Video summary

Content Writing for Beginners: 7 Steps

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main Ideas & Concepts: Content Writing for Beginners (7 Steps)

  1. Know what content writing is

    • “Content writing” is a loose term covering web copy, blog posts, social media captions, and product descriptions.
    • It’s typically non-fiction writing, usually online, meant to inform, entertain, and/or sell.
    • Although the video focuses on blog posts, most principles apply broadly to other formats.

  2. Define your goal and audience (Step 1)

    • Clarify why you’re writing:
      • Drive traffic to a website
      • Build/open a sales funnel
      • Serve a client’s specific objective
    • Identify your target audience:
      • Niches and demographics
      • Your audience’s knowledge level shapes style, vocabulary, and how information is organized
    • Do at least light research:
      • Even if you don’t quote sources, it helps to see what ranks for your query.

Research method

  - Use an **incognito window** so prior browsing history doesn’t skew results.
  - Search the topic using **a few different phrasings**.
  - Skim the first page to see:
      - What topics are **over-covered**
      - What topics are **missing** or not covered well
  - Goal: find what you can do to make your post **better or more unique**.

  1. Use search results features for ideas (Steps 2–3)

    • Step 2: Use “Snippets”
      • Snippets are the highlighted bits Google uses to answer queries.
      • If snippets for a query are weak, it’s an opportunity to create a better answer.
    • Step 3: Add subheadings for structure + SEO
      • A title is typically H1, then H2/H3 for sub-sections.
      • Benefits:
        • Give the post structure
        • Help readers find what they need
        • Improve readability (avoid intimidating walls of text)
        • Support SEO (search engine optimization)
      • SEO note:
        • Search engines evolve; older tactics like repeating a keyword excessively don’t work.
        • The best strategy is helpful content (not tricks).

  2. Target specific questions and Snippets with subheadings

    • Subheadings can be written like search queries/direct questions.
    • This helps increase the chance your content matches multiple potential searches.
    • How to write for Snippets
      • Under a subheading, answer the question immediately (first sentence / no lead-in).
      • Use direct, encyclopedia-like/formal wording (example: answer clearly like a definition).
      • Avoid:
        • Fluff before the answer
        • Placing the “second sentence” before the main answer
      • Editing tip:
        • Ensure the first sentence concisely answers the query right away.

  3. Publish original images and/or original research (Step 5)

    • Original images
      • Google favors original images.
      • Stock photos (e.g., Pixels/Pixabay) are acceptable for ambiance, but original visuals tend to perform better.
    • Original research
      • Can also boost performance.
      • Doesn’t need to be complex.
      • Example methods:
        • Run a short 3-question Google Form to gather responses from ~100 people
        • Run a poll (as mentioned by the speaker via personal Twitter/Instagram), then analyze results
    • When referencing data, explain your sample and method:
      • Example structure: “I surveyed X writers; got 300 responses; here are the trends; here’s what I concluded.”
    • If you don’t do original research:
      • Cite existing studies and compile data differently (new synthesis or clearer presentation).
    • Stand-out strategy vs common AI/freelancer output:
      • Many articles repackage what’s already on the first page and may not cite sources.
      • Adding citations, correcting misinformation, and providing real backing can help your post stand out.

  4. Edit for readability and legitimacy (Step 6)

    • Core editing:
      • Fix spelling/grammar
      • Fact-check information to improve credibility
    • Improve reader experience:
      • Use bold/italics to emphasize key points
      • Include subheadings and images
      • Consider key takeaway lists for skimmers
      • Break up long paragraphs:
        • A common guideline is ~4 sentences max (often shorter is fine)
        • Use whitespace so the page feels less dense
      • Compare with other posts to see what layout feels comfortable.

  5. Use one clear CTA at the end (Step 7)

    • CTA = Call to Action, usually at the end of the post.
    • Examples:
      • Join an email list
      • Buy a product/course
      • Read another related post on the site
    • Recommended approach:
      • Use only one CTA per post
      • Avoid forcing many actions at once (e.g., “here are seven things…”)
    • Content funnel example (bread baking blog):
      • General “starter” posts (absolute basics):
        • CTA should likely lead to the next post, not a big purchase
      • More comprehensive “pillar” post (ultimate resource):
        • CTA can be a major offer (course/mailing list) for more committed readers
    • Rationale:
      • Not all readers are ready to buy; guiding them to the next relevant page keeps them engaged longer.

Additional Notes Mentioned (Outside the 7 Steps)

The speaker briefly mentions other topics they could cover later, such as:

  • Batching
  • Affiliate links
  • Backlinks
  • How to write with AI content in mind
  • Topic authority
  • Word counts

Speakers / Sources Featured

  • Speaker/host: Unnamed YouTube presenter (the video contains first-person narration; no name given in the subtitles).
  • Referenced sources/tools (not as speakers):
    • Google (search snippets, search results, ranking/SEO behavior)
    • Merriam-Webster (used as a style comparison for direct, definition-like phrasing)
    • Stock image sites: Pixabay, Pixels
    • Google Forms (example tool for gathering original research)

Original video