On the Write Road

Would you like to grow your business, broaden your client base, or boost your income? One way to do this, is to venture into new growing writing markets. 

Here are four new niches to explore:

1. Web content writing

Every business wants a web site and not everyone can write, so that means web content writers are currently in demand. Web content writing pays well and can provide a great source of income. To break into this field, you should have some basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) skills and be a creative writer that can create compelling copy.  Even though I have a technical writing background, I learned through workshops how to write great web site content. I then was able to pick up jobs writing web content at various companies.

I believe there is a niche for technical writers in this market. Some companies are specifically looking for writers with a technical background for web sites that have more complex information.

To learn how to write web copy, find a class at a local community college, a good online course, or attend a workshop. Then build up a portfolio of samples by volunteering to write or rewrite web content for your friends or an organization you belong to.

2. Blog writing

Blogs are very popular now. (A blog is a web site in which items are posted on a regular basis.) The reason they are popular with businesses are because they can drive Internet business to a web site. Because a blog’s content changes, it gives businesses the ability to show up much higher in the Google rankings than any kind of static website. These means information about a business reaches more people, which is what every business wants!

Because blogs require new posts written daily, most businesses are hiring freelance writers to do the work. A blog writer is someone who knows how to research a topic and then create a compelling or informative post that will attract readers. Top bloggers say you should know how to write different types of posts to keep your readers interested. Yaro Starak, a well-known professional blogger in his book, Blog Profits Blueprint, lists seven different types of articles:

1. how-to article – explains how to do something
2. definition article - explains key concepts or terms for an industry
3. theory or argument article – provides your unique opinion on a issue in your industry, or even on a mainstream topic
4. a resource like a free report, white paper or e-course – self explanatory
5. a list article – a concise post with bulleted items or steps that inform
6. a technical blueprint - a detailed how-to technical article that demonstrates exactly how to complete a task using screen shots or other images.

Unfortunately blog writers are not highly paid. However, the more experienced you are, especially if you run a successful blog with thousands of readers, the more likely your pay rate will increase. In addition, running a blog allows you to market your services and show others your work. Jenny Cromie at the Golden Pencil, lists 5 Reasons Why Freelancers Should Blog (Hint: Success and Six Figures).

To find out more about blog writing, visit these sites:

http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/

http://www.problogger.net/

3. SEO writing

Just because you have a great web site on the Internet doesn’t mean anyone is able to find it. That is where SEO writing helps. SEO writing is the ability to create informative, key phrase-rich text crafted for both search engines and your prospects. This niche involves writing content in a particular way to drive traffic to a web site.

This type of writing now is in demand because businesses are competing on the Internet to be seen. SEO writing gives a company that edge.

There are many books available on the Internet that teach explain and teach SEO writing. Aaron Wall currently has a popular one called SEO Book.

4. Ebooks

An ebook, is a book that is readable online. These books are very popular because they are easy to create and advertise on a web site or blog. The best selling books are how-to and specialized knowledge types, which are writing styles technical writers are familiar with!

To get into this field, create your on ebook and then give it away on your web site or blog. Read this excellent post on skelliewag.org called How to Create and Publish Your Own eBook with a $0 Budget to discover how to make an ebook.

I hope this gives you some good ideas for getting into new markets.

 So do you have anything to add? Is there a new market you have discovered? Let me know, I’d love to hear about it!

photo by DownTown