Web writing training

Want to become a web writer? Whether you are starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, our SEO training is built for you. Through a rich, complete program, learn to write web-optimized content and master SEO techniques.

Dive into online writing, handle keywords with ease, and see how Google and social media can boost your content. Become a qualified writer and take your career further.

Illustration: formation redaction web

Understanding the web writer’s job

The web writer job is a key role in digital marketing. It consists of producing text content optimized for the web, with the aim of attracting, engaging, and converting visitors into customers. The topics covered are varied, from health to politics, from sports to education.

SEO writing is an essential skill for this job. It consists of writing quality texts while optimizing their visibility in search engines.
The web writer also needs to master HTML markup and ranking techniques to give their articles a good position in the search results.
Another important aspect: the web writer must be able to adapt their style and tone to the target audience, and respect the editorial line of the site they publish on.

Training is a key step for acquiring these skills.

What is SEO and why does it matter?

The basics of organic search

Organic search, also called SEO (Search Engine Optimization), is the set of techniques used to optimize a website’s visibility on search engines such as Google. It is an essential lever for attracting qualified traffic to a site and therefore generating conversions (purchases, sign-ups, and more).

SEO rests on three pillars:

Technical SEO: this is the architecture of the site. It must be optimized so search engines can easily read and index the site’s pages.
Backlinks: these are incoming links from other websites. The more numerous and high-quality these links are, the more they signal to search engines that the site’s content is relevant.
Content: it must be high quality, original, and optimized with relevant keywords to answer the expectations of users and search engines.

To get started in SEO, you need to understand these three aspects and know how to optimize them. That is what we will cover in the next modules of this training.

How does Google rank blog articles?

Google ranks blog articles based on several criteria. First, Google’s algorithm evaluates the relevance of the content relative to the user’s query. To do that, it analyzes the keywords used in the article, their density, and also the context in which they are used.

Next, Google takes the quality of the content into account. Well-structured articles, with rich, original content, are favored. The use of HTML tags (H1, H2, H3, and so on) is also crucial to help Google understand the structure of the article.

Finally, Google considers the popularity of the web page. Blog articles that have many backlinks (links from other websites pointing to your article) will rank better. This is what is called off-page SEO.

Here is a recap of the main ranking criteria:

Keyword relevance
Content quality
Article structure
Number and quality of backlinks

Note that Google’s algorithm is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay informed of the latest SEO updates.

Why keywords matter in SEO

Keywords sit at the heart of the SEO strategy. They are the terms users type into search engines to find information. They therefore let you target the content of your web pages so they appear in relevant search results and attract qualified traffic.

Keyword choice is essential. You need to put yourself in the user’s place and determine which terms they are likely to type to find your content. This research and selection work is an indispensable first step before any SEO content writing.

There are two types of keywords:

Head keywords: these are general terms, often very competitive. For example: “diet,” “lose weight,” “weight loss.”
Long-tail keywords: these are more specific phrases, generally less competitive, that can generate quality traffic. For example: “how to lose weight quickly without exercise.”

The density of these keywords in your content is also an element to take into account. The point is to balance the repetition of these terms so you answer both search engines and users. Too few, and your content will not be identified as relevant. Too many, and it can be seen as “keyword stuffing” and penalize your site.

Semji tip: the Content Ideas module

With Content Ideas, get a wide set of topics to cover in one click, so you can become the reference site for your audience and for Google.

Semji lets you analyze:

The keywords used by the best-ranked sites;
Search volumes;
Performance, so you can determine the strategic keywords to include in the site’s content.

Ask us for a demo!

Essential SEO tools for a web writer

As a web writer, it is essential to equip yourself with effective SEO tools to optimize your work. These tools let you run keyword research, analyze a website’s performance, or monitor backlinks. Here are a few essential tools:

Google Search Console: lets you track a website’s performance and identify potential problems that could affect its ranking.
Answer the Public: useful for understanding how people search for information online. It generates questions based on the keywords you enter, which can help structure the content.
LanguageTool and Synonymo: these tools can help improve writing quality by checking spelling and grammar, and by suggesting synonyms to diversify the vocabulary.
Google Analytics or Matomo: although mainly used to track website traffic, these tools can also provide valuable information for SEO, such as the most visited pages or time spent on each page.

Note that most of these tools have free versions, but offer extra features in their paid versions.

Discover the training programs to become a web writer

Several training programs are available if you want to become a web writer. There are paid options, such as those offered by Lucie Rondelet or Rédac Academy, which offer personalized support and a full immersion in the job. These programs cover both web writing and SEO, and often include practical exercises to lock in the knowledge.

Other programs, such as the one from Niche Empire, are more focused on SEO. They are ideal if you want to go deeper on that side of the job.

Finally, some programs are available on online learning platforms such as Udemy, which for example offers a free SEO course.

Advantages of online training to become a web writer

Online training has many advantages for people who want to become web writers.

Flexibility: you can learn at your own pace and according to your schedule. No need to travel, which saves you time.
Accessibility: no matter where you are, you can access your training as long as you have an internet connection.
Interactivity: many online programs offer coaching sessions, private groups, and discussion forums. These tools help you understand the concepts better and exchange with other learners.
Price: in general, online training is more affordable than in-person training. Several platforms also offer payment plans.
Updated content: the web sector is constantly evolving. Online programs are often updated to include the latest trends and search-algorithm changes.

How do you choose your online training?

To choose your online web-writing training well, several criteria should be taken into account:

The content of the training: make sure the program covers all the essential aspects of the web writer’s job, such as SEO mastery, writing technique, and content strategy.
The trainer’s profile: prefer a program taught by an experienced professional in the field.
Reviews from former students: they can be a valuable source of information for evaluating the quality of the training.
The format: choose a program that fits your schedule and your learning style. Some are à la carte, others are structured around a precise program.
The price: there are programs at every price point. Determine your budget and look for training that offers the best value.
Certification: a completion certificate can be a plus for your résumé, especially if you are aiming for a career change.
Accessibility: check that the training is accessible from abroad if you live outside the country.

Finally, do not hesitate to compare several programs before you choose.

Free training to become a web writer

Free resources available

For people who want to get into web writing without investing in paid training right away, several free resources are available online.

My Mooc offers a course on the principles of web writing and how to format articles.
The Cercle des Rédacteurs offers free guides and a mini-course on using artificial intelligence in web writing.
Free email courses are offered by some sites, such as a four-part course on the basics of web writing and SEO.
Many free MOOCs are also available on different platforms, such as Coursera or Udemy.
And do not forget blogs and YouTube channels, which can be a valuable source of information and practical advice.

It is still important to check the quality and reliability of these resources before you invest time in them.

The limits of free training

Although the accessibility and free nature of online training are major advantages, it is important to underline their limitations.

First, the lack of support can become a problem. Without a trainer to guide you, it can be hard to understand certain concepts or to get past obstacles you encounter while learning.

Next, free training often offers limited content. It may cover the basics of web writing, but it often lacks depth and completeness on the topics covered.

Finally, another major drawback is the absence of certification. So, although they are useful for acquiring basic knowledge, these free programs may lack recognition on the job market.

Lack of support
Limited content
Absence of certification

It is therefore essential to take these limitations into account when you choose your training path.

Web writer training via CPF: how does it work?

The Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) is a French program that lets any working person, from the moment they leave school, acquire training rights to use throughout their professional life. To fund your web-writer training through the CPF, here is how to proceed:

Create an account on the official CPF site.
Search for a web-writing program eligible for CPF. Make sure the training is certifying and recognized.
Once you have chosen the training, submit a funding request directly on the CPF site. The amount granted will depend on the balance available on your CPF account.

There are many CPF-eligible web-writing programs, offered by different training organizations. Some of these programs can be taken remotely and offer personalized support, which can be an asset if you want to learn at your own pace and according to your availability.

A web writer’s salary: what to expect

Talking about a web writer’s salary means understanding that it depends on several factors. Depending on experience, SEO expertise, the topic covered, and status (employee or freelancer), pay varies.

A beginner web writer on a permanent contract can expect a salary of €1,500 net per month. With experience, a senior web writer can aim for a gross annual salary of €35k to €40k.

For an SEO web writer, pay can range from €2,500 to €7,000 per month. These amounts can vary a great deal, though, depending on expertise and the topic covered.

It is also worth noting that salaries are generally higher in the Paris region (Île-de-France) than elsewhere in France.

For a freelance web writer, pay depends on the number of words written, the type of content (blog article, product page, and so on), and the complexity of the topic. It is common to charge by the word, with rates ranging from €0.02 to €0.10 per word.

Writing attractive web content: the techniques to master

Writing an SEO-optimized blog article

Writing an SEO-optimized blog article requires a good understanding of SEO basics, plus a few tips specific to this type of content.

First, you need to identify the main keyword the article should rank for. This keyword should be specific enough to attract qualified traffic, but also searched enough to generate an interesting volume of traffic.

Second, it is essential to include this keyword naturally throughout the article:

In the title (H1)
In the subtitles (H2, H3, and so on)
In the body of the text

Third, the article must offer added value to the user. That means it should be informative, precise, and useful, while also being pleasant to read.

Finally, SEO optimization should not come at the expense of writing quality. It is therefore crucial to watch the flow of the text, the relevance of the vocabulary used, and the overall structure of the article.

Writing a product page that converts

To create a convincing product page, several key elements need to be taken into account.

First, the product description should be detailed, precise, and engaging. It should highlight the product’s features, its benefits, and why it stands out from the competition.

Second, including relevant keywords for SEO is crucial. This improves the visibility of the product page in search engines, which generates more traffic to your ecommerce site.

Third, the product page should include reassurance elements such as warranties, customer reviews, or quality labels. These elements help build trust with the potential buyer.

Finally, a quality visual presentation with high-resolution images of the product is indispensable. It gives the customer a better idea of the product and helps increase the conversion rate.

Writing for social media: specifics and best practices

Writing for social media has its own specifics. Brevity is essential: messages need to be concise and punchy to capture attention in a constant stream of information. Interaction is also a key element: posts should encourage engagement (comments, shares, likes).

Formats vary by platform:

On Twitter, text is limited to 280 characters, which favors short, direct messages.
On Instagram, the emphasis is on the visual side, with the text serving to complement the image.
On LinkedIn, in-depth articles and professional discussions are preferred.

Best practices:

Adapt the tone and content to the platform and the audience.
Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
Reply to comments to keep the conversation going.

Getting started as a web writer: the key steps

To get started as a web writer, several steps are essential:

Understand the job: get a clear picture of what this job actually involves, its demands, and the skills required. Web writing is a job in its own right that requires a broad general knowledge and an excellent command of spelling.
Get trained: online or in-person programs are available to introduce you to the workings of web writing and SEO. Some are eligible for CPF funding.
Practice: work on web-writing platforms to sharpen your skills. You can also offer your services to people you know or to associations to build your portfolio.
Analyze the competition and the market: knowing the web-writing market and its players will help you position yourself and set your rates.
Find your first clients: whether you are freelance or employed, finding your first clients is a decisive step for launching your activity.

Remember, persistence is the key: do not get discouraged if the beginning is hard. Every professional started somewhere.

Boost the effectiveness of your content with AI+ Content.

In short, web writing has become a major issue for companies’ marketing teams. The investment in time and energy is often very high. To make writers’ work easier and to make sure their content will be visible in search engines, Semji developed the AI+ Content solution.

Designed by our experts for you, our solution instantly writes content that is fully optimized for your keywords: catchy titles, detailed structure, engaging text, all in a single click. And to make sure they work, we developed the Content Score, a 100-point scoring system that precisely evaluates the SEO quality of each generated text by analyzing several key factors (keyword density, links, structure, and more).

With our platform, you get the guarantee that your articles effectively push your positions in the SERP.