The writing market is more competitive than ever, with thousands of aspiring and experienced writers vying for attention, recognition, and income. How can you stand out as a writer in a crowded market and showcase your unique voice, style, and value? Here are some tips to help you differentiate yourself and attract the right readers, clients, and opportunities.
One of the best ways to stand out as a writer is to find a niche that suits your skills, interests, and goals. A niche is a specific topic, audience, or industry that you focus on and become an expert in. By finding a niche, you can narrow down your competition, target your ideal readers or clients, and showcase your authority and credibility. To find your niche, think about what you are passionate about, what you are good at, and what problems you can solve with your writing.
It's not that hard. 1. Take a look at what your competitors are saying. 2. Find where you disagree. 3. Talk about why you disagree. You'll stand out immediately.
Try not to get too wrapped up in this advice. Yes, a niche can be important. However, it can also become stagnant, boring, and no longer challenging. Writer, teacher, and critical William Zinsser wrote a great book: "Writing to Learn" which explores how writing is a critical tool in learning - especially in learning new things. He also wrote some other great books "On Writing Well" and "Writing about your Life" for example. Sometimes, simply standing out, writing non-obvious content, and taking unique angles can also be your "niche". Or sharing your learning journeys. Don't be in too much of a rush to 'niche down'.
The best writing advice I got was to find a niche. Many people can be a writer, so you have to become an authority in what you write about.
Agree. If you want to stand out, WRITE around your niche only. When you write what you already know (because of subject expertise), chances are that people will enjoy reading the article and their eyes may not scroll DOWN and DOWN ??
I think being an expert instead of becoming the jack of all trades is the right approach. Sure, you have to pay bills and you can take up clients for the niches you're not a pro in, but when you want to outstand the crowd, pick the niche that brings out YOU!
Another way to stand out as a writer is to develop your voice, which is the distinctive tone, personality, and perspective that you express through your words. Your voice is what makes your writing unique and memorable, and it helps you connect with your readers or clients on an emotional level. To develop your voice, think about who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to communicate. Experiment with different formats, tones, and techniques, and get feedback from others.
Write as you would talk to your friend, language simple and understandable. Along with accurate facts and clean structure, personalize your writing with emotion and storytelling.
One thing that has helped my writing stand out is through developing my voice. A simple tip for that is to write the same way you communicate with your best friend. While communicating with your best friend you hardly have the need to pretend to be someone, you don't use jargon and most importantly your personality will be filled in your conversation throughout!
Write based on experience and use everyday as your personal inspiratiom. It's really that simple. Example: Going for a walk you noticed that you were able to think of (x) amount of ideas when you decided to listen to nature instead of music. This is a tip your audience might be interested in if they're experiencing writers block.
A great way to develop your voice, which is an ongoing journey, is to record what you want to say first. Often when people write they can do it in a way that doesn’t inject any life into the words. Speak it. Write it. Then read it out a loud again. And read a lot. Play with different styles. Although there’s plenty of information on how to write, ignore what you feel traps you in a mindset of you have to get it right. There are many styles. And your unique voice is needed by your audience. And talking of audience. Grow it. Find ways to keep them with you on your journey & that means writing regularly. Enjoy the process. If it’s not fun, that will come across in your writing; that’s not attractive even if it’s technical written well.
You can find your unique voice amongst a herd of same people with your powerful weapon "STORYTELLING". Every writer has lived a different unique life and with that, comes different point of views and thought-processes and that creates unique stories too. Your story might just solve somebody's problem.
A third way to stand out as a writer is to build your platform, which is the online presence and reputation that you create and maintain to reach and engage your audience or market. Your platform includes your website, blog, social media, portfolio, newsletter, podcast, or any other channel that you use to showcase your writing and interact with your followers or prospects. To build your platform, think about what value you can offer, what goals you want to achieve, and what strategies you can use to grow and monetize your audience or market.
Absolutely. It takes time, patience and a lot of output, but gives immense satisfaction when a dedicated band of readers, however small, follows you and asks for your opinion on a news headline. Monetizing should not be your aim, because that happens rarely, if at all.
Building your platform(s) can be key to earning $ from your writing - but it's also a key part of finding and honing your voice. And, getting over the fear of perfection and criticism. Over the last 18 months I've worked to publish nearly daily on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). I publish a Free weekly newsletter (Substack). I have my own website which I periodically publish articles on (Research Blog). I also publish on Medium (200+ stories). And I write almost daily to myself in Learning Journals. Regular prompts include: ? What did I learn yesterday? ? What will I be learning today? ? What would I like to learn? ? What am I grateful for that I'm learning? I also mindmap and sketch ideas and topics. Inner and outer platforms are key.
Content creation is a value creation process. Ask yourself why should the other person read your content and then create. Building platforms, repurposing content around it, building a niche voice and personalise aspect is what will be helpful. Also know the power of community building, networking and then you grow.
The one way I've done this is by actively talking about what I do and how I do it. Every writer has their own way of doing things. When you combine that with results you've brought in for yourself/a client, that's the sweet spot. Also, if you have experience that sets you apart, talk about it. For example, when I worked in the healthtech niche, my biotech background helped me stand out. Clients knew they were not working with someone who had no understanding of the industry. Instead, they were working with someone who had worked behind the scenes too—and understands the impact of terribly written content. Use these nuggets as a differentiating factor. It can be the way you write or research or your experiences.
Building a platform can be a very cumbersome and tiring process for top voices or C-Suite writers but following the techniques I offer, it becomes a walk in the park. Ensure you develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand and interests. Blog, articles, video content, etc. Strategically plan book launches, and utilize social media, email lists, and influencers to create buzz. Hosting Q&A sessions, virtual book clubs, or live chats to engage with readers, so they feel valued and heard. But don't also forget to collaborate with other authors, influencers, or celebrities for expanded reach. Finally, explore opportunities for content monetization, such as merchandise, online courses, or exclusive access for subscribers.
A fourth way to stand out as a writer is to learn new skills that can enhance your writing and expand your opportunities. Writing is not only about words, but also about design, marketing, technology, research, and more. By learning new skills, you can improve your writing quality, efficiency, and versatility, and you can offer more services or products to your readers or clients. To learn new skills, think about what gaps you have, what trends you can follow, and what resources you can access.
Many writers shy away from AI because they fear it'll take their jobs. But the reality? Tools like ChatGPT are assistants that boost our productivity. They don't think or feel like we do but can give us ideas. Just like any good tool, they only work well when we use them properly. The trick? Asking the right questions, being specific, and knowing what you want. Instead of prompting "Give me 10 ideas about eCommerce," I'll give specific context: "I need to write LinkedIn carousels on trending topics about eCommerce. Give me 10 interesting, non-cliched ideas that I can expand on and provide value to an audience in the niche." TL;DR: AI isn't going anywhere. Want to come out ahead? Adapt and learn how to use it to your advantage.
Never stop learning. learning doesn't mean taking up courses, signing up for expensive classes. Nope. Learning means - Practicing your skills in a new way. - Reading about trends in your industry - Talking to person whose blog you liked to learn how they do it. - Watching that video to figure out how to solve your problem - Asking for recommendations for blogs, videos, books and executing that reco. - Sitting and observing is also learning if you know how to do it well. Learning is inevitable. You learn it yourself or life will teach you. There's no escape.
Keeping Learning Journals are a critical tool to learning new skills - and unlearning old ones. In writing, for example, many of us have been scarred by traditional schooling. So much red pen and ? ?, forced writing topics (e.g., book reports, essays, etc.). Unlearning what schooling drove into our souls is important. Things we 'learned' about writing, grammar, syntax, etc. -- it can all be unlearned and left behind. Tracking your 'Learning' about writing can be very powerful. Write things out by hand that you come across that you like. That you don't like. Ask your self what these can teach you. Write it out in a Learning Journal. The key unlocks in Learning Journals is re-visiting them in months and years ahead.
Upskilling is important to survive as a writer. You cannot always write with the skills you already have; you need to be aware of every new trend or technology related to your genre and learn it. Well that has an advantage of its own. If you learn something new, you'll find a new idea and concept to share with your audience and they would get to learn it from you before anyone else.
I agree but there is such an overwhelming overload of information about resources- I find it difficult to choose without getting bogged down in an information avalanche.
A fifth way to stand out as a writer is to network with others who can support, inspire, and collaborate with you. Networking is not only about promoting yourself, but also about building relationships, sharing ideas, and creating value. By networking with others, you can gain exposure, feedback, referrals, and opportunities, and you can also learn from other writers' experiences and insights. To network with others, think about who you can reach out to, what you can offer them, and how you can follow up with them.
Networking allows writers to connect with other professionals, such as editors, illustrators, or content creators. These connections can lead to collaboration opportunities on projects that require a range of skills, enhancing the writer's portfolio and income. helps receive feedback : Other writers can offer insights and critiques that help writers refine their skills and produce better work.
Great writers know other great writers. Very rarely are era’s thought leaders and writers isolated figures. This is simply because it’s much harder to distribute ideas in a single-node network. More friends equals more nodes, and a larger network to distribute your ideas in. Remember: Birds of a feather flock together. They grapple with each other’s ideas. They debate each other. They meet for coffee. They hang around each other and throw ideas out there. They see what sticks. The good news. Today, this can be done entirely digitally. DM people. Have phone calls. Comment on people’s writing. Genuinely engage with other’s writing that you admire. This is how you network as a writer.
If you are looking to create a communication network, you should pay attention to these things: If your content is not challenging, it is better not to write. If you only want to confirm yourself, it is better not to write. If you don't ask your audience, then don't write. If you do not have the opportunity to answer the questions and comments of the audience, it is better not to write. If you reply to some comments and not others, it is better not to post. If you do not have a critical view of your content, it is better not to write. If you do not follow other people's content on social networks, it is better not to write. If you do not react to people's content on social networks and do not support them, it is better not to write.
To remain engaging and appealing, it's important to expand your horizons and explore different viewpoints. With the abundance of content available, it's beneficial to keep your mind active and also attract new audiences. Networking allows you to understand what people want to read and how they prefer to interact, which can give your writing a fresh perspective and captivate a new audience with your message.
Es del todo cierto que la relación con nuestros colegas nos engrandece en notable medida. En lo particular, una de las decisiones más afortunadas que he tomado ha sido la de establecer correspondencia con diversas personalidades —destacadas o no— del ámbito literario. El genero epistolar es cardinal para un mejoramiento de nuestra escritura; hablamos del ejercicio del darse donde encontramos luego esa nota característica de nuestro estilo: donde notamos ese yo que somos. Además, es esencial para mitigar la ubicua sensación de soledad del escritor que es —se sabe— natural a su labor creadora (y que tantas veces resulta ineludible y lacerante). Tender puentes hacia los otros nos hace siempre mejores, nos descubre y nos galvaniza.
A sixth way to stand out as a writer is to be consistent in your writing practice, quality, and delivery. Consistency is what builds trust, loyalty, and reputation, and it shows that you are professional, reliable, and committed. By being consistent, you can maintain and improve your writing skills, produce more and better work, and meet or exceed your readers' or clients' expectations. To be consistent, think about what habits you can form, what standards you can set, and what feedback you can use to improve.
Emphasize quality over quantity. Start small in your area of expertise and slowly build from there. And if you're new, don't publish at all until you get critical constructive feedback by people with more experience. The worst thing you can do is to believe you are a good writer and be disillusioned when you experience rejection.
You can be consistent in 3 main ways to stand out: 1. Practicing writing Make a habit of copying down a quality journalism piece (e.g. New York Times) by hand, every day/week. This trains your brain to understand the art of good writing, and allows you to replicate it on your own. 2. Showing up on LinkedIn Keep showing up on LinkedIn no matter what. Share your expertise with others; become a thought leader in a specific field. That's the only way to build your personal brand and stand out. 3. Learning Never stop learning--whether it's writing, SEO, or AI. Subscribe to newsletters; read books; follow people you love on LinkedIn. This will equip you with the skills to stand out.
Will Durant, an American historian and philosopher, once said: “We are what we repeatedly do. Greatness then is not an act, but a habit.” And he is completely correct. When you show up to the plate often, and make writing a habit, you will be positioned to capture your moments of genius. Just. Show. Up.
Consistency can be a broad term. The most important thing is to find what consistency means to you. If all you can do is post a blog post once a month, then stick with that. If you can write and post everyday, amazing. Do what works for you and stick with it.
Escreva e publique sem medo. Se tiver medo, publique assim mesmo. O primeiro texto pode n?o ser bom, o segundo também. O terceiro já melhora um pouco. O quarto vai seguindo e por aí vai. Estude bem a gramática, se tiver uma dúvida em escrever uma palavra, dê um Google. O dicionário está na ponta de nossos dedos. Um texto bem escrito impacta muito mais as pessoas quando comparado com um outro cheio de erros. Um professor na faculdade, disse uma vez para mim: "Você lê muito jornal, n?o é?" Eu n?o lia tanto assim na época, mas procurava observar bem e "copiava" o estilo do texto que eu lia e assim fui enriquecendo os meus textos quando estudava jornalismo. Aprendi rapidamente vários estilos.
The 2 ways to stand out in any market, even as a writer, are: - Higher volume (you're everywhere) - Higher quality (you're just better) Do both of those, and you'll be all set.
One challenge online writers face today is AI—it's hard to compete with the quantity of generic, informational AI-generated articles being published today, thanks to LLMs like ChatGPT. To combat the power and scalability of AI, I've found the more I feature original media and a unique perspective, the more I differentiate my content. Here's what's been working for me: 1. Write from experience I focus on writing from my personal experience and points of view rather than generic, informational content. 2. Offer differentiated value I showcase areas in which I have expertise, can provide a fresh take, or can provide actionable insights. 3. Include original?media I add original photos, videos, or other media whenever I can.
There’s nothing like a crowded space for writers. There’s a crowded space for people writing heartlessly about broad subject maybe, but if you do it authentically following your very own interests, you’ll create a niche of your own.
Right out of the gate, this article skips over the deepest question, the one that comes before all others. What the heck are you writing and why? Tone poems? Business books? Love letters? Legal briefs? The way to stand out is to have something to say to someone(s) in particular and say it clearly. "Storytelling" won't make you stand out if everyone is following the advice to use storytelling. Taking an edgy or contrary position for the sake of being edgy or contrary won't make you stand out if everyone is following that advice.
Don't be scared to be authentic. In a world where all the texts sound and feel the same, go against the current. You will not be able to train a gpt to sound as authentic as you can sound. Not now anyway so take advantage of that. The easiest way is to always insert a story in your content. A reality rooted one that you have experienced it. So when you insert the storytelling flavor in, it is genuine, the emotions are well transmitted and you connect with the reader. Personification is another technique for spicing up your content. Humor as well but only if it comes naturally. If your style is dark, go for dark. That is your authentic drop.