Magazine writing is an art form, but it can be a tough one to master. The style, voice, and structure of magazine articles are different from content writing.
So if you’re just starting in the world of freelance writing or want to learn more about your options as an article writer, I think it’s important to understand these differences so that you can make the right choices for your next project or even decide if magazine writing is right for you at all! Here are 20 ways that magazine writers differ from their counterparts in other fields:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Magazine writing requires more in-depth storytelling and creativity, catering to niche audiences. |
| 2. Content writing tends to be more concise and informative, targeting a broader online audience. |
| 3. Magazines often feature longer articles with visually appealing layouts and design elements. |
| 4. Content writing focuses on SEO optimization and engaging readers in a shorter format. |
| 5. Magazine writing allows for more creative expression and experimentation with writing styles. |
| 6. Content writing emphasizes the use of keywords and follows a more structured approach. |
| 7. Magazine writers often delve into research and interviews to create rich and compelling content. |
| 8. Content writers aim to solve specific problems or provide valuable information to readers. |
| 9. Magazines may have a slower publishing cycle, while content writing is more time-sensitive. |
| 10. Content writers often write for online platforms, while magazine writers cater to print publications. |
Content Writing (And Blogging) Is About Brand Building
Branding is a cornerstone of content writing. Your brand is your business, in the form of a consistent and recognizable voice. It’s also the positive reputation you’ve earned for your product or service.
The best brands are those with strong relationships with their customers, who feel like they’re part of something larger than themselves; think about how much more loyal you are to Apple than Samsung, even though both companies make great phones.
Every piece of content you write must reflect your company’s brand so that potential customers will recognize it as yours and trust it when they see it come up on Google or Facebook ads!
Writing magazine articles is an art that requires honing various techniques. Learn how to improve your skills with our guide on writing better magazine articles, packed with 15 proven techniques to elevate your writing.
Content Writing Is About Seo Optimization
With magazine writing, you’re not thinking about keywords or search engine optimization. You’re more concerned with writing a captivating story that will get readers to read the whole thing and leave their house so they can purchase your product (or donate money to your cause).
Content writing is also about helping people find your content. The purpose of magazine writing is to create an experience for a reader as they read through it, but content writers intend to provide information on a topic so that readers can find what they’re looking for and learn something new along the way.
Content Writing Requires A Different Approach To Style And Voice
Content writing is different from magazine writing in several ways, including the style and voice of the writer. In content writing, you’re more likely to use casual language and a conversational tone.
This can be done by including phrases like “You’ve probably noticed” or “If you’ve ever.” Some of these sentences might sound overly casual when compared with a magazine article, but they work well for online articles that are meant for readers who are looking for information about something specific (such as how to replace an air filter in your car).
The idea here is not necessary to demonstrate knowledge but rather to inform readers about what’s going on around them.
Content writers also tend toward more informal language than magazine writers. Instead of saying “The next day we went out,” you might write, “We went out the next day.” The most important thing here is getting your point across that’s what matters most in content writing!
Are you new to magazine writing? Don’t fret! Our comprehensive Magazine Writing 101 guide provides valuable insights and advice that seasoned writers wish they knew when they started.
Content Writers Don’t Have To Be Experts On The Topic
A content writer’s job is to write engaging and readable articles, using their own words. They don’t have to be experts on the topic they’re writing about, although it helps if you know your stuff.
The important thing is that the content is written in a way that makes readers want to read more. It’s also important for content writers to have good research skills so they can make sure their information is accurate and up-to-date.
Content Writers Need To Be Aware Of Keyword Density
To understand what we mean, you must first know that keyword density is the number of times a keyword appears about the total number of words in an article.
It’s important to ensure you have enough keywords when writing content because this will help your website rank higher on organic search results. You can check your keyword density using tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush (more on these later).
Content Writing Is More Conversational Than Magazine Writing
Content writing is different from magazine writing in many ways, but one of the most significant differences is that content writing is less formal and more conversational than magazine writing. Magazine writers have an audience of readers who expect more sophisticated prose than what you’d find in the average blog post.
Writers typically use shorter sentences, shorter paragraphs, and longer words when writing for magazines than they would in an online article or blog post.
Content writers, on the other hand, write for a wide variety of audiences across multiple platforms including blogs and websites as well as social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
This means that content writers can get away with using shorter sentences because their audience expects to read them more informally online rather than in a newspaper or magazine where it would seem out of place (at least for now).
Delving into the world of magazine writing? Equip yourself with our handy Magazine Writing Quick Study Guide to learn essential tips and tricks for crafting compelling articles that captivate readers.
Magazine Writers Are Paid By The Word; Content Writers Are Not
Magazine writers are paid by the word.
Content writers are not.
If you’re a magazine writer, your pay is determined by how many words you write per hour. This can make it challenging to meet deadlines and stay within your word count but it’s also nice knowing exactly how much money you’ll be making at the end of the month! If you’re a content writer.
However, your pay will depend on whether or not your website gets enough traffic to generate revenue through advertising; if nothing else, this means that there’s no guarantee about how much money (or growth potential) there is in content writing as opposed to other types of freelance writing jobs (like copywriting).
Content Writing Is Where The Money Is In Freelancing
Content writing jobs are more lucrative than magazine writing jobs, which are in turn more lucrative than other forms of freelance writing and freelancing. In general, content writers earn more than writers of any kind magazine writers included.
The conclusion: if you’re looking for a way out of poverty and into wealth, start by finding your niche as a content writer.
Magazine Writers Are Paid Less Than Content Writers Per Project
Another big difference between magazine writing and content writing is that magazine writers are paid by the word, while content writers are paid by the project. This means that a magazine writer will be paid more per article than a content writer, but not as much as if they were working on their own.
Content writers also tend to earn more than magazine writers because of the amount of time and effort it takes to create an original piece of work for publication.
With magazine articles, you can use the same phrases over and over again.
Magazine writing isn’t exclusive to a chosen few. Discover how anyone can embark on this exciting journey with our article on Magazine Writing: It’s Not Just for the Elite. Unleash your creativity and explore the boundless possibilities.
You Can Use The Same Phrases Over And Over Again
In magazine articles, you can use the same phrases over and over again. You can even use the same phrases in a different order! You can also use them in a different context or way, or even with a completely different voice.
The Structure Of A Magazine Article Is Different From Content Writing
The structure of a magazine article is different from content writing.
Magazine articles are typically more concise and to the point than content writing, which tends to be long-form.
Magazine articles have a different tone than content writing. If you’re writing for a magazine or website that caters to younger readers or has an irreverent voice, then you should adopt its voice in your writing.
Magazine articles also have a different audience than content writing; they’re usually written for people who care about the topic at hand, not just anybody browsing through Google search results.
That’s why it’s important to write for your intended audience and tailor your article accordingly if you want them to read all 4,000 words on how menopause affects women of color before making their next decision at the polls!
Rejection is a part of a writer’s life, but it doesn’t have to deter you. Explore our 10 actionable tips that magazine writers can follow to avoid rejection and increase their chances of publication success. Embrace the learning process and grow as a writer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, content writing and magazine writing are both valuable skills to have, but they’re not the same. Content writers need to be more aware of SEO optimization, keyword density, and conversational style than magazine writers.
The structure of a magazine article is different from content writing as well. If you want to get paid more for your freelance work or build up your portfolio with high-quality samples of your skillset, then it might be time for you to switch over from magazine writing to content!
Further Reading
Writing for Magazines: Tips and Insights Short Description: Get valuable tips and insights into the art of writing for magazines, from crafting compelling stories to understanding the submission process.
Understanding the Difference Between Writing for Journals, Magazines, Newspapers, and Blogs Short Description: Learn about the distinctions between writing for various media platforms, including journals, magazines, newspapers, and blogs.
Newspapers vs. Magazines: Key Differences Short Description: Explore the fundamental differences between newspapers and magazines, from content style to distribution methods.
FAQs
Can I use the same content for both magazines and newspapers?
Answer: While some overlap may be possible, magazines and newspapers have distinct content styles and target audiences, so it’s essential to tailor your content accordingly.
What are the primary characteristics of magazine writing?
Answer: Magazine writing often focuses on in-depth storytelling, visual appeal, and a specific niche audience, allowing for more creativity and longer articles compared to newspapers.
How does writing for blogs differ from writing for magazines?
Answer: Blog writing is typically more informal, personal, and frequent, while magazine writing follows a structured approach with polished, well-researched content.
Is journalism different from writing for magazines?
Answer: Yes, journalism encompasses news reporting and objective coverage of current events, whereas magazine writing may include various topics and is more feature-oriented.
How can I get my articles published in magazines?
Answer: To increase your chances of publication, thoroughly research the magazine’s target audience and guidelines, craft a captivating pitch, and ensure your content aligns with their editorial style.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.