10 Myths about Content Writing

In Pakistan, content writing is not regarded as a solemn profession, unlike  developed countries. This is the reason why even after 7+ years of experience in content writing I often hear from my parents, siblings, friends and colleagues to change or switch my profession to some “serious” profession. Even my students and colleagues ask me why I am still in the field of content am writing after completing a master’s degree. Most of the people also consider content writing as something related to data entry or “click and earn” promotional activities. After listening to their crap and lack of knowledge about content writing, I decided to clarify some myths which have been associated with this field.

1st Myth – Content Writing is all about Copying and Pasting

Most of my young friends think that they can enter the field of content writing with an attitude of copying information from different websites and pasting that on their blogs, websites or other platforms. They are totally lost! In the field of content writing, “plagiarism” is the biggest offence. It’s like slapping the C.E.O. of the company in front of the entire workforce. There are different websites, which detect the plagiarized content and Google (almighty) penalizes the blog or website. Content writing is all about original, well researched and quality writeups.

2nd Myth – Content Writing does not pay well

Since I already mentioned that in Pakistan content writing is under its developing stages this is why people think that content writers don’t get paid well. This is not the reality, in most of the cases. There are definitely some companies which pay really less, but there are also reputed companies which pay excessively well. It also depends upon the scope and portfolio of the company as well to decide how much to pay for an article of 500 words. The rate for the mentioned word count varies from 30/- PKR to 500/- PKR per piece. Plus, it also depends upon the caliber of the writer; definitely every second content writer is as smart, experienced and blessed as other. Expecting that first job as a content writer will shower loads of cash is childish. There are content writers who earn 60,000/- to 100,000/- PKR and more by smartly utilizing their skills and time.

3rd Myth – Content Writing is not a meaningful career

I am sure people would have heard the same about customers’ care and call representatives back in late 90’s in Pakistan but now look around we (Pakistanis) have some finest call center companies as well as customer care offices. Now for positions in such organizations candidates are required with 5+ years of experience and they are paid exceptionally well. Don’t they? Similarly, today content writing is in the same phase because the services used to be outsourced previously. Every career is serious provided a person takes it seriously. That’s what our elders and teachers tell us.

4th Myth – Content Writing does not have scope

Those who don’t even know the definition of content writing pass such comments. How ironic? There are individuals, for instance like me and some well known bloggers and content writers, who have found a lot of scope in this field. It depends on a person to find the scope in any field. Every student can’t be the topper or scholarship holder.

5th Myth – All Content Writing Companies are Scams

How very naive of people to think that! There used to be a number of handful companies which in the past may have scammed, but today the scenario has changed. Only in Karachi, there are 20 – 30 listed companies that offer content writing services to clients on a regular basis and they have hired workforce for that as well. Companies like Axact, Right Solution, Express Tribune, and Synergy etc.

6th Myth – Content Writing is only for Computer programmers or graduates

This is the most common statement which you will hear when discussing  content writing. Content writing is for those who can be expressive through their words, those who can select right words and pitch to motivate the clients and readers etc. Today in the field of content writing you will find doctors, engineers, MBAs and bankers/forex traders as well.

7th Myth – Content Writing is Easy

Do you honestly think anything which pays exceptionally well can be easy? Well, it  depends upon the interest of the candidate. Like I am an MBA but Finance is not my cup of tea but Management and Advertising is my unconditional love. Content writing needs concentration, research and analytical skills if you think you have these it will be easier for you. Else, it can be a nightmare as well.

8th Myth – Content Writing is for Part Timers

Small companies have misinterpreted this profession as well. For the sake of hiring cheap resource and earning more profits they advertise with such tag lines to gain the attention of the jobless market. This in return has created an environment where people mostly consider content writing jobs as part time jobs. There are many individuals who are working 9 – 5 as content writers in multiple companies as well.

9th Myth - Web Content Writing and Academic Content Writing pay the same

This is the biggest misconception flooded by non experienced and non exposed individuals who consider themselves as content writers. I usually tell applicants in interviews “If Web Content writing is X in terms of research, payments, authenticity and hardships than Academic Content writing is 4 X”. They are totally different. Considering them alike  is like considering poems and stories same.

10th Myth – Everyone can be a content Writer – After All everyone is educated

No – Everyone cannot be a content writer. Content writing is about expressing one’s thoughts in such a way that they are understood by every other reader. Moreover, having education does not mean that a person has the writing skills as well. It takes experience and constant brushing up of skills to transform into a content writer. After all, every MBA cannot start or run a business on his own after acquiring the degree. It takes experience and a set of relevant skills. Exceptions are always there.

There are other myths as well but in this post I tried to mention the ones which are most common to be heard in our society or  other third world countries. I hope the situation and perceptions will change by taking initiatives to educate individuals about this emerging field.


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