Meet, Alastair, a writer at My Content Pal. Because we’re always looking for top talent to join our stellar writing team, we thought we’d let you in on what it’s like to write for us.
Please introduce yourself and describe your role at My Content Pal.
Hi,
I’m Alastair, and I’m a content writer here at My Content Pal. My role is pretty diverse, which keeps things interesting!
I primarily work as a dedicated writer for specific clients, which means I dive deep into their industries and craft content that truly resonates with their audiences.
I also handle some proofreading and I write about a wide range of subjects, but I’ve recently been focusing on the SaaS and email marketing niches.
How did you get started in the content industry?
I’ve always had a passion for writing and storytelling. I studied English with Creative Writing at university and, afterward, I was a music journalist for several publications.
After a few years of this, I wanted a more stable writing job, and I came across a job advert for My Content Pal online. It seemed like an exciting opportunity to work with a talented team and focus on areas I’m passionate about.
And I was right!
Joining My Content Pal has allowed me to hone my skills and I feel like I learn something new every day.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days are quite varied which keeps things fresh, but this is my usual daily process:
- First, I check what articles I’ve been assigned for the day.
- I choose the highest-priority article to work on first.
- I analyze the SERPs to make sure I fully understand the search intent of the keyword.
- Then, I find primary sources to use for my research (expert articles, YouTube videos, niche forums, etc.)
- I create an outline of the article that contains all the information I’ve found during my research.
- I spend the rest of the day writing the article.
Of course, I also set time aside to correspond with my clients and to take part in any scheduled meetings.
Plus, I like to maintain a near-constant flow of coffee.
How do you interact with the team on a daily basis? What methods do you use to ensure effective communication and collaboration?
Our team is fully remote so we mostly communicate with each other via Slack. All of my colleagues and managers have lightning-quick response times so we’re able to communicate with each other really effectively.
Also, if I have a more general question I can just drop a message into one of our group chats and someone is always ready to help me out.
We use Google Meet for our weekly team huddles and if we need to brainstorm ideas about a particular project, we can easily arrange an online meeting.
So, although we work remotely, I’d say we have better communication and collaboration than some offices I’ve worked in.
What are some common challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?
One challenge I often face is balancing multiple projects with varying deadlines.
To manage this, I’ve developed a strong organizational system and I prioritize clear communication with clients and team members.
This way, I can address any issues quickly and adjust my schedule as needed.
What resources have been particularly beneficial to your growth at the company?
I’ve had access to loads of great resources that have helped me grow.
Craig regularly sends me really interesting courses from industry experts, and I’ve also had access to recordings of fascinating talks from various events.
The team is an excellent resource too, as everyone is knowledgeable about different subjects. No matter what niche I’m writing about, there’s always someone I can speak to about it.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
The thing I enjoy the most is learning about so many different topics.
One day I might need to become an expert on dog breeds, and the next day I might be writing about the NHS waiting list.
You’d be amazed how quickly you can pick things up if you do proper research!
The people around me even benefit from this, as I can give them advice about things I would never have known about if I wasn’t a content writer.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become a content writer?
First, ask yourself this question:
“Do I think I can write all day, every day without my standards slipping?”.
If the answer is yes, then content writing is for you.
Once you start, be curious and keep learning. The content industry is constantly evolving, so staying updated with the latest trends and techniques is crucial.
What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in this role?
Strong writing and editing skills are a must, along with a solid understanding of SEO.
Time management and the ability to adapt to different writing styles and topics are also important.
Finally, you need to have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow.
How do you see the role of a content writer evolving in the future at My Content Pal?
I think the role is likely to become even more dynamic as the industry evolves.
At My Content Pal, I see writers taking on more strategic roles, contributing to broader content strategies, and using advanced tools and technologies.
As we continue to grow, the emphasis will be on creating even more targeted and impactful content that drives results for our clients.
