What’s your specialty?
I’ve found the more writing I do, the more that I enjoy doing specific types of writing. Let me explain. In the beginnig, when I started working from home, we needed money instantly. I didn’t have time to figure out other ways of making money online, and I definitely couldn’t be choosy about the work I took. I bid low so I’d get jobs immediately. I wrote my fingers to the bone (well….I still do some of that these days! ).
But now that I’ve established myself, I’ve started picking and choosing projects based on the type of content I’m required to write. It makes my job easier, and my clients happier. And it makes me wonder if I should have been specializing all along.
People these days are looking for writers who know their stuff. A lot of content out there is just rehashed (and sometimes bad!) information about the same topics over and over again. But if you can add some personal experience and insight into your articles, they are going to have that extra special touch that sets them apart from all the rest. Your clients and their readers (or your buyers if your selling directly to the public) are going to appreciate that and come back for more.
So before you take the next job, really think about whether or not you want to write on that subject. If you can pass on the cash and wait for a better topic you’ll end up less stressed and with a better client/writer relationship.
Write down a list of subjects that you like to write about or have experience in. A lot of time marketers need content on a whole bunch of things and will ask for your specialties. If you have your list ready, you can be specific instead of just telling them “I write about anything!”
You can even use it as a marketing angle - “Courtney Ramirez - specializing in parenting, alternative health and self improvement”
Again, I understand the need to make money NOW (heck I’ve written 300 word articles on garden frog figurines), but once you have a little financial leeway, try declaring a specialty and see how much your income increases.
I was a generalist too when I started–and then I figured out I really liked writing web content. It took me a while to learn what I liked and what I was good at, but I couldn’t have specialized any sooner. It takes experience to know your niche.
I don’t specialize on subject, though, because I love learning about new things. If I only wrote about certain topics, I’d get bored pretty quickly.
If I had to write more than one 300 word article on garden frog figurines, I think my head would explode.
Good advice here Courtney. The major thing I believe would be to pick topics that you have a strong interest in already. Your interest in the subject will show through in your writing.
As a beginner in freelance writing, your tips truly made me focus on my goal which is to serve my clients with excellence.I don’t have a college degree but I really love writing.I want to make a great portfolio but clients might think that I’m incompetent due to lack of college education.I hope you can help me Courtney.
God Bless You!