How to Become a Content Marketer
How I Went from a Content Writer to a Content Marketer and Got a Job at a Leading SaaS Company
I began my career as a Content Writer in 2018. Initially, the role was about exploring the industry, but within a few months, I found myself deeply engaged in crafting content for major clients such as GoDaddy and Entrepreneur. What initially started as a hobby quickly transformed into a full-time commitment.
However, that was just the beginning. I was intrigued to explore another side of the industry—marketing. I realized that transitioning from a content writer to a content marketer and eventually aspiring to become a marketing head, was the next step in my career progression.
How did I make the transition?
I have been asked this question multiple times so here's a detailed guide on how I did it and how can you do it too.
Understand the difference
Content Writing:
- Focus: Primarily revolves around producing engaging, informative, and well-crafted content.
- Skills: Strong writing skills, creativity, and a good grasp of grammar and style are essential.
- Tasks: Writing articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and other forms of written content.
Content Marketing:
- Focus: Involves not only the creation of content but also ensuring it reaches the intended audience and achieves specific business goals.
- Skills: Requires a blend of creative and analytical skills, including SEO, data analysis, strategic planning, and an understanding of digital marketing tools.
- Tasks: Developing content strategies, content distribution, SEO optimization, performance tracking, and using insights to refine marketing strategies.
As a content marketer, you will need to think beyond the written word and consider how your content drives engagement, leads, and ultimately, sales. This holistic approach is what distinguishes a content marketer from a content writer.
Get involved in your client's marketing strategy
I was a content writer, already writing about content marketing strategies. During that time, I tried to get involved with my clients' marketing teams to understand how things go in marketing teams. Some were happy to do it and some were not ready.
To get into the marketing, I always tried to suggest the companies with some insights that weren't about writing but about what they could do to improve content distribution. This helped me become a trusted partner and ask them questions about their strategy.
9 out of 10 times, I got my answers which helped me shape my thinking as a marketer.
Have a side project
Most writers will suggest you start writing on platforms like Medium and LinkedIn to leverage their audience, but if you want to become a content marketer—start a blog.
A blog might not help you get immediate attention or monetize, but it will definitely help you experiment and learn. Tbh, I don't even know how many blogs I have created to date.
I have always liked the idea of creating a blog, trying a CMS, learning how to use the CMS, doing on-page and off-page SEO, writing blog posts, and then trying to rank those blog posts higher on Google. (Now I have experience with WordPress, Webflow, Ghost, and Blogger.)
Most people don't do this, and when you do, you get a competitive edge. In fact, I mention this in all my interviews and people do get impressed because of this.
I mentioned this during my interview for the job I am currently doing and got a positive response. 😄
Write on social media
It doesn't matter if you have 100 followers or 100,000, you need to write on social media. Pick any platform that suits you and start posting. Create a strategy for 30 days and build a habit of posting. Don't post just anything but something that you've recently learned, either by experimenting or just reading something.
Social media helps you amplify your voice and reach. It's not just about sharing your thoughts; it's about engaging with a community. By posting consistently, you can establish your presence and authority in your niche. Regular posts that provide value can attract a following, foster engagement, and even lead to professional opportunities.
Furthermore, social media can serve as a real-time feedback loop, allowing you to gauge the impact of your content, refine your approach based on interactions, and continually improve your communication skills. Engage in conversations, respond to comments, and participate in relevant discussions. This active involvement can help you understand audience needs and preferences, sharpening your marketing acumen.
Join communities
To truly enhance your understanding of content marketing and broaden your network, join professional communities where you can connect with peers, share insights, and keep up with industry trends.
These platforms not only provide valuable networking opportunities but also host discussions, webinars, and resources that can significantly aid in your professional growth. Engaging with these communities allows you to exchange ideas, receive feedback on your work, and gain new perspectives that can refine your marketing strategies.
Follow experts on social media and learn from them
To fast-track your development in content marketing, it’s invaluable to follow industry experts on social media. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram have many seasoned professionals who regularly share insights, best practices, and the latest trends in content marketing. By following these influencers, you not only gain access to their knowledge but also the opportunity to observe how they engage with their audience and manage their personal brand.
Identify leaders whose style and expertise resonate with your goals. Engage with their content by commenting, asking questions, and participating in discussions. This interaction can lead to valuable connections and even mentorship opportunities. Observing their content strategies can also provide you with practical ideas that you can adapt and implement in your own efforts.
Remember, the key is not just to consume content passively but to actively participate and apply what you learn to your own practices in content marketing.
Learn analytics (very important)
Learning analytics is essential for a content marketer, as it allows you to gauge the success of your strategies and make informed decisions. Start by understanding basic content marketing metrics like traffic and engagement, using tools like Google Analytics for broad insights, and delve deeper into SEO specifics with tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs. Online courses from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning are great for building a strong foundation in these analytics tools. Applying what you learn through practical implementation on your own blog or website will solidify your understanding and skill set.
Keep yourself updated by following industry blogs, engaging with experts on social media, and attending webinars. Earning certifications in GA and GSC can boost your resume and establish your credibility in the field. Regular learning and application will refine your ability to use analytics effectively, enhancing your value as a content marketer and enabling you to drive successful, data-driven marketing strategies.
Build a resume
When building your resume to transition from a content writer to a content marketer, opt for a format that best showcases your evolving skill set. A combination resume can be particularly effective, blending a chronological listing of your work experience with a strong emphasis on relevant skills. This format allows you to highlight your content creation background while also drawing attention to your marketing competencies, such as strategic planning, SEO, and analytics.
In your resume, make sure to detail specific projects where you applied marketing strategies, demonstrating your practical experience in the field. Include metrics where possible—like increased traffic or improved engagement—to quantify your contributions. Tailoring your resume to each specific job application by using keywords from the job description can also greatly enhance your visibility to hiring managers. This approach not only illustrates your expertise in content creation but also underscores your capability to drive marketing objectives, setting you apart as a well-rounded candidate for content marketing roles.
TL;DR
- Understand the Difference: Learn how content marketing extends beyond writing to include strategy, analytics, and audience engagement.
- Expand Skills: Develop SEO, strategic planning, and data analysis capabilities.
- Collaborate Widely: Work with marketing teams to gain a holistic view of marketing strategies.
- Start a Side Project: Use this as a platform to apply marketing theories and practice SEO.
- Engage on Social Media: Build and maintain a professional presence, contributing and learning through interactions.
- Join Professional Networks: Engage with communities like Superpath and RevGenius to share and gain insights.
- Follow Industry Experts: Stay updated with trends and techniques from leading marketers.
- Learn Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to measure and refine your marketing strategies.
- Optimize Your Resume: Highlight relevant content marketing skills and experiences.
Need some help?
Shoot an email: charu2014dubey@gmail.com
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Charu Mitra Dubey
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