A lot of people think that online writing jobs are easy.
After all, who can’t open a blank document and start typing?
Yet, all types of writing—and in this case, content writing—require more skill and practice than you’d expect.
Content writers can’t just generate articles with just a snap of a finger, after all (yes, EVEN with ChatGPT). If you want to write good content (the ones that will get you paying clients), you have to find ways to deliver value to your readers.
Yet like we said, that’s easier said than done.
So, if you’re an aspiring content writer, here are some of the most common content writing challenges at work- and how you can overcome them:
Running Out of Ideas
Looking for good content ideas is one of the top challenges as a content writer.
You can always fix grammar mistakes and improve your overall writing.
However, the best writing skills won’t shine without a compelling topic.
Thus, many content writers can feel pressured to produce good content—which leads to running out of ideas.
Worse, they can even experience writer’s block.
Fortunately, there are many ways to counter a creative block—from taking quick breaks to moving your body to going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Establishing and Maintaining Readability
Different clients can, perhaps, have varying standards for readability depending on the piece you’re writing.
For instance, business articles may require larger paragraphs and longer word counts compared to a simple blog post.
As a content writer, it’s your job to maintain readability—which is essentially how easy your article is to read.
This skill can take a bit of practice.
Always read your write-up afterward to see which sections can be improved.
You should avoid using industry jargon and difficult words. Most of the time, shorter paragraphs help make your article more readable.
Overall, your goal should be for your readers to immediately understand what you’re trying to say without having to reread it.
Avoiding Plagiarism
It can be a struggle to avoid plagiarism with so many articles both offline and on the Internet.
As people say, you can get inspiration from other people’s work—just don’t copy it word for word.
Instead, you can always cite your sources. You can also paraphrase, or better yet, explain things in your own words.
Lastly, don’t forget to run your work through a plagiarism checker so you’re in the clear.
Poor—Or Excessive—Research
You’ll probably do a lot of research as a content writer to ensure accuracy.
However, doing so can involve a great deal of work.
Still, reading from various sources is part of the job as a content writer—and the Internet is where you can find them the fastest.
Make sure, however, to find reliable sources by checking the website’s URL. Ideally, you should only cite sources from .edu, .gov, or similar well-established publications.
You can also get ideas for good article structure from a variety of references.
Limited Creative Freedom
For some people, writing is their creative outlet.
However, writing for a client or a company won’t always be fun. The process can oftentimes be tedious, especially since you’ll need to follow certain guidelines.
The topics you’ll be writing about can be limited to the industry your clients are in.
Still, it’s possible to have some fun, even when writing for online jobs.
Content writers still have control over what to write about, so find topics that personally interest you while keeping things relevant.
Finally, stay true to your own writing style, while being open to feedback.
Creative Differences
We all have diverse opinions on how things should be done, but as a remote contractor, you’re often at your client’s mercy.
Issues can still arise—even if you produce content based on their specifications.
In such cases, be sure to discuss the job requirements with your client beforehand to set expectations—and don’t be shy to ask questions to clarify.
Beating Deadlines 
Writing is a creative process and on some days, inspiration just won’t come.
Writing articles and other content pieces can be hard when you’re struggling to get in the zone.
Furthermore, some write-ups require massive word counts—all of which can add to your anxiety.
Still, you know yourself best.
So, save the most important parts of your work for your most productive hours.
Outside of those hours, you can perhaps do your research or apply any editing feedback you receive.
This way, you’re more efficient with your time so you can meet your deadlines.
Overcoming The Challenges of Content Writing
Content writing can be a fun yet challenging career.
It’s dynamic and routinary at the same time—you won’t be writing the same thing every day, but you won’t really venture outside the same field in most cases.
Still, you can overcome the difficulties that come with being a content writer using the right strategies.
If you’re up to the challenge and want to work online, head to Remote Staff’s job listings. It’s regularly updated, so you’re sure to find a role that best suits your qualifications.
Remote Staff has also been in the industry for 16 years (and counting)! The company offers after-hire support, so you’re never alone in your remote work career.
Interested? Register today!
