring managers speak in terms of numbers and results, not necessarily how good your writing is.
7. Research sites in your niche that are hiring
Take the time to research websites, blogs, or companies in your niche that are looking for writers. Many companies have ongoing content needs and hire freelance.
Many of these sites have a "write for us" page you can find by going to Google and typing "site:website.com write for us" to see their process.
Once you find opportunities, send personalized pitches with samples of your writing.
8. Pitch topics
This is how I got a byline in Thrillist as well as The Write Life. The latter is how I was found and asked to apply for a salaried content writing role (that I got). You go to the writing/pitch pages, review their process, and follow all of their requirements.
Here’s an email reply from an editor at Thrillist. I pitched 6 articles and she wanted 2, priced at $150 back in 2017.
Tips for pitching:
- Don’t pitch a topic they already have
- See what they’ve been posting recently
- Make it current to pop culture or events that will happen 1 to 2 months out (editors work ahead, so pitch Valentines Day topics in December, for example)
- Don’t just give a title, give some of what the substance would be (like I did above)
- Show them the tone of voice you’ll be using
9. Peruse job boards
Apply to any that fit what you’re looking for, even if you think you’re not qualified. Most editors will take an engaging, good writer over a boring writer who has the qualifications for the topic.
Look for staff writing roles too! Freelance is great for getting started and building a portfolio, but staffed positions are more secure, less work, and you’ll get paid more.
Keep writing! Content writing can be a competitive field, but if you write well, create unique angles, and pitch good ideas, you’ll stand out far above the majority.
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