How to Choose a Writing Niche: The Complete Guide

You’ve probably heard that you should write what you know. But what if you don’t know what you want to write about? How do you choose a writing niche? Many freelance writers ask the same question. And it can be hard to find the perfect answer.

There are several niches in content writing.?Sometimes, your niche may be too narrow, limiting the number of opportunities or topics to discuss. Or it could be too general, and you’ll need to narrow it further. For example, writers in the health niches may want to specialize in sub-niches like weight loss, mental health, or health technology.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to discovering your ideal writing niche, but there are a few things you can do to help you find the correct freelance writing niche.

This post discusses the essence of choosing a writing niche and the highest-paying niches to look out for in 2022. It also outlines steps that will walk you through choosing a writing niche and some ideas to get started.

Why do writers find it hard to choose a writing niche?

1. Inadequate experience writing content

Many people struggle to choose a writing niche because they lack adequate experience in writing content. If you’re just starting as a freelance writer, you probably don’t have a lot of published work to your name. And that can make it tough to convince potential clients that you’re the right person for a job.

The best content writers often started their careers writing in different niches until they found one that ticked. So what are the best content writing niches for beginners? How can you get the experience in the first place? For starters, try writing for free on blogs or online publications.

2. Not knowing a more profitable niche to choose

It can be challenging to choose a writing niche when you have little or no idea of the potential profitability. Most people advocate writing about things you have passion for, but passion doesn’t always pay the bills. So you might wonder if there’s a more profitable writing niche related to the one you’re thinking of choosing.

There are different types of niches and freelance industries. Some of them may require more advanced skills or knowledge to be profitable. Since you have only a vague idea of that niche, you might not know how to maximize your earning potential when you get in.

3. The challenging nature of finding a job

The job search challenge exists in every sector, and freelance industries are no exception. Some freelance writing niches are highly competitive, while the niche jobs that pay well require complex skills or extensive experience. There are a few reasons why the job challenge contributes to the struggle in picking a niche.

Many writers compete for the same jobs and sometimes are limited to opportunities where they lack sufficient skill or experience. Since finding the right jobs is challenging, writers must be thorough about choosing a writing niche. Because choosing the wrong one means they will struggle to switch later on.

4. Competition in a preferred niche

Competition in a writing niche can be a good or bad thing. Some freelance writing niches are highly competitive, and it can be challenging for beginners to find niche jobs that pay well. Conversely, the competition can be low if writing roles require additional skills and knowledge. For example, writers in the copywriting niche need to understand buyers’ psychology and master a set of keywords that trigger buyers’ emotions.

Such areas may not be the best content writing niches for beginners because they require more training and experience to a foothold in that industry. There are two factors to consider when determining the competitiveness of a niche:

• The number of established writers in that niche
• The market size of that niche

5. Anxiety about missing out on other niches

Picking a writing niche can feel like a marriage — a “till death do us part” situation. Some writers worry that they might make the wrong decision and pigeonhole into a specialty they don’t want. At the same time, they feel they will miss out on potential clients or projects if they focus on a specific topic.

It’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone. Many beginner writers are also anxious about choosing a writing niche because they can’t tell which ones will be in demand in the future. But don’t worry about getting stuck in a rut. Try out different niches and go with what you’re interested in. You can always pick a more suitable specialty down the road. After all, content writing has one of?the most straightforward learning curves.

Is it necessary to choose a writing niche?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because there are pros and cons to being a niche writer or a generalist. As a generalist, you can write about anything and everything, which gives you a lot of flexibility. You also have a more comprehensive range of opportunities since people from all walks of life can benefit from your work.

Conversely, being a niche writer will help you build credibility and trust, and you’ll play the long-term game well. People looking for specific information will be more likely to trust you if you’re an expert in that area. And if you focus on a niche that interests you, it’ll be easier to brainstorm ideas and create quality content quickly.

Can I be successful without choosing a writing niche?

Your ability to understand the client’s needs and deliver quality work on time makes you successful as a freelance writer. And being a generalist writer can help you become successful because you can quickly adapt to different writing styles and genres. So, the answer is yes. You can be successful without choosing a writing niche.

Can I be successful if I choose a specific writing niche?

You can be successful when you choose a specific writing niche because you can become an expert in that field. Writing about the same topic repeatedly helps hone your skills and expand your knowledge in a particular area.

And if the public sees you as an authority, they automatically become your built-in audience, always looking forward to what you have to say. Potential clients will see you as a go-to person for their projects since you know their target audience inside and out.

Which is better: choosing a writing niche or not choosing a writing niche?

Choosing a niche is better. Niche writers tend to be more successful than generalists because they have a laser focus on their target audience. And this approach is the secret of top content writers. Since they have proven expertise in that niche, prospective clients will trust them easily and be willing to pay more.

When you choose a writing niche, you immediately distinguish yourself from the competition. And it makes it easier to market yourself and your work.

How do I choose a writing niche?

1. Find what you love or are passionate about

It’s essential to write about what you love. When you’re excited about a topic, it shows in your writing. Your readers can tell you’re passionate about the topic, and they will want to keep reading. For example, if you’re an oenophile (a wine lover), you’d be better off handling wine writing jobs than exploring other freelance writing niches that don’t align with your interest.

Moreover, choosing a writing niche often means writing the same topics repeatedly. And this routine can quickly become tedious. Nevertheless, it’s easier to remain interested when writing about something you love.

2. Identify your strength/area of expertise

Identifying your area of expertise is crucial when choosing a writing niche. After all, you want to write about something you know much about. Your area of expertise makes a good writing niche because you have a wealth of knowledge to share.

You’re passionate about the topic and can write with enthusiasm. Additionally, people will trust your advice since you’re an expert on the topic. Unsure of your expertise? No problem. Here are four steps to help you identify your area of expertise.

• Ask yourself what you’re most knowledgeable about.
• Think about the topics you enjoy discussing most with others.
• Consider your professional experience.
• Ask your friends and family what they think your area of expertise might be.

3. Identify opportunities or gaps within your preferred writer niche

When deciding on a writing niche, it’s essential to identify gaps or opportunities within that niche. That way, you’ll know what type of content you need to write to target your audience better. Besides, it can help you stand out from the competition and set you up in a position where you come up with new and original ideas.

This is the secret of top content writers. And the best part is that applying the same approach can help you land niche jobs that pay well. One way to identify gaps within your preferred is to monitor trends in that space. Follow influential people and companies in that industry, and catch up on updates from authoritative websites and blogs in that niche.

4. Build your skills to leverage the market gaps

Once you’ve found an underserved niche you’ll like to fill, you must develop the skills required by the field. Different types of niches require unique skills. For example, writers in the health niches need a solid grasp of literature search and data integrity. In contrast, real estate writers benefit more from learning how to incorporate storytelling in blogs or property listing ads.

When you discover the skills you need to become more relevant and competitive in your niche, take advantage of online resources to learn those skills. These resources could be video tutorials, eBooks, or workshops. Coursera and Udemy are the most popular platforms for finding plenty of learning resources.

5. Prepare work samples related to this writing niche

Next, prepare some work samples related to your preferred writing niche. Potential clients want to see evidence that you know what you’re talking about, so ensure your samples represent your best work. Your portfolio gives them a good idea of what you’re capable of. Nothing builds trust faster than seeing examples of your work up close and personal.

Related Article: 5 Websites to Build a Writer Portfolio for Free

Moreover, your work samples demonstrate your writing style. Every writer has their unique style, and potential clients want to be sure they will get what they’re looking for in terms of tone and approach. This is especially common if the clients have been creating content for their brand before meeting you.

6. Pitch your chosen writer niche, socialize, and tell the world

Now you’ve done all the backstage work, it’s time to go public about what you do. Pitch your services to prospective clients without ceasing. But how do you identify your prospective clients?

You need to think about the companies or industries that would benefit from what you have to offer. For example, real estate writers are better off targeting their services to realtors, property managers, and real estate investment companies. At the same time, people in the copywriting niches may choose to target e-commerce entrepreneurs to help them compose sales copies and email newsletters.

There are several ways to pitch your ideas. One of them is through social media. Alternatively, send cold emails to potential clients. You’ll typically find their emails in their website’s “contact us” section. While sending pitches, be sure to personalize them.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking with other freelance writers. By connecting with them on social media, you can learn from their experiences and avoid making the same mistakes they made earlier on. You’ll also build relationships that could lead to joint ventures or collaborations.

What are the most profitable freelance writing niches in 2022?

Writers can choose a niche from several profitable writing niches across different industries. Some of the most beneficial writing niches writers should explore in 2022 include the following:

General writing niches

1. Tech writer

Technology writers help readers understand the benefits of technological products or tech-driven solutions. These writers must understand the working process of technology and explain it to readers relatably, without technical terms or jargon.

The technology industry is exceedingly vast. And so, tech writers have plenty of opportunities. They could try a trending niche like quantum computing, blockchain, and genomics.

2. SEO writer

An SEO niche writer writes and optimizes content to rank on search engines. To be an excellent SEO writer, you must understand how search engines select content to rank. And this typically includes various practices, including keyword research and placement, link building, and search intent analysis.

SEO writing is one of the highest-paying niches because every business with an online presence is eager to get more exposure through the search engine, which accounts for?50 percent?of the total web traffic.

3. E-commerce writer

An e-commerce writer’s primary goal is to drive more sales through effective marketing and sales copies. These copies may include category pages, product descriptions, promo offers, and landing pages.

E-commerce writing is one of the most profitable copywriting niches since their work is instrumental in driving sales. Pause for a moment and think how much a product owner will be willing to pay for copies that can help them repeatedly sell their high-ticket products. To become a successful e-commerce writer, you must understand?buyer psychology.

4. Technical writer

A technical writer distills complex topics into plain language to enable a business’s target audience to understand concepts or how to use a product without requiring in-depth experience.

Examples of technical writers’ works include journal articles, operating instructions, and technical and instructional manuals. This freelance writing niche requires excellent research and analytical skills.

To do their jobs effectively, technical writers must first determine users’ needs and study product samples to see how they solve users’ problems. This approach means they must work closely with product designers and developers.

5. Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters sell their writings to clients alongside the credits of the written work. It’s a broad freelance writing niche since deliverables range from eBooks and articles to public speeches and book proposals.

Ghostwriting involves any written work, as long as the writer forfeits their intellectual right to the job. Because ghostwriting is vast, most writers narrow down their niche — for example, fiction ghostwriters or non-fiction ghostwriters. In ghostwriting, penning the text is only half the job. The writer must often adjust their style and tone to blend with their clients’.

Specific writing niches

1. B2B SaaS writer

A B2B SaaS writer helps brands market their software solutions through written content. As businesses move more of their operations online, the need for writers who can create persuasive copy for SaaS products will continue to grow.

SaaS writers are often responsible for writing blog posts, case studies, white papers, social media posts, advertising copies, and lots more.

2. Mental health writer

With mental health becoming a more pressing issue in society, there’s an increasing demand for writers who can create content that helps people understand and deal with their mental health issues.

This writing specialty is under the health niches. The best content writers in this niche typically write for mental health practitioners, online magazines, and print publications. Some topics to write about in this field include anxiety disorders, behavioral health, pain management, mental illness, psychological development, and much more.

3. Fitness writer

The fitness industry is evergreen. As more people switch to a sedentary lifestyle or adopt remote work, the demand for physical activity to maintain health has increased drastically. Likewise, there’s plenty of need for writers who can create engaging, informative content about fitness and health.

Fitness writers can land lucrative writing roles with fitness instructors, personal home trainers, fitness bloggers, and wellness podcast hosts. Fitness is an easy niche to break into because it’s part of our everyday lives. This makes it one of the best content writing niches for beginners.

4. Crypto writer

As cryptocurrency becomes more popular, the need for writers who can explain it in plain language will continue to grow. People are always eager to expand their finances through investments, and cryptocurrency offers that opportunity.

But not many people understand how this technology works. They’ll need more enlightenment to decide whether to invest in cryptocurrency. Besides being a passive income source for traders and investors, cryptocurrency aims to innovate several traditional processes. But not many people understand how it works. So, a crypto writer will remain indispensable for several years to come.

5. Product description writer

In a world where online shoppers are constantly inundated with choices, good product descriptions can be the difference between a sale and no sale. That’s where freelance writers come in handy. According to WP Forms, there are about 12 to 24 million e-commerce stores worldwide. This means limitless opportunities for product description writers.

6. YouTube Script Writer

YouTube scripts contain the sentences used in a video. These write-ups help improve the simplicity and comprehensiveness of video content, especially if the video is long or presented in a minority language.

Besides aiding understanding, YouTube scripts help with SEO, and that’s one thing every YouTube content creator wants — more exposure for their content.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to find your ideal writing niche, it’s time to take action. Go over the steps once more and implement them quickly. One thing to bear in mind is the competition you’re up against.

Ask yourself: what can you provide that no one else is offering? Identifying this opportunity is key to success because it’ll help you stand out from the competition. And when you can provide value that others can’t, you’ll be in a much better position to attract high-paying clients and sell your services.

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