Know 3 Scary Secrets about Content Writing Career in India

Is content writing a good career for me?

If you are in doubt, this post is for you!

Probably, you now realise that content writing is a booming industry in India. So if you step in the content writing career, you are bound to taste the sweet nectar. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world – something that everyone desires today.

Even I glorified the content writing career in my post.

Read: The 5 Best Things about a Career in Content Writing

However, is that all you need to inquire before you decide your career?

What if you decide on a content writing career now and regret it later? Just because you didn’t bother to see the complete picture!

Well, I’ll be honest with you. Today, I’ll keep the dark side of the content writing career on your platter.

I know you’ll be demotivated and drop the decision of being a content writer.

BUT, I urge you to stay with me till the end. Because despite these demerits, I’ll show you a bright path to make a career in content writing. That’s my promise!

So let’s begin! I’ll cover:

Demerits of a Content Writing Career in India

1. Lack of structure

Unfortunately, that’s true! 

The content writing industry in India lacks a fixed protocol.

It’s like: “Content writing? Ah! That’s a child’s play. I can speak and write in English fluently. So let me try my luck in this field and get paid for it.”

Everyone is found offering content writing services in India. There are no eligibility criteria for a content writer except for GRADUATION in any field.

I agree you don’t need a PARTICULAR educational qualification for a content writing career. But skills, my friend! Skills matter a lot in a content writing career.

Read: 13 essential skills every content writer should have

However, many content writing agencies and corporate recruit based on the writing samples you submit. They don’t assess your skills.

Though this is a boon for people sick of their 9-5 business, they soon struggle to find high-paying clients. Only a FEW sails through the struggle because they work hard on learning new skills and staying updated with the latest trends of the industry.

2. Monotony

Writing is a passion for many, but it does not remain a passion for long. Dullness and monotony set in after a few months of working as a content writer.

Reason?

The majority thinks that knowing how to write sentences and speaking in English qualifies them to be a writer. They rarely view writing and developing great content as a valuable profession.

People just write on a topic given to them and get paid, which, of course, after a certain period stops being challenging enough to arouse their creativity.

This results in a high attrition rate in content writing career.

3. Inadequate payout

“I write because I love to write. Money is only secondary.”

If you see anybody spreading such rumors about themselves, it’s a pure BLUFF. No one actually writes JUST for the love of writing. Each one of us expects a handsome pay for the words we put on the web.

However, in India, expecting that handsome pay is ONLY a dream. Rarely you get paid in amounts you are worthy of. Maximum times people negotiate with the clients or agree to write for as low as 10 PPW.

Why?

Just to have some assignments on their work table; to build their portfolio as a freelance writer.

Even those who hire writers view content writing as invaluable. They are unaware of the POWER of content for their business/services. They don’t know the mental labour and creativity it takes to write even a SINGLE piece of great content.

Thus, they are not ready to shell out dollars for the task they see as irrelevant.

I have been through this when I started working for as low as 30 PPW for writing content. But lately, I realized the worth of my words and hard work.

Final Words on Content Writing Career

As I promised, it’s time to show you the torch through this dark journey of a content writing career. So pay DOUBLE ATTENTION to what I say now.

The demerits I listed above are actually not the fault of the industry, rather the approach of the people associated with it.

Those planning to start a career in content writing feel it’s super-duper EASY to just write and get paid. It’s not much of a hard work. Therefore, there’s a lack of seriousness in most writers.

Corporate and brands who hire content writers are in deep slumber. They don’t realize the power of great content and developing a content strategy for their business. Hiring a content writer and giving him/her a few blog posts to write serves their purpose, which obviously is not true.

What’s the shining light for you?

All this is BOUND TO CHANGE.

Because I am on a mission to create awareness. Awareness amongst writers and corporate to change their approach towards content writing. And I am 100% sure when this approach changes, the demerits listed above will not be there anymore.

So if you wish to make a career in content writing, I’ll commend you to go ahead. Take your first step. Decide your career and leave the rest upon me on HOW to tread the path. I’m there with you at every step.

Now, before I leave, I have a simple activity for you.

Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and visualise yourself 5 years from now. What do you see?

Drop your answers in the comments below and let’s see what you come up with. The best answer will get a chance to get featured on my Instagram account.