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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