Top 7 Roles Content Writers Can Transition into
Tolu had always dreamed of making a living as a writer. She spent months learning the craft, pitching to clients, and even publishing articles online. But despite her efforts, the money wasn’t adding up. She felt stuck, wondering if writing was a dead end.
Many writers, like Tolu, expect writing to be their golden ticket, only to realize it doesn’t always work out as planned.
The good news?
Writing skills are versatile and can open doors to many other careers.
If you’re struggling to make writing work, here are seven exciting roles you can transition into — using the same adaptable skills you already have!
Why do writing opportunities continue to dwindle
Before discussing roles to transition into, we must identify why writing opportunities continue to dry up.
Writing has long been a valuable skill, opening doors to careers in journalism, content marketing, and freelancing.
However, many writers now struggle to find steady work. The industry is changing, and opportunities are shrinking due to several factors.
Here are five major reasons why writing is becoming more challenging:
1. The Rise of AI and Automated Content Creation
Artificial intelligence has drastically changed the writing arena. With tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Copy.ai, businesses can generate articles, product descriptions, and even marketing copies without hiring a human writer.
This shift has reduced the demand for entry-level and mid-tier writers, as companies prefer cost-effective AI solutions. For example, news organizations like CNET have experimented with AI-written articles, which have reduced human labor.
As AI tools become more advanced, more companies are expected to rely on them, reducing the number of paid opportunities for writers.
2. Oversaturation of Writers in the Market
The number of freelance writers has increased significantly over the years. Many see writing as an easy way to make money online, leading to a crowded marketplace.
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have thousands of writers bidding for the same projects. As a result, clients have more options and often choose the cheapest offers, making it harder for writers to earn decent pay. This oversupply of writers has led to a race to the bottom, where clients pay as little as $5 for a 1,000-word article.
3. Decline in Traditional Journalism and Print Media
Newspapers and magazines used to be a major source of stable writing jobs, but that is no longer the case.
Many traditional media houses have shut down or moved online, where they struggle to generate revenue. This shift has significantly reduced the number of full-time writing jobs available, making it challenging for even established journalists to secure steady work.
This decline in traditional journalism and print media is a concern for writers as it signifies a shift in the industry and the need for alternative career paths.
4. Content Mills and Low-Paying Gigs
Many online platforms now rely on content mills — websites that pay writers very little to produce bulk content. These mills prioritize quantity over quality, often paying as low as $0.01 per word.
Websites like Textbroker and iWriter are filled with writers who are willing to work for extremely low wages to get experience. This practice devalues writing, making it harder for professionals to earn a sustainable income.
Many clients know they can get cheap content from these platforms, so they are less likely to pay premium rates to skilled writers.
5. Shift Toward Video and Visual Content
Audiences today prefer video content over long-form articles. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have changed how people consume information. Businesses are investing more in video scripts, short-form content, and podcasts than written blogs.
This shift has reduced demand for long-form writing jobs. However, writers can adapt to this shift by learning scriptwriting, creating engaging video content, or producing podcasts. Even brands that still need written content are looking for shorter, more engaging formats rather than traditional articles.
Writers who adapt to these changes can continue to find opportunities in the evolving market.
Top 7 Roles Writers Can Transition Into
If writing is not working as you expected, don’t worry — your skills are still valuable!
Writing teaches you how to communicate clearly, organize ideas, and create engaging content. These skills are helpful in many other careers. Here are 8 great roles you can transition into:
1. Content Marketing Specialist
A content marketing specialist helps businesses create content that attracts and retains customers. Instead of just writing articles, they plan and develop content strategies that align with a company’s goals. These strategies include blog posts, emails, social media content, video scripts, and even infographics.
Example:
If you have been writing blog posts about skincare, you can work for a skincare brand to create educational content that helps it sell its products. This could include blog posts about skincare routines, social media posts about product benefits, and email newsletters with exclusive skincare tips.
Why it works:
Businesses always need quality content to engage customers and increase sales. A content marketing specialist ensures that the content is well-written and drives results. Companies will always look for skilled individuals who can combine writing with strategy, so your skills are still in demand.
2. Social Media Manager
A social media manager creates and posts content on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. They engage with followers, respond to comments, track performance, and plan campaigns to grow a brand’s online presence. They also research trends, analyze competitors, and create content calendars.
Example:
If you enjoy tweeting and writing engaging captions, you can manage a brand’s Twitter account, create viral posts, and respond to customer inquiries. A restaurant, for instance, might need someone to create daily posts about their menu, respond to customer reviews, and run promotions.
Why it works:
Companies want to connect with their audience on social media, and they need skilled people to do it. This role is perfect for writers who enjoy engaging with audiences and staying updated on social media trends. The ongoing demand for engaging social media content makes this a promising and flexible career option for writers.
3. Copywriter
Copywriters focus on writing persuasive content that sells a product or service. Their work includes writing ads, website text, email campaigns, product descriptions, sales pages, and social media ads. A good copywriter understands psychology and knows how to make words convince people to take action.
Example:
If you’ve been writing articles about fitness, you can write landing pages or ads for a gym or fitness brand. A gym might need someone to write persuasive ads encouraging people to sign up for a membership.
Why it works:
Businesses need strong words to convince customers to buy, so skilled copywriters are always in demand. Copywriting is also one of the highest-paying writing-related careers because companies directly link it to sales.
4. UX (User Experience) Writer
UX writers create the words people see when they use apps, websites, or software. This includes buttons, instructions, error messages, menus, and onboarding guides. Their goal is to make the experience smooth and easy to understand.
Example:
If you love simplifying complex ideas, you can work with tech companies to write clear instructions for mobile apps. For example, a fintech app that helps people save money might need a UX writer to create simple and clear text for users, such as “Click here to set up your first savings goal.”
Why it works:
As more businesses create digital products, they need UX writers to guide users through websites and apps. This job pays well because it combines writing with design thinking.
5. Scriptwriter for Videos and Podcasts
People consume more video and audio content than ever. A scriptwriter creates content for YouTube videos, podcasts, advertisements, explainer videos, and even TV shows. Unlike traditional writing, scriptwriting requires strong storytelling skills and the ability to make content engaging in a spoken format.
Example:
If you enjoy storytelling, you can write YouTube scripts for influencers who want to make engaging videos. A travel vlogger, for instance, may need a scriptwriter to structure their videos, add humor, and ensure the message flows well.
Why it works:
Video and podcast content is growing, and content creators need scripts to keep it structured and engaging. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify pay creators well, and scriptwriters are needed to maintain high-quality content.
6. Project Management
Project management involves planning, organizing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. Writers are naturally skilled at managing deadlines, structuring information, and communicating clearly, skills that are essential for project management.
Example:
If you’ve been freelancing as a writer, you’ve already been managing your own projects — handling deadlines, negotiating with clients, and organizing your work. These same skills can help you become a project manager in marketing, publishing, or even tech industries.
Why it works:
Every business runs projects, from launching a new product to organizing an event. Project managers ensure everything goes smoothly, making this a high-demand career. Companies need people who can plan, coordinate, and execute projects effectively.
7. Project Marketing Specialist
A project marketing specialist promotes a specific project, product, or campaign. This role involves content creation, social media management, advertising, and strategy planning to ensure the project deserves the attention. Unlike general marketing, project marketing focuses on promoting short-term campaigns or launches.
Example:
If you have been writing about technology, you can work on marketing campaigns for new software launches, tech events, or product rollouts. For example, a startup launching a new app might hire you to create marketing materials, social media posts, and promotional emails.
Why it works:
Companies and organizations constantly launch new projects, and they need professionals who can promote them effectively. Writers who understand storytelling and audience engagement can excel in project marketing.
8. WordPress Blog Manager
A WordPress blog manager oversees and maintains a company’s blog, ensuring content is published consistently, optimized for search engines (SEO), and engaging for readers. This role involves writing, editing, formatting, and sometimes working with guest contributors and designers.
Example:
If you have experience publishing blog posts on your own website or for clients, you can manage a business blog for a company. A travel agency, for example, might need a blog manager to post travel guides, update old articles, and ensure its content stays fresh and relevant.
Why it works:
Many businesses use WordPress for their websites and need someone to manage their blogs professionally. Blog managers ensure everything runs smoothly, making this role ideal role for writers who enjoy content creation and organization.
Final Thoughts
Writing may not work as you expected, but that doesn’t mean your skills are useless. You can transition into any of these roles and still use your writing abilities to build a successful career. The key is to explore new opportunities, learn new skills where necessary, and adapt to the changing digital world.
