How To Write TOP Content If You’re Not A Native English Speaker

226Shares

I’m not a native English speaker and here’s my confession:

  • I’m a trained translator with a degree in my pocket.

I speak English fairly well, but I never thought I would ever create content on my own. 

When I got to the English-speaking world of content marketing, I was lost, frustrated, and paralyzed with insecurity. I strongly doubted if I could ever enter a league of those smart guys who create killer content.

To be honest, I wasn’t even sure if I could write anything high-quality at all.

If you’ve ever been in my shoes, this article is for you.

I’m going to share the tips and tricks that have worked (and still work) for me.

A plan to write a better content
  • Save

To begin with, there are only two points you need to consider when writing content.

The first:

  • Most likely, you will never be able to speak, think, or write like a native speaker.

Being fluent isn’t all about vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and all of the other ‘technical’ aspects. The trickiest and most complicated part is the cultural background. It may take years of living in the country before you really “fit in”.

The second:

  • You can’t know everything, but you can be an expert in your niche.

Digital marketing is global.

And it accepts people from all cultures and nations. Many of those who create TOP content aren’t native speakers.

Just try to be as good as them.

If you’ve decided to accept the challenge, here are some tips to help you out.

8 Tips To Help You Create Top Quality Content

1. Idea over spelling

When I first tried guest posting, I focused on grammar, wording, and spelling.

I checked and weighed every single word as if I was writing a novel.

But my posts got rejected quite often. I blamed it all on my ignorance and poor English.

Strange, but the idea of simply bad or irrelevant content never passed through my mind.

But here’s the fact:

  • In most cases, it’s the content itself that makes editors reject posts, not grammar.

Accept it, and concentrate on looking for good ideas rather than pretending to look native. I promise your writing will be more fun.

And remember, an idea has no nationality.

  • “But where do I take those ideas from?”

That’s a good question.

Here’s my starter pack of sources:

1) Your or your team’s cases

If there’s anything worth trying that you or your team has made or tried, go ahead and write about it.

Case studies are popular and usually get a lot of likes and shares. What’s more, describing your own experience can be less complicated than writing about someone else’s.

2) Steal an idea from other blogs/forums/etc.

I love reading stories about how writers find ideas for their books. In many cases, their inspiration came from rumors, news, or various talking points.

In a similar way, you may find content ideas in forums, blogs, discussions, or on Q&A resources like Quora.

If people are always talking about something that really worries them, why not use it to create your content?

3) Resource articles

This type of article doesn’t require polished writing skills, but it needs lots of research and background work.

The good news is that a resource article is a great way to get lots of traffic and shares.

There was recently a wonderful post that described clever ways to create resource articles. I highly recommend taking a look at it.

2. Read a lot of QUALITY content

Read quality content
  • Save

It’s always a good idea to learn from the gurus.

One of the most stunning abilities of the human mind is to absorb information and adapt to it. That’s why quality reading may improve your writing as well.

But it’s important to filter what you read.

After I first faced digital marketing, I started digesting every single article I could find. It didn’t play to my advantage.

Instead, my mind turned into a massive trash bin.

Since then, I have radically changed my attitude to reading.

Here’s a step by step guide I have developed for quality reading:

1) Make a “TOP-5” list of quality blogs, magazines, newsletters

Mark my words, you won’t be able to read more than 5 regularly without getting lost.

To find the best content quickly, use Google:

  • “TOP bloggers in /your niche/”
  • “Best /your niche/ blogs”
  • “Best blogs about /your niche/”
  • etc.

2) Subscribe to newsletters to get updates directly to your email

This is optional and I know a lot of people who don’t like it.

However, in my case, it helped me develop a habit of regular reading and helped me to greatly organize my work environment.

3) Use tools to organize your content

There are various automated tools that allow you to keep all of your content in one place.

What’s more, you can filter, sort, bookmark, and customize what you read.

I ignored automated tools for a long time. Then I started drowning in information.

I like Feedly, Flipboard, and Instapaper apps, but you are free to find your favorite one.

4) Learn phrases and expressions

It’s all about writing, isn’t it?

Try to taste the language of experienced content marketers.

I’m sure you’ll notice that they use lots of phrases and expressions that make their writing creative and entertaining.

Why not use them in your articles?

  • You can use apps like My Words to store and memorize words.

3. Native speaker ≠ proofreader

If you have a native English speaker in your team, consider yourself lucky.

If you can hire a professional native English proofreader, consider yourself twice as lucky.

Anyway, many of us don’t have access to such luxuries but we still have a lot of international friends.

If you decide to ask your friend or colleague to review your post, keep in mind two important things:

1) Not all native speakers are qualified to proofread texts

I often proofread texts in my native language for my workmates. They make lots of confusing mistakes.

We are all native speakers, but we also all have a different language expertise.

That’s why you should keep in mind that sending a copy to your overseas friend doesn’t guarantee he or she will correct all of your mistakes.

2) However, a native speaker CAN detect cultural and language inconsistencies

The good news is that any native speaker will immediately point out bad wording. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase:

  • “We don’t speak like this”.

They’ll also point out cultural mistakes. In many cases, these mistakes are far more critical than poor spelling.

So, take your friend’s helping hand, but do so wisely.

4. If you write guest posts, write for quality blogs

When you are a beginner, it’s hard to get published in a respected blog. However, nothing is impossible.

Most quality blogs and magazines have great editorial teams.

Write something worth publishing and pitch your idea in a clever way. Editors will help you improve bad wording and correct spelling mistakes without changing the main idea.

How to find quality blogs? Refer to point #2.

5. Use automated spelling tools

Automated spelling tools
  • Save

Don’t underestimate the power of automated tools like I used to.

Sometimes a simple built-in spellchecker isn’t enough. Automated tools can detect grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, find overused words and cliches, and alert you if your sentences are too complex and hard to read (like this one).

Of course, you cannot fully rely on these tools. They are not human proofreaders, and you’ll have to double-check your writing yourself.

But they still can help you avoid many of the typical and most painful mistakes.

Grammar apps
  • Save

Here are my TOP-3 grammar apps:

  1. Grammarly – Detects typos, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors; finds cliches and overused phrases; scans texts for bad wording. They also offer a human proofreader service for premium users.
  2. Hemingway  This app highlights long, complex sentences and common errors.

6. Communicate with natives

Communicate with natives
  • Save

The best way to catch professional slang is to talk to natives.

Try to contribute to discussions on Inbound.

Google and find popular forums related to your niche and talk to its members.

Try to answer questions on Quora.

In a couple of weeks, you’ll notice how your vocabulary has enhanced.

(You’ll also find new connections and ideas.)

7. Practice writing

Writing is like sport.

You need to workout regularly to stay fit. Challenge yourself to write at least a couple of pages every day.

This practice is called free writing.

It was described by Julia Cameron and Mark Levy. They encourage people to start every day with writing at least 3 pages. The topic doesn’t matter.

According to them, this helps free the subconscious.

If you don’t like handwriting, you can use web-based tools like 750 Words or Written? Kitten.

750 Words also provides analytics and charts for every piece you write.

Practice writing
  • Save

When developed, this habit will help you write more, quicker, and better.

8. Detect typical errors

We learn a foreign language by means of our native language.

Each language has its specifics and affects the second language in its own way.

That’s why our mother tongue will strongly influence our English.

You can detect the most typical mistakes from people who speak your language and avoid them.

Google (in your own language):  

  • The most common mistakes in English”, or “The most typical mistakes in English”. 

Read and learn.

For example, the Russian language has no articles (like ‘a’, ‘the’, etc.)

So, Russians often omit them when speaking or writing English. I know this and pay special attention to using articles when writing my posts.

You can find the same tips relevant to your own language.

So now it’s your turn to tell me how you overcome the language hurdle:

  • Are there any tips you use for writing content? How do they work for you?

Let me know in the comments!

If you find this useful; you shouldn’t miss:

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!
  • Save
226Shares
Authored By
I am the Head of Customer Care at Topvisor. We live in sunny Thailand and make All-in-one SEO platform for digital marketers. I am passionate about Internet Marketing and love writing about SEO and Marketing Strategies.

19 thoughts on “How To Write TOP Content If You’re Not A Native English Speaker”

  1. Brian

    Sasha,

    I enjoyed reading your blog post, there are great tips listed on here good for any writer. I look forward to sharing this information on my blog.

    Which productivity tool do you like best between the 3 your suggested? Feedly, Flipboard, or the Instapaper apps?

  2. Shubham Grover

    Actually whenever I see the post regarding how to write good quality content, I always skip the post. I think this is for pro content writers or experts, but your catchy heading attract me. I learn many things from this post especially write daily 3 pages of content. I will definitely add this to my schedule.

    Thanks
    Regards
    Shubham Grover

  3. Mi Muba

    Hi Sasha
    Last night I wondered if I can ever write as impressive as native English speaking writers do.
    After reading this post I regained my confidence and want to thank you for this.
    All you shared here is pretty cool and I love that “idea has no nationality”. Many thanks for sharing.

  4. Pawan Sahani

    Currently, I’m using Grammarly on my blog and learning vocabulary to improve my writing as well as speaking skill. Because, I’m missing phrases and expressions in my writing.
    And, today I learnt some important tips that I was missing. Thank You

  5. Manas Mandal

    Awesome Post ,I Think My English Will Be Good From Today 😀

  6. Anne @ Yeys.com

    I’m not a native speaker of English either but I’ve been creating online content for almost two decades now. Here’s the thing – many native speakers make mistakes too. Lots of them. Yes, they may sound more natural but they’re still mistakes and anyone with a good education will spot them.

    Use a professional editor or proofreader, at least for the first few years. It can help and it’s not that expensive.

  7. Joseph Chikeleze

    Hello Alva’s,

    It has never been easy writing a topnotch content if you are not native English speaker.

    English is our main language but I grew up in a zone that English is found as a day drama.

    Online writing brought me more closer to learning English.

    I must confess , using tools like grammarly and other browser add-on has helped me.

    Have a nice day!!

  8. Taylor Minaj

    Thanks ALVASSILIEVA! In reality, all media starts with an idea that is expressed in words. So even if the narrative is delivered in a podcast or video, the material must be well organized and logical. They still must rely on the basic architectural structures used by writers.

  9. vijay

    Thanks for Sharing Your Experience, your Article helps to do Effective and Quality Blogging.

  10. Sanjay Singh Rawat

    Hi,

    Its help for all bloggers that unable to speaks & write english.

    Thanks for this awesome post!!!

  11. tushar parihar

    Thanks for this article content I will try to improve my writing skill by follow your steps.Thanks a lot for sharing it.

  12. David chriss

    Thanks for sharing this article it help me. Finally i made a beautiful website with English context although i speak Swahili rather than English.

  13. Silki Guha

    Hello Alvassilieva,

    Your writing is so good that there is no way I can say it is written by a non-native English speaker. The content is vey practical. Thank you for making such a great effort. You have perfectly elaborated the solutions to each non-native English writing difficulties.

    I use Ginger for basic mistakes and corrections. I write every day as I am a blogger and marketer. I try to improve my writing whenever I write. I am working on metaphors to make my writing more engaging.

  14. Abahy

    Thanks for the profound article about writing good content for the user like me. I will try to follow your steps. Although I am already using some tools like Grammarly , ginger etc. I will try to improve my writing skill by your listed method. Thanks a lot for sharing it.

  15. Amit

    This is indeed a very good article, I have just started a blog and I am going to apply above method to it, thought i use to read many articles related to my niche so that I can learn the writing style and can know what is hot and what is not in the industry, You have really shared some of the good sites in your post specially 750words.com which will surely help people like me who are not a born in english country or culture.

  16. Abhirup Lahiri

    Hey, ALVASSILIEVA
    This post is so helpful…

    Thanks for detailing……

    I prefer to use pocket to organise my content or the content I prefer to read – one like Harsh’s content on SML

  17. shubham toshniwal

    The above article is perfectly for all newbies as well as less experianced blogger who dont write a quality blog.Learning new words and practicing grammer again for 15 minutes everyday will help you improve english skill.
    To be able to write a high quality blog, first write it in your mother tongue then convert it into english language.that is an easy process of writing an eye catching blog.

    Thank you for the perfect tips.

  18. Jatin singh

    In simple words,very helpful,understandable and useful.

  19. Nicolas Puegher

    Awesome blog post, I am not a native English speaker but I am creating content in this amazing language to challenge myself, learn and get better.

    Reading this is pure inspiration for me because it’s almost the same for me. Could be hard from time to time but as you said, you can speak well and everything but the cultural background makes a huge difference and that’s not something you can learn online, you need to be there with a real experience.

    Even so, doesn’t mean that isn’t possible. Everything is possible if you work hard and love what you are doing, for me, I enjoy writing English and I feel much better from when I started. In the future, I would love to live for a while in some English country to get this full experience and knowledge I can’t get staying here.

    Very interesting post and super helpful for me, thanks a lot for sharing mate.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top
226 Shares