A Candid Conversation With Bhavik Sarkhedi

Hello everyone! 

Today we’re sitting down with Bhavik Sarkhedi, the dynamic person behind India’s highly honored and reputed content writing services like Write Right, Dad of Ad, Estorytellers, Taletel, and Content Ideators. 

Bhavik isn’t just a business savvy entrepreneur; he’s an author whose works have reached readers worldwide, including through features in prestigious publications like ‘The New York Times’ and ‘Forbes’. 

Out of his 10+ books, his books, such as ‘The Unproposed Guy’, and ‘The Weak Point Dealer’ have been bestsellers and sparked conversations about modern-day storytelling. After the exit of Write Right and subsidiaries, he is back with new insights, new strategies and new opinions about ‘content industry’.

In this special conversation, we’re diving into the journey of a man who has been standing like a pillar for the content writing industry in India, crafting narratives that engage and inspire. 

Bhavik’s story is about writing content and building a legacy through words that influence and resonate. 

From his early days of writing diaries and journals and college newsletter to becoming a sought-after name in the digital content sphere, his career is a badge to the power of perseverance and passion in the creative world. He has authored 10+ books, written 2500+ blogs and articles, founded 7+ content companies and been featured in the most reputed publications in the world including The New York Times, Entrepreneur and Forbes. 

He is recognized by Google as one of the best content writers in the world and one of the best digital marketing experts in India. Bhavik has gained the reputation as an engineer who turned into a writer.

Join us as we explore Bhavik’s insights into the evolution of content writing, his integration of technology with traditional storytelling, and his views on the future of digital communication. 

Whether you’re a budding writer or a seasoned marketer, this conversation promises to shed light on the in and out of content creation and strategy from one of the best content writers in the world.

Bhavik, how has content writing changed since you started? Be candid, please.

Obviously, I would be as candid as possible. So as far as I can recollect, when I started Write Right back in 2016, the focus was heavily on SEO—essentially, getting the Google rank and staying there. 

People were thinking of ‘quality’ content and you know how the content would be a useful thing for the readers/viewers. Fast forward to today, and it’s all about AI and churning content from AI writing tools. 

The core concept of ‘helpfulness’ has gone. Poof!! It’s not at all about engaging your audience with compelling stories and providing them with value that goes beyond mere keywords.

Sad but true, but that’s how the theory of evolution works, we all adapt, we all evolve. 

What do you consider the biggest shift in content writing recently, Bhavik? You have been a writer, author, and a founder

The narrative has definitely shifted from SEO and keywords to more holistic content strategies. It’s more about the intent and the ‘keyword density’ thing which used to work previously doesn’t work now. 

It’s not just about ranking anymore; it’s about resonating. My books and articles, whether it’s for The New York Times or Forbes, aim to strike a chord with the readers on a human level. You can see many examples of this. Vaibhav Kakkar, I learn a lot from him and he says that ‘everything can change but helpfulness and intent won’t. That’s true actually. 

With the modern-day discovery of so many automation tools that churn trash content, the biggest shift in content writing is that ‘You only survive if you have that human creativity within you, else not’.

Yes, also, the diverse roles I have been in has helped to know the in and out of the industry. Sometimes, being a writer helps and sometimes I take the role of a founder to come out of the challenge I am in.  We all should have a pseudo personality within us, otherwise it becomes difficult to come out of the problems. You have to have a different point of view or perspective to solve a problem, right? So have it be it, some have their coaches, their parents, their friends, some have ‘Themselves’.

AI is everywhere now. Can you share how AI has influenced your content strategy?

I would say that the tools have been a game changer in terms of data analysis and automation, allowing us to understand audience preferences better and streamline our content delivery. 

However, the human element in storytelling is irreplaceable—AI helps lay the groundwork, but the final craft is deeply human. Also, who am I to tell as it’s just 16 months since the so-called boom of AI has prevailed, we have a lot to see in the future, we can’t predict anything. But AI is influencing the content strategy by making it less time consuming than before, for sure. 

What future trends do you foresee in content writing? Are you betting big on content industry?

Umm, looking ahead, personalization and interactive content will be key. I write for publications like Forbes and they still need good writers whose insights are unique and research is in-depth. I have to know that I will need to adapt few tools even if I dont’ like it. 

As technology evolves, readers seek content that speaks directly to them and can engage them in more immersive ways. 

This means writers need to become adept at using new tools but also remain true to the art of engaging storytelling.

How do you maintain authenticity in your writing? Is there such a thing as authenticity in writing nowadays, what do you think?

Authenticity comes from genuine interest and passion for the subject. You have to google my name and also as I mention my mentor ‘Vaibhav Kakkar’, google him too, you will see not one or 10 profiles but 100s of magazines and websites mentioning about us. You can’t make a century in cricket as a fluke, you practice and you do it. 

It’s persistence, authenticity comes with ‘age’, it’s like wine, I guess.

I ensure that every piece of content, whether it’s a blog post or a book chapter, reflects my voice and perspective. It’s about being true to yourself and your audience.

What’s your take on using AI without losing the personal touch? It’s debatable I know but still.

I haven’t decided my take on AI, I am in the middle zone just like everyone, I think. AI is a powerful tool for handling the analytical side of content creation, like keyword research and trend analysis. But when it comes to creating content that connects and feels personal, that’s where human creativity comes in. 

I use AI to do the heavy lifting so I can focus more on crafting stories that touch people’s hearts. I have stopped creating table summary, outline, preface, faqs etc. ChatGPT does it for me, haha. Sometimes, Google Gemini but again, the editing is a must.

What advice would you give to aspiring content writers? People out there are desperately seeking mentors, genuine writers who can help them carve their future, what do you have to say on that?

Stay curious and keep learning. Research well about your gurus or coaches or experts or guides. I would say 9/10 today are fake gurus. I am not even saying come to me and learn, I am saying do your research before even coming to me.

The content everywhere is always changing, and being adaptable is key. Also, never underestimate the power of a unique voice—it’s your greatest asset in a sea of content. Start your own medium blog, own linkedin pulse articles, create your own website and who knows. 

When I started my own website BhavikSarkhedi.com i never knew that after 8 years, it would give me organic leads, it would give me the recognition that I have today, you go to the homepage of my website and there are 100+ names of the magazines where I have written and contributed my blogs/content. So, try, try, go out, make yourself seen.

Bhavik Sarkhedi’s journey from a diary writer to a renowned content strategist and author is a vivid illustration of where the content world is headed. 

It’s clear that while technology may shift the ground beneath our feet, the core of great content remains unchanged: impactful storytelling that captures and holds attention.

Let’s continue the conversation with Bhavik Sarkhedi on content writing and the future of it.

Bhavik, how have formal content writing courses influenced your career?

Formal training played a significant role in honing my skills. Courses like those offered by IIMskills provide a structured way to learn about content creation and offer the chance to connect with experts in the industry. 

This kind of learning environment accelerates personal growth and understanding of market needs. 

I genuinely believe that you have to learn before you earn. People say learn and earn but it’s difficult.

In your opinion, what specific advantages do established courses like IIMskills offer?

IIMskills and similar institutions are crucial for budding content writers because they focus on up-to-date industry practices and tools. See, if you have great tutors and personalities like Vaibhav, every course and any topic will be easy to understand and grasp.

They blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, providing a comprehensive learning experience. These courses often include placement support, which can be a huge advantage for those starting out.

How do you assess the contribution of professional institutions like IIMskills in keeping content writers abreast of industry changes? I want you to be really honest in your answer

Well, to be honest, there are many institutions who teach many courses but the tutors have no credentials, you know, that’s like I am a cricket coach and I haven’t picked up a bat or ball in my hand.

Institutions like IIMskills play an important role by continuously updating their curriculum to reflect the latest trends and technologies in the content industry. Their tutors have relevant credentials. 

This ongoing education is vital for content writers who want to remain relevant and competitive. 

They provide knowledge and a mindset geared towards innovation and continuous improvement. I hope you think I have been honest in this answer

How do content writing courses shape the skills of budding writers? Do you know anyone who have done the course and then became a good writer?

There are many many, man. So many people are engineers doctors and artists and they learn content writing and they worked with me and the company I served. 

Content writing courses are foundational in building a solid skill set that extends beyond writing—they encompass critical thinking, SEO, digital marketing, and more. 

By mimicking real-world challenges, these courses prepare writers for the complexities of the content industry, making them versatile and ready to tackle various aspects of content creation from day one. 

Take for example, ChatGPT. I took a course and did one on one counseling with many mentors and I learned how to use it wisely.

You cover a wide range of topics in your writing. How do you choose which subjects to write about? Do publications approach you? Do you approach them?

This is my favorite question and so this will be the longest. During my lifetime of writing, I have learned one thing “Nobody comes to you, you have to knock the door”.

I have emailed, called, tweeted, done messages on LinkedIn, commented on their profile and posts, did follow ups, handled infinite rejections and then finally I can say I am featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Huffpost, and Entrepreneurs like magazines.

Why such hard work? Because there are millions of creators like me, yes millions, you have to stand out. How do you stand out? By being persistent, yes certainly, your talent is on one side and your determination on the other. 

I also writes books and honestly 9/10 are non-best sellers, that’s so demotivating, right? Yes, but it’s okay, you keep going. You know one day you get the fruits of your work.

I’m driven by a passion for subjects that resonate on both a personal and a broader societal level. Whether it’s technology, entrepreneurship, or digital marketing, I select topics that not only interest me but also have the potential to add value to my readers’ lives and careers.

You go search my name and you will see the writings by me from 2012, 2013, what does that show? Persistence, right? Dedication, right? Yes, so be it, I am up for the challenge any damn day. 

Storytelling is a central theme in your work. How do you use storytelling to enhance your content? You did stand up comedy too, right?

Yes, for a brief period of time, I have done theater, drama, stand up comedy, poetry and man, it’s a long list but everything revolved around ‘Telling Stories’ like it was always around ‘Content’.

Storytelling is the backbone of effective communication. In my work, I use storytelling to make complex ideas accessible and engaging. By weaving narratives that connect with the audience on an emotional level, I can turn even the most technical or dry topics into compelling reads.

I write stories, I don’t like to say ‘I write blogs or I write articles’. 

With such a diverse range of content, how do you maintain consistency in your voice and quality?

Passion. Patience. Passion to work on anything and Patience to grasp the knowledge of anything new however diverse it may be. 

And you know consistency comes from a deep understanding of my audience and a commitment to authenticity in every piece I write. 

No matter the topic or platform, I ensure that my voice remains clear and true to my core values, which helps maintain a high standard of quality across all my writings.

Thank you so much, Bhavik for such genuine ‘human’ answers. Do you have anything else to say about you or the industry or anything in particular?

Have a role-model in whatever field of content you choose and follow him. Do this only if you dont’ have a mentor already and most of the times we don’t. This makes it really easy to see the path, like clear and easy. Then, we make our own process, and obviously we might not copy that mentor but one day we might even surpass their work.

Remember that there is no solution to ‘patience’. Wait and wait, we are not blessed with the golden spoons, we are writers, be it in any field, it’s always going to have 3 times more rejections than ordinary fields because it’s a field where everyone thinks they can do it. Every damn person says he or she is a writer. 

Until you have your own voice, you can’t be a successful writer, start with a blog, and always ‘adapt’ the change, sometimes it’s AI, sometimes it’s another new thing we might face in the future.

Well, that was it. Bhavik Sarkhedi’s approach to content creation reflects his dedication to excellence and his ability to adapt to various content needs while staying true to his narrative style. His website showcases his versatility but also his skill in engaging a diverse audience with thoughtful, well-crafted content. He is one hell of a writer who has made his mark in content, in every possible way. 

As we conclude our discussion with Bhavik Sarkhedi, it’s clear that the intersection of education and practical experience plays a crucial role in the field of content writing.