Tuesday, January 04, 2022

Content Writing: When to say no

Many years ago, a psychic service offered me a content writing gig. I had worked for them before as an independent contractor. The pieces I wrote were uplifting, positive, and healing. However, when they changed department managers, the new department head told me that my services were no longer required, which is why I was surprised when he offered to hire me. The job paid better than before. However, after listening to the negative messages he wanted me to write, I turned him down. Instead of attracting new customers with positive messages, he wanted to send out ones that caused others to be fearful, suspicious, and angry—you've been cursed, contact our readers to find out who did it and how to remove it. Your loved one is cheating, contact our readers to know with whom. One of your co-workers is making you look bad, contact our readers to learn how you can find out who and why. 

A good content writer shares information in such a way as to attract and inspire readers to take specific actions. We use words as tools, which can heal or do harm. The messages we send out do have consequences. Using humor, thought-provoking ideas, facts based on evidence, and unique phrases inspire positive responses. But content based on fear, anger, and guilt court negative consequences. More often than not, the messenger loses control of the message as it morphs into monsters that create negative consequences and harmful actions.

Working for others means we control the message, but we can influence the presentation. We also have the power to choose which clients to work with and when to walk away. In the media world, that which bleeds gets the lead, but only in the short term. It's the positive articles that attract long-lasting readers or viewerships. 

Content writers build their reputations based on what they write, how it is written, and the effectiveness of their work. Promotion and marketing campaigns are marathons, not sprints. Sensationalism gives short-term attention, but well-thought-out creates messaging that lasts. Content writers, who work from these concepts, develop good reputations and attract clients.


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