Even though I missed it last week, there was a good conversation going on Michelle Garrett’s Twitter #FreelanceChat. The topic turned to niche writing.
It’s a common discussion point among writers because it’s a common problem. Should I niche or should I generalize? And like most discussions on the topic, the Twitter conversation split pretty much down the middle between niche lovers and niche haters.
Okay, “hate” is a strong word. Maybe niche-averse writers is more appropriate.
Look, generalists. I get it. You don’t want to be locked in to some specific industry. You want to spread your wings. Or as one writer put it, you have shiny-object syndrome and want to chase that neat new thing.
So do it. Chase. Spread. Do what makes you feel free and happy. But know this — you’re already working a niche whether you know it or not.
[bctt tweet=”Every #freelance writer has a niche. Do you know what yours is?” username=”LoriWidmer”]
That’s the question we’re going to answer today — what your niche may be.
Why should you care, right? Here’s why — writers who have niches (concentrated areas of expertise) are in demand. Don’t think so? I can prove it — how many times has a client-to-be asked you “Do you have experience in …?” or “Have you written about … ?”
It matters to them whether it matters to you or not.
But I’m here to tell you that you can still be a generalist writer and still rock a specialty area. It’s ridiculously simple. Here’s what it takes to have a niche:
A few clips in a specific area, industry, or topic.
Here’s what that might look like:
- Three articles on environmental issues
- Blog posts for a consumer-facing financial services company
- Entertainment listicles for consumer magazines or websites
- Two occasional clients who work in the healthcare industry
- Short fashion magazine articles on jewelry trends (two specialties there — jewelry and fashion)
- Product descriptions for a retail catalogue
These are things any generalist might be found writing at any point in their careers. They’re also topics that specialty writers would also tackle in their careers.
Why you want to even consider this:
Besides being in demand, specialty writers are also making more money. Sometimes a lot more, depending on the specialty.
Here’s how you can uncover your current specialties:
- Use previous employment experience (it’s a great springboard to a specialty)
- Go over your projects for the last three or four years and see what types of projects/topics/industry focuses are repeating
- List a few of the projects that you’ve really enjoyed (that matters)
- Think about how some of your favorites projects can translate to other industries or magazines (or clients)
Try it. Go on, give it a shot. You can easily go back to generalizing at any time, and here’s the even better part: You don’t have to stick with your specialty. You can explore others as the opportunity presents itself.
How’s that for spreading your wings?
Writers, let’s talk about your areas of focus. What kinds of projects (or types of clients) have you been working on most lately?
Is it interesting enough to make it a specialty? If not, what in your portfolio would make you happy if you could keep doing?
2 responses to “Rocking a Freelance Niche (while staying a generalist)”
While I like writing about multiple topics, the bulk of my work is in covering the entertainment industry.
One downside to niches is when it comes to referrals. I can’t tell you how many times other writers have later admitted they did NOT refer me because they think I only write about TV and entertainment. “But it’s not your niche.” Um, I also write about food, dogs, old houses, knitting, general business topics, groceries/produce, advertising, marketing, promotions, incentive programs, etc… I even ghostwrite and write blog posts, branded content, advertorial, press releases, ad copy, and pretty much anything as long as it’s in English.
My cautionary tale should be a reminder to not assume people only work in the niche or niches you know about. There can be a lot of overlap between all of the topics I mentioned above. That’s where the fun lies – finding ways to expand so you’re not confined solely to one niche.
Exactly this, Paula. I think some would-be clients can be guilty of this. I remember interviewing with three prospects at a trade show. I knew by the questions that they weren’t hiring me. Why? The questions were along the lines of “Have you ever written about …?” and then they would name something so uber-specific that there was no way to answer yes. I did attempt to show that what I do in other areas translates well, but when the client is that fixated on finding EXACTLY THAT BACKGROUND, you’re wasting your time.