Level 1 · Beginner — Foundations of Content Writing
Module 1.1: Understanding content writing, copywriting, blog writing, and magazine writing — plus purpose, formats, SOP, and a hands-on draft assignment.
Module Progress
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate content writing, copywriting, blog writing, and magazine writing.
- State the **purpose** of a piece (inform, educate, entertain, persuade).
- Recognize common content types (blog post, guest article, website page, magazine feature).
- Apply the SOP checklist and produce a 300-word draft.
Format writing like Backlinko: short paragraphs, strong sub-heads, and actionable steps. Aim for clarity over jargon.
What’s the Difference?
| Type | Main Goal | Typical Length | Example | Purpose Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content Writing | Inform, educate, engage | 300–2,000 words | How-to guide / explainer | Inform/Educate |
| Copywriting | Persuade & convert | Short to medium | Ad, landing-page copy | Persuade |
| Blog Writing | Teach, share, build audience | 800–3,000+ words | How-to, listicle, POV | Educate |
| Magazine Writing | Narrative depth & entertainment | 1,000–5,000 words | Feature story / profile | Entertain |
Define Your Purpose
SOP / Checklist
Examples Log (3)
Assignment — 300-Word Draft
Reflection
- What was hardest about choosing your purpose?
- Did your tone match your intent (inform, educate, entertain, persuade)?
- What will you change in the next draft?
Rubric (Quick Self-Check)
Purpose Fit: Every section serves the declared purpose.
Actionability: Concrete steps, examples, or takeaways.
Step 1 — Strategy and Goals (Money-Making Perspective)
In this step you will plan your content so it can earn money in simple, honest ways. You will decide who will pay you (or help you earn), what problem you will solve for them, what action brings money closer, and how you will check if the content made income or created clear money signals. Everything is explained in plain language with friendly examples.
What “strategy and goals” means in simple words (for earning)
“Strategy and goals” is the short plan that tells you how this content can lead to income. You will write a quick note about the reader, the money path (for example: affiliate click → purchase, email signup → paid service later, free trial → paid plan), one action that moves the reader one step closer to payment, and one number you will check after you publish. When you do this first, every part of your content points toward earning, not just views.
Step A — Start with one main money goal
Pick the single result that grows income directly or sets up income. Keep it practical and visible. Examples: get 30 people to click an affiliate link, get 50 email signups for a service, get 10 free trials that can convert, or book 5 discovery calls. One main money goal keeps your page focused and makes it easier to measure.
You create a beginner blog guide. Your main money goal is to collect email signups for your “Blog Setup Service.” The content leads to a simple “Get the weekly planning checklist” form. The checklist is useful and the follow-up emails softly offer your paid setup service.
Step B — Describe your reader (and buyer) in everyday words
Write two or three lines about the person you help. Add what they might pay for or what action shows buying intent. When you can see their goal and their budget level, you can pick the right money path: affiliate, service, product, or newsletter.
“This content is for new bloggers who feel lost with planning. They want a simple weekly plan. They can spend a small amount on a starter service or use free tools with an affiliate link.”
Step C — Write the reader’s main problem in one friendly line
Keep the problem short and in the reader’s words. Then ask: “Which paid or valuable step solves this?” This points you to the money step you should offer.
“I want to plan my blog for a week, but I do not know where to start, so I end up doing nothing.” → Offer a free printable checklist, then an optional paid 30-minute setup call or affiliate link to a planning tool.
Step D — Choose the single money action at the end
Decide one action that moves the reader toward income. Use simple words like “Get the checklist,” “Start the free trial,” “Book a call,” “Buy the template,” or “See the recommended tool.” Match this action to your main money goal.
Your main goal is paid setup calls later. The action is “Get the weekly planning checklist.” After the download, the thank-you page invites a low-pressure ₹499 / $7 mini call to set up the first week.
Step E — Decide how you will check money success
Pick one simple number that matches your action. Call it your “money number.” Add a time window. Use numbers like click-through rate to affiliate, email signups, free trials started, calls booked, or templates sold.
| Money action | Easy money number | Time window |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate tool click | At least 5 out of 100 readers click | Within 30 days |
| Email signup for service | At least 3 out of 100 readers join | Within 30 days |
| Free trial for SaaS | At least 3 out of 100 start | Within 45 days |
| Book a paid mini call | At least 1 out of 100 books | Within 30 days |
| Buy a template | At least 1 out of 100 buys | Within 30 days |
“Success means at least five out of one hundred readers click the planning tool affiliate link in the next thirty days,” or “one mini call booked per 100 readers in thirty days.”
Step F — Collect limits and rules before you write (also for earning)
List anything you must follow: tone, required links, safety notes, deadlines, disclosure for affiliate links, and local tax or invoice needs if you sell directly. This protects trust and prevents last-minute fixes.
“Tone: friendly and simple. Links: include planning tools page and weekly calendar page. Note: general advice only. Affiliate disclosure: say ‘I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.’ Deadline: last Friday of this month.”
Create a one-page plan you can share (money version)
Put everything into one page. Keep sentences clear. A teammate or client should quickly see the money path and the next action.
| Reader | Describe who you help and their budget level (free, small spend, ready to buy). |
|---|---|
| Main problem | One friendly line in the reader’s words. |
| Main money goal | One result that drives income or a clear step toward income. |
| Money action at the end | The exact button or link words. |
| Money number | Pick one number + time window to check results. |
| Limits and rules | Tone, must-include links, notes, affiliate disclosure, deadline. |
“This content is for new bloggers who want a simple weekly plan. They can start free and may buy a small help call. The main money goal is to collect email signups that lead to a paid setup call. The action will say ‘Get the weekly planning checklist.’ We will call it a success if five out of one hundred readers click the affiliate planning tool or one out of one hundred books a mini call within thirty days. Tone is friendly and simple. We will include the calendar guide link and an affiliate disclosure. Publish by the last Friday of this month.”
Checklist you can follow before you write (money-ready)
- You wrote a short reader description in everyday words and noted their likely spend level.
- You wrote the reader’s main problem in one line and matched it to a helpful offer.
- You selected one main money goal and ignored extra goals for now.
- You chose one money action and wrote the exact button words.
- You picked one money number and a clear time window.
- You listed limits, rules, and affiliate disclosure if needed.
- You combined everything into a one-page plan that anyone can read and understand.
When all points are done, move to simple research and section planning so your content answers buying questions and earns with trust.
Common problems and simple fixes (money view)
| Problem you may face | What it looks like | Simple fix you can try |
|---|---|---|
| Too many offers | Affiliate, call, template, and course all pushed at once | Pick one main offer. Place others on the thank-you page or in an email later. |
| Offer does not match problem | Reader wants a quick start, but you pitch a big course | Start with a small step: checklist, mini call, or free trial. Upsell later. |
| No money number | Hard to tell if the page is “good” | Pick one number now (clicks, signups, trials, calls, sales) and track it. |
| No disclosure or rules | Trust drops and edits appear late | Write affiliate disclosure and any safety notes in your plan and page. |
Practice: write your own money plan with the help of examples
Use these training sets like “copy and edit” helpers. Replace the words to fit your topic. Each set shows the money path clearly.
Training set 1 — Software tool for simple reports (affiliate + SaaS)
This content is for people who manage small marketing projects and feel stuck when collecting numbers. They want results without hours of work. The main money goal is to start free trials and earn affiliate clicks. The action will say “Start your free 14-day trial.” Success = three trials per 100 readers in 45 days, or five affiliate clicks per 100. Tone is friendly and patient. Add a short note on data privacy and an affiliate disclosure. Publish by the second Tuesday of next month.
Training set 2 — Travel adapter guide for first-time travelers (affiliate + email)
This content is for students traveling outside their country for the first time and confused about plugs. They want one clear answer and a simple checklist. The main money goal is to collect email signups and earn affiliate revenue from a recommended universal adapter. The action says “Get the packing checklist.” Success = three signups per 100 readers in 30 days and two adapter clicks per 100. Tone is simple and friendly. Include a region plug table and affiliate disclosure. Publish before summer break.
Training set 3 — Morning routine for beginners (low-ticket template)
This content is for beginners who want a short morning routine without complexity. They want a list they can follow in ten minutes. The main money goal is to sell a ₹199 / $3 printable template. The action will say “Buy the 10-minute routine template.” Success = one sale per 100 readers in 30 days or 5% add-to-cart rate. Tone is friendly and safe. Add a safety note to talk to a professional if needed. Publish by month-end.
Your next step after this plan
You now have a clear money plan: who you help, the problem you solve, the action that earns, the number you will check, and the rules to follow. Next, do simple research and choose sections that answer buying questions (price, time to benefit, trust, easy steps). This keeps your content helpful and makes earning more likely.