How to become a content writer: A complete guide

The internet is built on written content, and every business is competing for online attention, which has increased the demand for skilled writers. This has created a significant opportunity for those with strong writing skills to build a flexible career path.

However, the title "content writer" can seem broad. Many wonder what the day-to-day responsibilities are and how to enter the field, especially when starting with no experience.

Modern content writing often involves a combination of human creativity and technology. AI tools can act as assistants, helping to speed up research, outline ideas, and improve efficiency. For example, tools like the eesel AI blog writer are designed to help new writers overcome the challenge of not having a portfolio by creating complete, publish-ready blog posts. This allows for the creation of a professional-looking portfolio in a short amount of time.

This guide will cover everything you need to know, from the necessary skills to the methods for landing your first paying client.

What does a content writer actually do?

"Content writer" is a broad term for a role that involves creating material to connect with a specific audience. This can range from explaining complex topics in simple terms to encouraging a reader to purchase a product. Most content writing falls into two main categories.

Writing to inform and build trust

This type of content focuses on providing value to the reader for free. The goal is to educate, entertain, or inform the audience to build a brand's reputation and trustworthiness. The focus is on relationship-building rather than direct sales.

According to Upwork's guide on content writing, this is a primary activity for most content writers. Examples include:

• SEO blog articles (like this one)
• Website copy (landing pages, about us pages, product descriptions)
• Email newsletters
• Case studies and white papers
• eBooks

To succeed in this area, you need strong research skills, the ability to tell a compelling story, and the versatility to adapt your writing style to different company voices.

Writing to persuade and drive action (copywriting)

This form of writing is more sales-oriented and is often referred to as copywriting. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to take a specific action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or downloading a resource.

Examples of copywriting include:

• Sales emails
• Product landing pages designed for conversions
• Ad copy for Facebook or Google
• Scripts for promotional videos or webinars

Copywriting requires an understanding of persuasion, human behavior, and customer psychology. While related to content writing, it is a specialized skill focused entirely on driving action.

Essential skills for a content writer

Effective content writing involves more than just correct grammar. To build a successful career, you need a combination of creative and analytical skills that companies value.

Impeccable writing and editing

This is the foundation of the profession. You must be able to write clearly, concisely, and engagingly. Strong grammar, logical flow, and a compelling voice are essential.

I would add 'proofread everything'.

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A great way to improve is by reading widely. Exposing yourself to various topics and writing styles helps expand your vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure, a practice that writing experts on Upwork highly recommend.

Tools like Grammarly can be very helpful. The free version is effective for catching basic errors, while paid plans offer more advanced suggestions on tone and clarity. However, these tools should be used as aids, not replacements for careful editing.

Understanding SEO fundamentals

Businesses need content that can be found through search engines like Google to attract website visitors. This is where search engine optimization (SEO) becomes crucial.

You don't need to be a technical expert, but you should understand the basics:

• Keyword research: Identifying the terms people use in search engines.
• Search intent: Understanding what a user is looking for when they enter a query.
• On-page SEO: Naturally incorporating keywords into headings, meta descriptions, and body text.
• Internal linking: Linking to other relevant pages within the same website.

This skill connects your writing directly to a company's business goals, making you a more valuable asset. Moz's Beginner's Guide to SEO is an excellent resource for learning these fundamentals.

Strong research and information synthesis

High-quality content is based on credible information. You need to know how to find reliable sources, synthesize different perspectives, and present the information in a way that is easy for your audience to understand.

This involves more than a quick Google search. It means finding primary sources, fact-checking information, and using quotes or statistics to add authority to your writing. Mastering this skill is what distinguishes valuable content from disposable filler.

How AI can help you start your career

The biggest challenge for many new writers is the need for a portfolio to secure clients, while needing clients to build a portfolio. AI can be a useful tool to help you get your career started.

The eesel AI blog writer is a platform that can help with this issue. It is designed to create complete, SEO-friendly articles that are ready for publication and have a natural tone.

Step 1: Build a professional portfolio quickly

Clients need to see examples of your work before hiring you. Instead of spending weeks writing articles that may not be used, you can assemble a professional portfolio in a short time.

With the eesel AI blog writer, you can generate three to five high-quality articles in your desired niche. The platform provides a finished piece, complete with:

• AI-generated images, tables, and charts.
• Relevant YouTube video embeds.
• Social proof, like Reddit quotes, to enhance credibility.

Once you have these articles, you can host them on a free portfolio site like Contently. This gives you professional work samples to show potential clients.

For my part, to get my first client, I put four reasonably decent emails in a Google doc with absolutely no graphics whatsoever, and cold emailed a whole lot of business owners and marketing directors.

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Step 2: Choose a niche and develop expertise

Generalist writers may find it difficult to stand out and command higher rates. By specializing in a niche such as SaaS, healthcare, or finance, you can position yourself as an expert and charge more for your services.

To gain expertise in a new area, you can use a tool like eesel AI to get up to speed. Generating a few articles on niche topics can help you learn the industry terminology, identify key players, and understand common questions. The tool's context-aware research provides insightful content, helping you sound knowledgeable.

Step 3: Practice and refine your unique voice

Consistent practice is the only way to improve your writing. It can be challenging to stay motivated without active projects.

An AI tool can function as a writing partner. You can generate a solid draft with the eesel AI blog writer to handle research and structure, allowing you to focus on editing and polishing. You can add your own insights, refine the introduction, and adjust the tone to match your personal style.

This method provides a strong foundation, helping you learn more quickly and develop your own writing voice.

Finding your first content writing clients

Once you have a portfolio and a niche, it's time to find paid work. There are several established methods for finding your first clients.

Start with freelance platforms

Sites like Upwork and Fiverr are common starting points for new freelancers. They are online marketplaces where businesses connect with freelancers for various projects.

On Upwork, you browse job postings and submit proposals. On Fiverr, you create pre-set service packages, or "Gigs," that clients can purchase. These platforms are competitive, and it may take time to secure your first project.

There is also a notable difference in client spending between the platforms. A 2026 comparison by Upwork indicated that 145,000 of its clients spend over $5,000 annually, whereas the average Fiverr client spends around $278 per year. This is a factor to consider if you are aiming to build long-term, high-value client relationships.

Feature	Upwork	Fiverr
Model	Bid on client-posted jobs	Offer pre-packaged "Gigs"
Client Type	Solopreneurs to large enterprises	Mostly solopreneurs & small businesses
Average Spend	High ($5k+/year for top clients)	Lower ($278/year on average)
Best For	Building long-term client relationships	Quick, one-off projects

Leverage LinkedIn to build a personal brand

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for attracting clients. Many freelance writers suggest that building a personal brand by sharing valuable content is an effective way to have clients discover you.

Here are a few steps you can take:

• Optimize your profile to clearly state that you are a content writer and specify your niche.
• Share your portfolio articles as posts.
• Engage with posts from companies and individuals in your target industry. A thoughtful comment can help you get noticed.

Reach out to marketing agencies

Marketing agencies manage content for multiple clients and are frequently in need of skilled freelance writers. According to freelance experts, this can be a great source of consistent work.

A simple approach is to identify agencies that operate in your niche and send them a brief, professional email. Introduce yourself, state your specialty, provide a link to your portfolio, and inquire if they are seeking freelance writers.

For more visual guidance, the video below offers a step-by-step breakdown of how to start a career in content writing, covering many of the topics discussed in this guide.

A video explaining the seven steps for beginners on how to become a content writer and find success in the field.

Getting started as a content writer

Entering the field of content writing is achievable with a clear strategy. The process involves honing your skills, choosing a niche, creating a strong portfolio, and actively seeking clients. Persistence is key.

Now that you have a roadmap, it's time to begin. You can use the eesel AI blog writer to generate your first professional article for free in under five minutes and start your new career.