Without quality content, it can be difficult to sell your idea, product, brand or service to readers. The purpose of writing is to connect with your targeted audience, build trust, and translate that interest to your bottom line and drive a profit. There are a few misconceptions about content writing, though, and the following are three of those myths and why they’re not necessarily true.

MYTH: A Content Writer Needs A Marketing DegreeBigfoot
TRUTH: While many content writers may indeed have marketing degrees, this is not a requirement. Many content writers have journalism backgrounds, with a writing style that is diametrically opposed to content writing. Journalists typically write about specific events that have happened or will happen, providing readers with simply the facts. Their job is to report the news in a straightforward, formulaic way. Content writers, on the other hand, are hired to sell a brand, helping potential clients connect with a product, service or idea and build a trusting relationship over time. Quality web content helps to nurture lasting relationships with the targeted audience. While a background in marketing is certainly helpful to understand how effective strategies work and how targeted audiences are best reached, writers with backgrounds in other writing styles, from creative to journalistic, can contribute to this field as well and write compelling web copy. Journalists with backgrounds in traditional publications such as newspapers may be able to seamlessly transition into writing content for websites if they are aware of the differences in the two styles.

MYTH: Writing For Search Engines Will Get Your Content Noticed
TRUTH: Writing for your audience rather than search engines will yield you far more success in the long run. Writing content for the web is not just about getting the highest search engine rankings; it’s about helping your website create conversions that lead to a healthy return on investment. The bonus is, if you write effectively and consistently, it will yield high ratings naturally. The last thing you want is for your content to look, sound and feel like it’s been outsourced and stuffed with a bunch of keywords. At the end of the day, you need to connect with people, not Internet search engines. These days, grammar and readability trump keyword-laden content. Sharing quality content with your readers means they are more likely to react and respond to what you’re passionate about.

MYTH: Quality Content Leads Directly To Hard Sales Right Away
TRUTH: It can take a while to build trust with your readers, so don’t get discouraged when you’ve been putting effort into your content writing to get your site off the ground but you aren’t seeing direct sales right away. This doesn’t mean that people aren’t reading what you have to say. It doesn’t mean they don’t want what you’re offering. It means that consumers are taking their time trusting you and building their confidence in you. Even though your site may have quality content writing to back up your brand, you may not see measurable results right away. Be patient and take the time to build your brand’s identity and integrity, and chances are this will lead to increased sales and retention of customers further down the road. Well-written content can boost your credibility and attract new clients. Have patience and your compelling copy will benefit you.