#AryxeTalks: Journeying into the world of an emerging Content Writer

by Milica Stankić & Aleksandra Stamatović

Today, the spotlight goes to one of our newest team members, Milica Stankić, a Content Writer who joined our team toward the end of 2022. This is why today we’ll talk about these magical creatures responsible for crafting all sorts of written material that people want to read. From catchy social media posts to riveting blog posts and e-books, content writers are the wordsmiths of the digital world. 

Still, starting as a junior content writer is no walk in the park. It takes tons of learning, research, and practice to hone the skills necessary to produce high-quality content regularly. These budding writers usually start by penning shorter pieces like quirky product descriptions, catchy email newsletters, or snappy social media posts before they get their hands on the longer-form content.

Many will agree that you must be a jack-of-all-trades to be a good content writer. You must have strong writing skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to dive deep into any topic and emerge with expert-level knowledge. And with a dash of flexibility and a sprinkle of creativity, you can climb the content writing ladder and become a senior writer, editor, or content strategist. So, without further ado, let’s dive into my many questions so we can hear more from Milica about her experience, motivation, tips for anyone looking to start, and plans for the future.

Let’s ease our way into this article by touching on your background and the events that led you to pursue a career in content writing. How did it all start? 

I graduated from the University of Novi Sad with a German Language and Literature BA almost two years ago. During my final year of studies, I interned as a Copywriter, which was a great learning experience and a journey that piqued my interest in the field. After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree, I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in a slightly different direction and opted for Communication Studies. This provided a solid foundation for my career path. I learned about journalism principles and took writing courses, ultimately leading me to choose writing as my career. I have been working with the Aryxe Team for a few months now and feel I am on the right track. And there’s just so much I have yet to learn, which is quite thrilling.

Did you experience the imposter syndrome as a young content writer just starting? If yes, how did you fight this feeling?

Oh yes, very much so! Starting on a writing journey can be challenging as it requires adapting and discovering ways to write effectively and where to find resources. However, these challenges can be overcome with all the time spent exploring and researching. The key is to keep learning and continuously improve skills and knowledge through reading and attending workshops or seminars. This will help build your confidence as a writer. Additionally, seeking feedback from others, including colleagues and friends, can provide valuable perspectives to consider in future writing.

How do you stay current with the latest industry trends and developments, and what are your favorite learning and inspiration resources?

It can be overwhelming to keep up with the many new trends and changes that frequently occur nowadays. However, as a copywriter, staying up-to-date with the latest news is crucial. Fortunately, the internet has enabled access to information quickly and easily, and we should take advantage of this. Obviously, vetting the information found online for validity is a must. What I found helpful was the ability to network with other professionals, connect to various industries, and stay in the loop with the latest developments. You can find them on LinkedIn or Facebook, where professionals share their knowledge and expertise, so you can find many different insights and experiences that could help. Besides that,  I read many industry-related  publications and blogs and continually experiment with new social media platforms, tools, and techniques to stay ahead of the curve. I always remember that embracing new trends and technologies early on can provide a competitive edge and ensure that your skills remain current, which is advantageous.

What are the most important aspects of covering a specific topic? How do you approach something utterly unknown to you? 

So far, I have realized several vital aspects to consider; the most important one is that your audience is critical. Knowing your target audience is crucial for effective copywriting. You must understand their needs, interests, and motivation to craft a compelling and persuasive copy. Especially now, when there are hundreds of other websites or profiles, it is essential to keep the focus of your audience and keep them interested. Another thing is research because I conduct thorough research on the topic before writing to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This can help me create accurate, informative, and engaging content, particularly when covering an unfamiliar topic. Finally, after conducting thorough research, I always create a clear structure and logically organize the content to help the reader follow the flow of the ideas. This can be achieved through headings, subheadings, bullet points, numbering, and other formatting techniques.

How do you adapt your writing style and tone to suit different target audiences and subjects that you are covering?

As mentioned, I always start with the first step, research. After that, I break down the topic into smaller, more manageable parts. It can be challenging to write a longer text in just one sitting, so I usually separate the sections and work on them individually and, in the end, combine everything and check how it fits. So far, I have realized that it is also important to experiment with different approaches and techniques to find what works best for each topic. However, this can be challenging, particularly when dealing with a topic that is unfamiliar to me. Still, I iterate on my ideas and refine the copy until it meets my standards. The most important thing is that it effectively communicates the message.

Another thing that I have been working on lately is the headlines. As I have read different blog posts and texts, I have realized that a strong headline is essential to grab readers’ attention and entice them to read further. Because of that, I ensure the headline accurately reflects the content and highlights the most crucial aspect of the topic.

What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced as a content writer, and how did you overcome them?

Overall, writing requires discipline, creativity, and hard work. Developing good writing habits and staying focused can be a big help in overcoming the challenges that can come up. I had a situation when I had a blockage and had difficulty coming up with ideas and putting my thoughts into words. It’s a no-brainer that it can be challenging to keep coming up with fresh ideas and new perspectives, especially when writing about a particular topic, which is quite popular. I try to read a lot, and I often brainstorm with my friends to get a different perspective and keep my mind flexible. I have also realized that changing the familiar environment can be pretty helpful and spark new ideas.

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspects of the job? 

I enjoy many aspects of my job, but perhaps the one I value the most is the freedom to be creative. As a copywriter, I have the opportunity to use my creativity to develop fresh and engaging concepts for a diverse range of topics. And it is also a great chance to learn more every day. This also means that while showcasing my writing skills, I can help businesses stand out from their competition by creating exciting posts. By having various work, I also have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients across different industries. This means I can constantly learn new things and stay engaged with my work. Another aspect is seeing my work come to life. When I write copy that resonates with the target audience and helps a business achieve its goals, it’s incredibly satisfying to see that work come to life. It’s also a great feeling to know that I played a part in helping the business grow.

Do you have any tips for aspiring content writers or words of wisdom you wish someone shared with you? 

The best way to get into it is to write consistently. By practicing writing daily, whether a blog post, a short story or a social media post, you will develop your writing skills and find your unique writing voice. To stay informed, reading various genres and styles of writing can inspire you to write more creatively and expand your vocabulary. However, doing your research extensively is incredibly beneficial, as research is critical to content writing. Always take the time to research your topic thoroughly and understand your audience’s needs and interests. Last, try to learn from feedback as much as possible. Seek feedback from others, whether from your collages, an editor, or even your friends who are not professionals. Use this feedback to improve your writing and develop your skills further.

Where do you see yourself in your content writing career in the next few years?

I am fascinated by the rapid pace of new trends and changes, and I believe that my job will evolve over the next few years to include writing and potentially producing various types of multimodal content. As a copywriter, I value continuous learning, recognizing that the marketing and advertising landscape is ever-changing. To remain effective, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, including the emergence of AI technology, is essential.

In recent years, the role of AI in copywriting has rapidly expanded, transforming how businesses approach content creation. I am genuinely excited about the increasing role of AI in the content writing industry. Rather than being a threat, AI can be a valuable tool to enhance the writing process, helping copywriters to produce more targeted and compelling content. However, it’s important to remember that AI cannot replace the creativity and human touch necessary for great content, so content writing as a career will continue to thrive and evolve alongside these technological advancements.

I am looking forward to it!