Shagun Sharma

My first week as a content writing intern, I thought I had it all figured out. Spoiler: I didn’t. One of my first assignments seemed simple: “Create two sample posts.” Excited, I dived in. I wrote fast, tackled a problem for the ideal audience, and felt pretty confident. (Piece of cake, right? 😅) Because that’s what good writing is about solving problems. Well… not exactly. When I submitted my drafts, my supervisor asked me one question that changed everything: 👉 “What do you want this piece of content to achieve?” That’s when it hit me. I had solved a problem, yes... but I hadn’t defined the purpose. And here’s the truth: 🚫 Solving a problem is only step one. ✅ Defining the purpose is step two and that’s what separates “just another post” from content that actually works. Because without purpose, even your sharpest words are just noise. Now, before I write a single line, I pause and ask: 📌 Is this meant to drive engagement? 📌 Attract clients? 📌 Build trust and authority? 📌 Or boost visibility? That one simple shift completely transformed how I approach writing _____ And if you’re curious, yes, this very post has its own purpose too. 👉 To build trust by sharing my behind-the-scenes mistakes, and to spark engagement by inviting you into the conversation. ♻️This is only Day 2 of 21. Stick around, because the next lessons go even deeper. (A Writer’s Behind the Scenes) P.S. What’s one writing mistake that completely reshaped the way you create?

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Day 8: Content Writing Series How to Improve Blog Readability for Better SEO (Step-by-Step) Step 1: Write short paragraphs Keep each paragraph to 2–3 lines. Long paragraphs make readers leave. Step 2: Use simple words Write like you speak. Simple language keeps readers engaged. Step 3: Add clear subheadings Break content into sections so readers can scan easily. Step 4: Use bullet points where possible Lists make information easy to understand quickly. Step 5: Maintain proper spacing White space improves reading comfort, especially on mobile. Step 6: Write in active voice Active sentences are direct and easier to read. Step 7: Include examples Examples help readers understand concepts better. Step 8: Remove unnecessary lines If a sentence doesn’t add value, remove it. Step 9: Read your content aloud If it sounds smooth, it reads well. Step 10: Think like a reader If you enjoy reading it, Google users will too. Save this post for your blog editing checklist. #contentwriter #contentwriting #ContentStrategy #digitalmarketing

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Freelance Writer: Expectation vs. Reality 🚨Expectation: Laptop open. Coffee mug full. Client saying: "You have full creative freedom." Pay: ₹3/word Recognition: “You’re the mind behind the magic.” You: “Bas yahi toh life chahiye thi!” 🙌 😵Reality: Client posts: “Urgently hiring freelance writers: ₹0.20ppw, great exposure. Also Client: “Must know SEO, WordPress, Canva, research, social media, meme marketing, UGC, VFX, dard aur patience.” You: “Bhai mai writer hoon ya Avengers ka member?” What the Pay-chuk: Peanut 🥜... Literally ab toh 20p me ek gram peanuts bhi nhi aati hai 😭 And when you ask for ₹1 per word, they reply: “But ChatGPT se toh free mein ho jaata hai…” 🤡 Cool bro, then why you hiring humans? ⚰️ Freelance Content Scene Today: Rates low Deadlines tight Respect = “We’ll tag you on Insta” Feedback: “Mazaa nahi aaya, thoda Zomato jaisa likho” Payment: “Next month, pakka. Last ke 3 writers ko bhi nahi mila par tu special hai.” 😭 But here's the unsaid truth: 💥 Writers are undervalued. 💥 Everyone wants content that converts — but not to invest. 💥 Exposure doesn’t pay bills. 💥 And 0.20ppw is not an “opportunity,” it’s insult in fancy font. If you’re a new writer: Say YES to hustle. But also learn to say NO to disrespect. Because bhai, words likhne ka matlab yeh nahi ki tumhare rates bhi non-existent ho. Drop a 🖊️ if you’ve ever ghosted a client after they offered peanuts with a “long-term vision” pitch. Let’s make respect viral, not just job posts with fake promises. #FreelanceWriting #0Point20PPWMatlabKya #AkramVibes #LinkedInUnfiltered #MemeWaleWriter #LinkedInHumour 😂

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I haven't got the time to even open facebook for the last few days Since the past one month, I was doom scrolling through Facebook video feed multiple times a day because I had no work to do. Not anymore and I'm not complaining. But still I want to share a few thoughts. Welcome to freelancer life folks. When you are a freelancer, you either have no work to do or you are swamped with work. You think you will not take more work but you're scared to say no to anyone who reaches out because of FOMO- "what if the current gig doesn't work out " and also to add variety to your portfolio. This is a common freelancer struggle but it's something you have to accept along with the fact that you will always have variable income, you will have to work through guests coming to stay at your home, sometimes even missing family functions so that you can respect the deadline given to you. Being a freelancer is just as hard as a full time job. I'd say sometimes it's even harder because of the sheer unpredictability of the workflow #contentwriter #freelancerstruggles

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Somewhere along the way, the internet started treating all writing like a single skill. It isn’t. And 2026 will be ruthless to anyone pretending it is. I say this as someone who once tried to “do it all.” Blogs in the morning. Ad copies during lunch. Landing pages before tea. Captions at 7 PM. And scripts at 2 AM because someone wanted a “fresh voice.” If you’ve lived this, you know it doesn’t make you #versatile. It makes you hollow. There's this one uncomfortable truth everyone tiptoes around: When you expect one writer to do nine jobs, you don’t get #excellence. You get #creativity on survival mode that's busy, stretched, yet strangely empty. So let’s draw the line, clearly and unapologetically. 👉 Content writing is the long game. You explain and clarify. You turn messy thoughts into ideas people finally understand. It’s slow trust and quiet work changing how someone thinks without needing applause. 👉 Copywriting is the short game. You persuade and interrupt. You earn 3 seconds of attention and turn them into action. It’s instant impact and loud work winning reactions, not always respect. Both are important. Both demand skill. But they’re not the same #craft, and confusing them is how young writers burn out and brands stop growing. And most people skip this: None of this works if you don’t understand the human behind the screen. Not a persona. Not a funnel stage. But a real person who's tired at 11:47 PM deciding whether your words really deserve their time. To young #writers, You don’t need to be everything everywhere all at once. Your #growth accelerates the moment your craft has direction. To #leaders, If excellence is the expectation, stop merging three specialised roles into one. #Clarity in your team creates clarity in your content, almost overnight. 5+ years into this field, this is the hill I’ll gladly stand on: Great writing isn’t about fancy words. It’s about precision. Intent. Understanding. Meeting the reader exactly where they are. Choose your craft with intention. Study it with obsession. And write in a way that makes people feel something, not just fill a slot in next Tuesday’s content calendar. Because that’s the difference between being a writer online and being a writer people remember. #WritingCareer #ContentWriting #Copywriting #BrandStrategy #WritersOfLinkedIn #MarketingLeadership #ContentStrategy

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A small shift in mindset made the biggest breakthrough in my writing career. For years, I believed good writing was only about structure, SEO, grammar, tone, strategy, keywords - the usual checklist every writer follows. A realization kept nudging me deep inside for a long time - that I should write like a human first and a content writer later. Why is there a rush to sound “perfect?” I must sound real. My writing must reflect ‘me’ first and the technicalities later. And that’s exactly what I started doing - started giving my identity to my work, keeping the SEO, grammar, and strategy intact. Clients began appreciating and supporting my new approach, saying, “We love your writing style; it feels human", “Your words sound like a conversation, not a lecture", “This is exactly how we want to connect with our audience.” In the AI-driven world, authentic humanized writing indeed is a big plus. Whether it’s B2B or B2C content, people don’t connect with perfection. They connect with emotions. Every business has a story. Every product has a purpose. Every audience has a heartbeat. And sometimes, all it takes is the right words to bring them together. If you are a brand that believes content should feel, not just inform, I would love to help you tell your stories in a way that sounds real, relatable, and memorable. Because good writing doesn’t just change algorithms. It changes and influences people.

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Most service pages do not struggle because of SEO. They struggle because they do not answer the real question in the reader’s mind. And that question is not “Which company is the best?” It is “Can you solve my problem?” After reviewing and writing service and local SEO pages, I noticed a pattern. Pages fail when they: – Start with company introductions – List services instead of situations – Use the same location text everywhere – Push a CTA before building trust So I changed my approach. Here is what works better for service-based and local SEO pages: ✔ Open with the problem the customer is facing ✔ Reflect urgency, not marketing language ✔ Use location naturally, not mechanically ✔ Answer the next question before the user asks it ✔ Add CTAs only after clarity is built For example, instead of saying “We provide professional plumbing services.” Say something closer to: “Dealing with a leaking pipe and need a plumber nearby who can fix it fast?” That one shift changes everything. Because when users feel understood, they stay. And when they stay, Google pays attention. This is how I now write service content: – Human first – Intent-driven – Locally relevant – Built for trust, not tricks If you are working on local or service pages, start by asking: “Does this page sound like help… or like an ad?” That answer usually explains the results you are getting. ⁉What is one thing you think most service pages should stop doing? #LocalSEO #SEOContent #ContentWriting #ServiceBusiness #SearchIntent

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I’ve been a content writer for almost 4 years now…working across internships, agency roles, and freelance projects that came purely through referrals and the opportunities I happened to receive. But now, I’m at a point where I want to intentionally grow as a freelance content writer. And honestly, I’m learning that freelancing isn’t just about writing well. It’s about knowing where to look, how to pitch, what brands expect, and how to stand out in a space where everyone calls themselves a “content writer.” So here’s what I’m currently figuring out (and would love insights from the community): 🔹 Where should freelance writers actually look for consistent projects? (Platforms, communities, brand outreach, networking, what truly works?) 🔹 What helps brands screen writers better? (Portfolios? Samples? Case studies? Writing tests? How do you decide who to trust?) 🔹 What do brands value more, niche expertise or adaptability? I’ve written across multiple categories and learn new niches quickly, but I want to know how brands view this. 🔹 How do freelancers build long-term retainers instead of one-off gigs? As someone who’s built my career through the work that came to me, I’m now ready to take the next step and actively seek opportunities, especially in SEO writing, website content, email marketing, and brand storytelling. If you're a founder, marketer, agency, or fellow freelancer, I’d genuinely appreciate your advice or even a quick comment. And of course, if you’re looking for someone who can adapt fast, understand AI + SEO rules, and deliver clean, reliable content….happy to chat. Here’s to growing, learning, and showing up intentionally. ✨

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Life as a freelancer is so random. One minute you're drowning in workloads and contracts. The next, you're out of jobs wondering what the heck happened. So what do you do during the downtimes? Because they never last. 1. Process every job end or loss. Every contract ending hits differently, and you have to actually process that it's over. If you don't, you'll feel stuck in limbo wondering what went wrong. 2. Rest and pour back into yourself. Every contract takes from you, and if you're committed, you pour everything into it. When it ends, you need to rest and refill because you cannot give from an empty cup. 3. Prepare while you wait. There's a popular saying in my church: "While waiting, do what waiters do—serve." So while waiting for your next break, prepare sufficiently. Pick up a course, brush up on skills that are relevant in your field. 4. Stay expectant. Don't accept the negative perspective that there are no more jobs out there, trust me, that's a lie. It's way easier to see opportunities when you're expecting them than when you aren't. 5. Don't stop putting yourself out there. Keep applying for jobs you're interested in. Momentum matters. Got any more to add? Let me hear it in the comments. Don't forget to follow me to keep seeing more of my content.

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My first freelancing assignment paid me RS 17k for a book translation and composing(Though the writer told me later that he paid 40k to the middle person)😂 And I jumped for mixed emotions when the money got credited in my bank account. It wasn't just a writing or translation; but a learning experience. Not only I got to learn more about content writing, but also the editor helped me polish my work with every passing project. No wonders working with him boosted my confidence as a beginner in this field. I'm so glad I said 'Yes' to that opportunity. So today when I see many new writers struggling to get clients- I know the reason behind their lack of work. They are only looking for high paying clients! So here's a one piece of advice from me for new writers- Take up that low paying work if it's helping you learn and grow while doing your job and also getting paid for it. After working for a few months, you can eventually raise your prices. Believe me- You'll never REGRET your decision!

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May I know why people assume that we, content writers, are going to work for free for them? Yesterday, two clients approached me. CLIENT 1: I told him politely, I don’t work at a low PPW. He kept insisting. When I firmly said no, he got angry. The entitlement was visible. As if saying “no” to low pay is a personal insult. Writers aren’t sitting around waiting for favours. We're professionals. If you can’t afford our rates, don’t guilt us into lowering them. CLIENT 2:. The second was a so-called Mental Health Organization. I asked a very simple question before and after getting selected: “What’s the pay?” And for 4 days, across: A meeting LinkedIn messages WhatsApp conversations They refused to give me a clear answer. I was told: 👉 “We’ll think about it. We are busy now.” 👉 “We’re planning to shift to paid soon.” 👉 “This is a mental health organization, not a creative writing firm.” So, when did I say or imply that it is? 👉 “This is an internship. We’ve stated it’s a volunteer position.” (Spoiler: They hadn’t on the volunteer part. Not in the job description, not anywhere. Nowhere stated it’s unpaid as of now.) 👉 “If we like your article, we’ll pay.” Basically, a no. 👉 “We’ve been transparent.” Nada. Never. I asked 3-4 times. Even in the last para, they were vague, “we MIGHT pay”. 👉 “We can’t monetize all articles, we’re spreading awareness.” I never asked to monetize it all in the first place, Strawman Fallacy. 👉 “You should speak to the leader, not the manager.” (The manager herself was replying to me all along.) A classic example of taking the moral high ground when caught in a corner. These are the kind of people who take your work for free in the name of samples and assignments. And exactly those who take a psychology degree and claim that they are “therapists”. I found it funny that they’re mental health professionals. People who have themselves been exploited in the name of unpaid internships. They know the pain when people say, “What do you do apart from giving generic advice?” I can’t. Respect the writer. Respect the work. Or write it yourself. And if you’re a content writer, please draw firm boundaries. #copywriting #creativity #contentmarketing #linkedin #trend #trending #linkedintrend #viral #viralcontent #content #creation #writer #contentcreation #writing #contentwriter #copy #copywriter

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Why Writing Every Day Isn’t the Goal, Consistency Is✍️ When I started my writing journey, I believed I had to write every single day to be successful. Miss a day? That sounded impossible for me😐 Sound familiar? But here’s what I’ve learned over time: Writing daily isn’t the goal, but writing consistently is. Here’s why that shift changed everything 👇 ✅Quality > Quantity Forcing daily output leads to rushed content. Fewer, focused ones often produce better work. ✅Sustainable Habits Win Writing once or twice a week (consistently) builds momentum, without the burnout. ✅Breaks Are Part of the Process Time away provides an opportunity for reflection, new ideas, and a better perspective. ✅Life Happens Deadlines, meetings, family, and burnout are all real. Missing a day doesn’t mean failure. 🤔The takeaway? 👉You don’t need to publish daily to grow as a writer. 👉You need to keep showing up, even if that means once a week. That’s how you build a habit. That’s how you build a body of work. Have you ever felt pressure to write every day? How do you balance creativity and consistency? Let’s chat👇 #writingtips #contentwriting #consistencymatters #contentcreators #growthmindset #creativediscipline #contentmarketing

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"Dear Sir” vs “Hi [First Name]” — Why Are We Still Debating This? As a content writer, I spend my days choosing words carefully. I agree with the fact that tone matters. Context matters. Respect matters. Lately, I’ve seen debates about how we should address seniors on LinkedIn. Should we say Sir/Ma’am? Or stick to first names? Here’s my take — professionalism is not in the title. It’s in the tone. You can say “Hi Rajesh” and still be deeply respectful. You can say “Respected Sir” and still sound transactional. LinkedIn is a professional platform — not a hierarchy chart. What truly stands out in a message? ✔ Clarity ✔ Brevity ✔ Relevance ✔ Genuine intent As writers, we know this: communication is about connection, not submission. Respect is shown through thoughtfulness — not prefixes. What’s your take? #LinkedIn #ProfessionalCommunication #WorkplaceEtiquette #ContentWriterThoughts

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Most freelancers are working their 🍑 off on the wrong things. It usually looks like: - Saying yes to low-leverage clients because it feels safer than saying no. - Staying busy bts instead of building public demand through content. - Overdelivering instead of setting clear boundaries. Playing defense 24/7 And defense never compounds. The goal is to play offense. Which looks like: - Using content to attract aligned clients before a conversation starts. - Pricing in a way that protects your time and attention. - Choosing clients you can actually create results for. Hard work isn’t the problem. Where you apply it is.

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In 2017, I was posting stock photos on Instagram & answering strangers on Quora. 🫣 Now I run mini movie sets for brands. 📹 Back in 2017, social media looked nothing like it does today. In my first internship, my role was simple, write descriptions, find pictures online, post them with captions, & reply to comments. Fast forward to today, and the game has completely changed. Social platforms have shifted from static, image-driven feeds to video-first platforms. When I started, Quora was the big player. Today, it’s Reddit, X, and of course, Instagram. Now, we don’t just plan monthly content in Excel and post them. Today, we create moodboards for shoots, choose décor, get founders in front of the camera, and mix statics, carousels, branded videos, trend-led reels, educational clips, and so much more. Social media today isn’t just “posting”, it’s full-scale storytelling, production, & strategy. What I’ve learned in the media industry over the past 8 years is that the only constant is CHANGE. P.S.: Here’s me briefing a client on set.

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Most freelancers are busy all day and still confused why growth is slow. That’s Effort Illusion. Working more hours feels productive but doesn’t move the needle. What actually does: Clear process Repeatable delivery Predictable outcomes Effort keeps you busy. Systems make you scalable.

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Do you want to know the one thing the top 1% content writers are doing that separates them from the rest? For the longest time, I always wondered what other writers did differently that made it easy for them to bag multiple clients. I mean, if it was to spin words that can resonate with any target audience, I had that on lock already. So what then was the issue? I figured it out eventually The truth is; the best writers don’t rely on talent, they rely on habits. Here’s what separates them from the rest: ✅ They write daily (consistency > inspiration) ✅ They edit ruthlessly (kill your darlings) ✅ They use active voice (clarity = impact) ✅ They read widely (ideas feed ideas) ✅ They keep it simple & clear (confusion kills engagement) ✅ They tell stories, not just share facts (stories stick) ✅ They break up text (because walls of text don’t get read) ✅ They rewrite headlines until they sparkle ✅ They embrace feedback & revise (ego is the enemy) Great writing isn’t about just sounding smart, it’s about making your reader feel something. So if you want your words to stand out, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for connection. Kehinde Jacob-Osagie Content Writer Extraordinaire #WritingTips #ContentStrategy #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #LinkedInCreators #Copywriting

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People are quite mistaken about what content writers do. So let me put it out there clearly, who exactly a content writer is. We are not “just people who write stuff online.” We are not copy-paste machines. And no, we are definitely not some AI tool you switch on when you’re out of ideas. We are the reason your brand sounds human when everything else is trying to sound “professional.” We turn boring ideas into something people actually want to read. We take your “meh” thoughts and make them “wait, this is actually interesting.” Behind every post that made you stop scrolling, there was probably a content writer somewhere thinking: “How do I make this sound less like a robot wrote it… and more like a human would care?” So the next time you see a post that feels effortless, relatable, or just hits right… Just remember: It wasn’t effortless. It was written. By a content writer. Not an AI shortcut. Not magic. Just skill, caffeine, and way too many rewrites. #SocialMediaMarketing #ContentWriting #Copywriting #MarketingLife #LinkedInCreators

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A microphone is not a credential. I don't know about you folks but most podcasts, especially the Indian ones, give me the ick now. And more importantly... those clips. God, those god-awful clips. Everywhere. You open any app, and there’s some guy, with that same kind of mic, same setup, same lighting, same posture... spewing absolute bulls**t with this weird, aggressive conviction. Big, sweeping, confident statements about life, psychology, money, relationships... you name it. All delivered like gospel truth. Not that people are wrong, everyone is wrong more than half the time. But this… this confidence. On things they clearly don’t understand. And you can see it. You can see that they’ve barely thought this through. You can feel that it’s borrowed, half-digested, recycled garbage. But the tone? The tone is "trust me, I'm an expert". No, you're not. I hadn't even heard of you until this podcast, which I've heard of for the first time itself right now. Every Tom, Dick, Harry has a podcast today, and every Tom, Dick, Harry is apparently an expert, because they signed a deal together. You don't become an expert just because you say something forcefully enough with a mic in front of you and distributed your clips with subtitles all over social media. You're just another psuedo-authoritative, opinionated society uncle, the likes of which you can find in every nook and corner in India. Now, just with better lighting. I don’t even listen anymore. The moment I see that setup, that tone... Scroll. Immediately. Because I already know what’s coming. Nothing. Just 30-40 seconds of my time I will never get back. So I implore you. Don’t confuse confidence with competence. That’s how shallow conviction becomes culture. Don't be fooled by this performance and posturing, always value genuine thought and expertise, however it is delivered, over theatrics with a glitzy backdrop. And how do you tell the difference? Real thought survives outside the clip. It holds up when you question it, when you strip away the lighting, when you hear it without the mic. Fake confidence collapses the moment you press for depth. ________________________

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