There seems to be a general belief that the only skill needed to be an effective content marketer is the ability to write. While it’s true that writing skills are indeed useful and essential in this business, there are other skills and qualities you should develop.

In truth, a successful content marketing strategy is hinged on having a variety of skills:

Strategic thinking

Content marketing should always be anchored on a solid strategy. You can’t simply produce an article and assume it will be indexed by search engines or be found by new followers if you’re not being strategic about it. You have to know how to incorporate the right keywords and phrases so it ranks well on search engines. It has to be backed by solid social media promotions and it has to tie back seamlessly to your brand’s overall vision and messaging.

Versatility

A good content marketer should be a great writer, must have decent editing skills, be able to manage an editorial calendar, and have a solid understanding of the business behind it all. Being versatile enough to wear these multiple hats means you have the skills to take on the potential challenges that content marketing might bring.

Storytelling skills

Storytelling as a skill means you are able to connect with human emotion and move your audience to action through your content. It’s not enough to have a comprehensive understanding of your own product or service. You have to be able to communicate it in a way that is engaging and compelling by demonstrating how it can help address your audience’s needs.

Design skills

Visual storytelling is a content marketing skill that gets overlooked but plays a very significant role in ensuring the success of any content you publish.

Humans, by nature, are visual beings. We respond very well to pictures and videos and well-designed content. The most successful marketing teams don’t just create compelling written content, they make sure that it’s delivered with creative and stunning design that tells a comprehensive, visual story.

Drive for continuous learning

Becoming a great content marketer means knowing that success in this field is anchored on continuous learning. This is a field that continues to evolve, so your success is dependent on your ability to stay up to date with the latest content marketing trends.

These are just some of the qualities that I think are generally overlooked for content marketers. If you think there are skills that are missing from this list, please feel free to share them in the comment section below. You can also continue the conversation on our Twitter or LinkedIn.