Finding Your Niche as a Freelance Writer

Navigating the trials and tribulations of discovering your specialty as a writer is basically one big game of throwing shit at a wall and seeing what sticks.

But even then — where do you start?

Navigating the trials and tribulations of discovering your specialty as a writer is basically one big game of throwing shit at a wall and seeing what sticks.

But even then — where do you start?

Start With What You Know

Play it safe and start with what you already know a lot about. Perhaps it’s fashion, beauty, entertainment, history, politics, space, or microbiology.

Wherever your expertise lies, that’s a great place to start. Granted, you’ll still have to do your research, cite your sources, the whole nine-yards. But you’re at least starting off with a solid foundation.

Of course, there’s no way to truly know everything about a subject, either. This route allows you to deep-dive into your curiosities and answer any looming questions you have about a particular subject.

Build On What You Love

Reflect on your passions. What makes you happy to learn about and discuss with others? How can you share knowledge with the world? What value are you adding to that subject or industry?

Explore new avenues, tackle what tickles your fancy from a different angle. Read up on the latest trends, news, and research about your interest.

Knowledge is ever-expansive; never stop striving to become a more educated writer.

This applies to your niche in terms of style and format, as well. Perhaps you were always “the funny sibling” growing up. Find a way to work that funny bone into your work, even if it’s on a stereotypically “stuffy” topic, like finance. In turn, you’ll begin defining a style that’s unique to you.

Next comes figuring out the best way to deliver your message: blogging? Long-form content? Short-form content? Essays? Creative writing? Poetry? Play around with different formats; which flows most naturally for you? Which format makes you happy?

The only way to truly find out is to dive into writing head first.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you have a solid idea of what you want to write about and how you want to write about it, practice. Starting your own blog is a phenomenal way to begin carving out a name for yourself as a writer. This platform doubles as a way to market your service and it serves as a creative playground.

You’re in full-control of the content on your own website. Save as many drafts as your heart desires, continue to tweak and improve your content. Take advantage of these liberties.

However, it’s also important to get as much professional experience as possible. Not only for the sake of sustaining yourself financially, but you’ll learn pretty quickly whether you enjoy writing as a freelancer in this particular industry.

In Conclusion

As cliché as it seems, the answer is already in your head and in your heart. The most direct route to finding your niche as a writer is to go after your passion full-throttle.


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