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Content Writing Courses?

by pnewcomb
16 replies
Anybody know of any good article writing courses? I'm starting to get into authority site building and I'm trying to learn how to write more effectively. It always seems to take me a very long time to hammer content out because I second guess myself and try to make it perfect, so I end up with writers block and don't get much accomplished.

I know I could go out and find freelancers to write for me, but I'd much rather be in control of it and have it be my own voice. Plus I'm a bit low on funding at the moment

I've seen a couple courses on sites like udemy and lynda that cover general writing skills, but I'm curious to see if there are any courses out there that approach it from an internet marketing angle.
#content #courses #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Gambino
    It seems like you're at least a decent writer. In my opinion, practice makes perfect.

    Write content, add it to your site (simultaneously building an authority site) and interact with your visitors and their feedback.

    If you're talking about blog posts, the main thing is that the post gives the visitor the information they were seeking when they found your site.
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  • Profile picture of the author BradVert2013
    I second what Gambino said. You already seem like a good writer. All you need is practice, practice, practice. Find blog posts and articles you like and figure out why they're so good (you'll start to notice what they have in common). Write practice articles (no one says they have to be for a client). Don't worry about how long it takes for now. The more you practice, the easier it will become. Just don't think that a good writer needs to crank out an article in 15 minutes.
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  • Profile picture of the author neshaword
    I am not a writer, but I do make a living as a (copy)writer. Writing is not a rocket science. I am here as a friend. So, I carefully choose my words.
    My honest opinion, if you allow me, of course. I do not think you need a course. Why?
    These courses certainly improve your writing, but their main purpose is to build and strengthen your confidence in writing. It is easy for me to say. No, it is not.
    Here is a quick and simple test. Copy and paste your text here:
    Readability | The Writer
    If your readability score is above 70, then my friend you do not need to attend a writing course. Read a book or two, and you will be just fine.
    If you think that it is easy to write a readable text, then try this link I provide.
    Here is a table. Hope you can see it. It all comes down to readability, sooner or later. Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Gambino
      Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

      I am not a writer, but I do make a living as a (copy)writer.
      I don't think you know what a copywriter is. What you do is reword other people's work.
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      • Profile picture of the author neshaword
        Originally Posted by Gambino View Post

        I don't think you know what a copywriter is. What you do is reword other people's work.
        The Writer Readability Checker says that I am rewriter who hits the scores above 70. That is enough for me.
        Yes, I am a rewriter. I trick both Copyscape and Google for money.
        The day I publish my first novel I will become THE writer. Till then, I am the guy you call for affordable and properly rewritten content.
        Will save you some time and I will add that I am: fat, bald, four-eyed freelancer who REwrites stuff no one actually reads.
        Still I am not gonna waste time hating people.
        Live long and prosper!
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        • Profile picture of the author Gambino
          Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

          The Writer Readability Checker says that I am rewriter who hits the scores above 70. That is enough for me.
          Yes, I am a rewriter. I trick both Copyscape and Google for money.
          The day I publish my first novel I will become THE writer. Till then, I am the guy you call for affordable and properly rewritten content.
          Will save you some time and I will add that I am: fat, bald, four-eyed freelancer who REwrites stuff no one actually reads.
          Still I am not gonna waste time hating people.
          Live long and prosper!
          Not at all how I pictured you tbh. Don't feel bad, I have purchased many articles from services that are probably just like yours.
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          • Profile picture of the author neshaword
            Originally Posted by Gambino View Post

            Not at all how I pictured you tbh. Don't feel bad, I have purchased many articles from services that are probably just like yours.
            You can always consult me about my "industry." I know a thing or two about copywriting and stuff.

            My door is always open.

            Cheers!
            Nesha
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            • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
              Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

              I know a thing or two about copywriting and stuff.
              Nesha, copywriting and rewriting are not synonymous. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copywriting

              Paul, articles aren't the only form of content. Many authority sites feature videos, graphics and audio content. No need to limit yourself, if the written word isn't your favorite medium.

              And don't forget you can always curate content, which can be a good strategy to build credibility for a specialty site.
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    • Profile picture of the author BradVert2013
      Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

      I am not a writer, but I do make a living as a (copy)writer.
      A copywriter writes advertising, marketing and sales copy. The text you see in advertisements, that's written by a copywriter. Sales letters are written by a copywriter. Rewriting articles does not make you a copywriter. Copywriting is a very specialized skill.

      Also, how can you say you're not a writer but make your living as a copywriter??? That makes zero sense.
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      • Profile picture of the author neshaword
        Originally Posted by BradVert2013 View Post

        A copywriter writes advertising, marketing and sales copy. The text you see in advertisements, that's written by a copywriter. Sales letters are written by a copywriter. Rewriting articles does not make you a copywriter. Copywriting is a very specialized skill.

        Also, how can you say you're not a writer but make your living as a copywriter??? That makes zero sense.
        When you say a writer, it sounds so creative. You know novel stuff. Copywriter writes all other things you mentioned. I mainly provide content for websites and blogs. Sales letters, some audio/video scripts. Slogans. That's about all.

        When I hear the word writer, I stand up and salute the flag. But hey, that's me. Everybody loves what he or she does. I think I could learn to do some other stuff, but I'm not sure I would enjoy it. Spent almost a decade in sales. Don't wanna write a novel about it.

        $100/article. Can't stop thinking about it.

        Cheers!
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  • Profile picture of the author pnewcomb
    Thanks for all the advice guys. I know I'm a decent writer and the more I practice the more comfortable I'll feel, but I mainly want to learn about how to write really compelling and persuasive content that gets people to eventually take some action, and also about how to organize an outline of my thoughts so it doesn't take me so freaking long! As far as looking at what others are doing, I've already found a few sites I'll be trying to emulate. I'm just always looking for additional ways to improve.
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  • Profile picture of the author 3wCorner
    You can find a lot of content writing online courses in the internet.

    1200 Free Online Courses from Top Universities | Open Culture
    Stanford Online

    These are free. But some online courses in some websites are not free. Hope this will you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Chen
    Try problogger's book call "secrets for blogging your way to six figure income" by Darren rowse and Chris garrett. It's real good.
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    • Profile picture of the author pnewcomb
      Originally Posted by Chris Chen View Post

      Try problogger's book call "secrets for blogging your way to six figure income" by Darren rowse and Chris garrett. It's real good.
      I was just checking out their site the other day. I'll look into that again, thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author oppyeaunome
    I used to stress about being able to write better and what I've noticed is that the more I write the better I get. So the best advice that I would give you is what every one else has been telling you. Just keep writing and you will get better over time. Get the content out of your head and on to your screen. Don't over think it just keep taking action.
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  • Profile picture of the author kyraline
    This is not so much about copywriting but about how you can use a certain method to spit out content quickly and effectively:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...e-wso-day.html

    I bought this and I must admit it has a certain 'DOH..' factor, like someone said in the sales thread, but it is very actionable. Worth checking out.

    Hope that helps,
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