3 Ways that Content Writers and Bloggers Can Stand Out from the Crowd

Relying on low-cost one-off writers or featuring guest contributions will only work for so long. With this strategy, in time, many businesses often find it difficult to establish a clear voice through multiple content creators. This is why many companies look for an in-house blogger to create consistent content that converts.

As an independent blogger, or one looking for a more permanent position, finding the next writing gig can be a big challenge. A strong content marketing strategy can have a great impact on the success of a brand, so it is important that it is crystal clear why your talent is just what a business is looking for.

Coming in on a long-term or full-time basis is an excellent way for writers to make money and advance their portfolio, but competition is fierce. In order to stand out from the crowd of candidates, there are several key steps that you, as a blogger, can take to get your name in the mix and show project leaders or employers why you are the best fit for the job. Let’s discuss.

Showcase Your Soft Skills

While certain skillsets and previous experiences are critical for a successful blogger to have, it is important that you are marketing your soft skills when applying for jobs or placing project bids. Qualities like strong communication, the ability to work with others, and leadership skills often times have more to do with success than technical abilities.

In order to identify these essential skills in someone they want to work with, many businesses are turning to “people analytics” to determine whether or not they have what it takes. For example, recruiting software systems like Harver use AI-powered skill assessment questionnaires that are personalized to measure each applicant’s unique skillsets.

blogging tips

The results from these assessments are sent to decision makers in a report that shows aptitudes, strengths, and weaknesses. Additionally, the system uses this information to judge whether or not the person would mesh well with the company culture.

When you are creating a resume or filling out an application, be sure that you don’t get too wrapped up in the list of qualifications and experiences that you forget to promote your soft skills. Businesses want to work with people who will be able to help their team, follow instructions, and communicate effectively. Showcase your interpersonal skills or communication abilities by sharing examples from past work that demonstrate your strongest qualities.

Look to Social Media

When it comes to finding writing jobs, a great deal of success is simply being in the right place at the right time. While many hopeful candidates still use job board sites to find gigs, other platforms are gaining traction, too. Nearly 60% of job seekers use social media to find out about new opportunities, and companies that lead the way in top talent are 22 times more likely to find new hires through social media, rather than traditional recruiting sites.

LinkedIn is by far the most used social platform for talent acquisition, with 96% of professionals agreeing that it is the most effective website to find skilled workers. However, Facebook and Twitter are becoming more popular, along with incremental growth in sites like Google+ and Instagram.

While you can certainly find some job openings on traditional sites or freelance platforms, there may be better positions or projects out there on social sites.

Social media is more than just a place to upload pictures and post statuses these days; it is a place to connect and share information. But remember, businesses are taking your social presence into account, too. 75% of hiring managers check out a worker’s social profile to get a feel for who they are as a person. Use social media to your advantage by building up your personal brand with the kind of industry content you share online.

Making your profile more attractive to businesses can help your chances of landing a project or interview.

Focus on Personal Branding

When a company is considering hiring you to write for them, chances are, they will want to see the work you have published in your own name. This is to get a feel for the type of person you are and whether or not they can trust you with their brand and objectives.

In a content strategy, bloggers are essential in building the company’s voice through the work they produce. Prior to beginning a project, it is important that your own personal brand aligns with the goals of the business.

Do your research before applying to make sure that your talent and writing style would fit the company. To get a clear idea, you can use tools like Brand24 to measure your own personal brand and compare it to that of the company. By setting up a project around yourself or a business, you can gather all the relevant mentions and content produced across the web.

See Also
wedding website examples

­

After reviewing the information, you can make a judgment call as to how well your styles will match up.

You want to be a positive addition to the organization, but in order for that to happen, you will have to be on the same page as their current marketing team when it comes to the personality of the business.

Once you find a potential job opening or a project you want to sink your teeth into, take a look at the company’s previous content to get an idea of their voice. Writing styles in blogging are very important, especially when it is professional messaging. If your style is more laid-back and casual, it may not be a great fit for a business that is looking to establish thought leadership on technical subjects. A poor fit can potentially take away from both your own brand and theirs.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right blogger to work with is an important decision for a business in creating a successful marketing strategy. This person will be responsible for communicating the brand to readers, and many times, it may be the first introduction that consumers have to the company.

As a blogger, you need to know yourself and the qualities that you bring to the table. This is in terms of soft skills, versatility, and style. Keep in mind, every project or job you take as a blogger impacts your career. Be smart about your choices and your writing will continue to advance in the right direction.

Author Bio

Pratik Dholakiya is the Co-Founder of E2M, a full-service digital marketing agency and Preceptist, an executive branding agency. He regularly speaks at various conferences about SEO, Content Marketing, Growth Hacking, Entrepreneurship and Digital PR. 

Scroll To Top