How to Pick Your Freelance Writing Niche & Start Earning

When you first start out in the freelance writing world, it can be tempting to say “yes” to everything that comes your way. You might be thinking that the more you write about it, the more clients will want to work with you, right? That would be a logical conclusion as more doors open up when you offer versatility and flexibility to potential clients. These are valuable attributes to bring to the table, especially when you’re first starting out. 

But we all know how the saying goes, “Jack of all trades, master of none.”

Casting a wide net for writing opportunities isn’t a bad strategy. It can get your foot in the door and help you gain valuable experience. And we are not suggesting you can’t expand and evolve as a writer as time goes on.

However, once you gain some footing in your freelance writing journey, picking a writing niche is a great way to set yourself up for success, improve the quality of your work, and seek higher rates in a heavily saturated business. You present yourself as a writer with a deep understanding and expertise in your chosen niche. 

We do a deep dive into ways to narrow down your freelance writing niche so you can build authority, be confident in your skills, and earn more money. 

What is a Niche, and Why is it Important?

A niche in the context of freelance writing is a specialized area of focus within a broader field, signifying a particular type of industry that a writer concentrates on. This specialization helps writers differentiate themselves and appeal to clients seeking expertise in that specific area.

But why is it important to have a niche as a writer? 

Simply put, freelance writing is a competitive industry. Writers can do all kinds of work, and although versatility is an asset, clients usually look for something specific. 

Choosing a niche can help in these ways:

• Attract ideal clients: When businesses search for writers, they want someone who knows their industry inside and out.

• Command higher rates: Specialists often earn more than generalists because their expertise brings added value.

• Build a consistent workflow: Niche writing often leads to repeat clients and longer-term projects.

So, where do you start? How do you choose what niche is best for you? Let’s figure it out!

Self-Reflection: Identifying Your Strengths and Passions

Some self-reflection is a great place to start. Look inward and figure out what you’re interested in. Where do your strengths and passions overlap? What have you written about that made you proud? What life connections can be translated into writing that can make you money? More importantly, what topics could you write about freely, without research or hesitation? List those and lean into those as you begin your freelance writing journey.

Freelance writing is such a broad industry with countless money-making opportunities. No really - if you want to write about the Amazon rainforest, crypto exchanges, or breeds of dogs, there’s a blog or business willing to pay a writer.

Here are some ways to get started:

• Determine your passions: Are there certain topics or industries that get you excited? Maybe you love health and wellness, technology, or travel. The more interested you are in the subject, the easier it will be to produce high-quality, engaging content.

• Evaluate your skills: Do you have expertise in a specific field? Maybe you worked in finance, healthcare, or were a teacher before becoming a writer. Apply those past experiences and give yourself an edge over your competition.

• Reflect on your writing style: Are you more into long-form blog posts or catchy social media content? Maybe you prefer writing detailed guides or how-to articles. Understanding what you’re best at will help you narrow down a niche that suits your writing style.

If you’re still unsure, sit down and write about your interests in varying writing styles. See which ones have good flow and which ones were a struggle to get through. That will give you some answers to work with. 

Do Your Research: Discover a Competitive & Profitable Niche

Now it’s time to see if your writing niche can make you some money. Researching market demand is key to identifying a competitive and profitable niche. When you start thinking about choosing a niche, do your homework and figure out what’s hot. Find a niche that not only excites you but also offers enough demand and opportunity to turn into a sustainable stream of income.

Start your research with these tips:

• Look at job platforms: Explore various platforms for job listings. Get a sense of what industries are in demand looking for writers and see if any of those appeal to you.

• Check out the competition: A high number of job listings and writing opportunities may indicate strong demand, but it also means there’s considerable competition. Stay up-to-date by following writing-related blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts for insights into the freelance writing industry. 

• Consider profitability: Check industry rates to understand typical earnings for freelance writers in your niche, considering factors like experience and content type. High-demand niches may not always offer high pay, with some requiring specialized skills for better compensation. As you gain more experience and expertise in a niche, you can increase your rates, even if you start lower when entering a new field.

  
  

Narrow Down Your Writing Niche and Start Marketing Yourself to Potential Clients

You understand why a writing niche is important and brings value. You have explored your interests and skills. You have done your market research on what jobs are competitive and profitable. Now it’s time to narrow down your writing niche and start finding those writing gigs. 

If you’re drawn to a broad industry such as healthcare or commerce, a narrower focus will establish you as a specialist to potential clients looking for that exact type of writing. 

For example, instead of saying, “I’m a freelance writer with expertise in creating content for healthcare organizations,” you could say, “I’m a freelance writer who creates detailed articles and blog posts designed to help mental healthcare providers increase their online visibility and attract more patients."

You have established your expertise is in mental healthcare, you specifically write articles and blogs, and you express what their purpose is in growing their business. Not only does a specific niche ensure that you stand out, it will make it easier to market yourself to potential clients. 

Choosing a freelance writing niche is about setting yourself up for success and building a sustainable, profitable writing career. By identifying your interests, researching market demand, and narrowing down your focus, you can stand out in the competitive world of freelance writing. It takes time and effort, but with persistence, you’ll start attracting clients and, most importantly, earning money doing what you love. 

Your next steps are to create a writer’s portfolio and start applying for some freelance gigs. The Pajama writer is here to help with every step of your freelance writing experience. 

Our step-by-step guides will ensure you’re writing what you care about and making money doing it! Visit our site to download guides, book a call, or sign up for the newsletter. And don’t forget to check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy!