Writing Services Key: Offer the Services Desperate Buyers Want Now
If you are starting a web writing career, you’re bewildered by all the writing services you could offer. How do you choose the right ones so you’re flooded with eager clients?
Many writers don’t choose their writing services at all: They simply fall into a writing job and take on similar jobs as they come their way. While this isn’t bad, you may soon find yourself caught in a trap: You may become so entrenched in one form of writing or one subject that you don’t have the time or energy to consider better paying markets.
For example, you might take one of those $1-per-article gigs just to get your feet wet and build your portfolio. You decide you enjoy writing articles but get so wrapped up trying crank them out that you don’t get a chance to look for better paying work.
There is a better way: Before you plunge into your next assignment, stop. Take a day to explore other opportunities. Type “writing services” into your favorite search engine and see what comes up. There’s a whole world of opportunity for you.
It’s perfectly OK to look at other writers’ web sites to see what services they offer. Consider whether you could do what they do.
In addition to articles (you can — and should — look for better paying article writing gigs), you can write ebooks (which can simply be a series of articles compiled into book form), newsletters, academic papers, grant proposals, resumes, product descriptions and reviews etc. Which of these most appeal to you? Which do you think you could do without too much of a learning curve?
Look for the websites of those who offer these writing services. Do they post their rates? Read their samples. Could you do the same type of work (or even better work)? Does there seem to be a need for the service they offer — a need you could help fill?
Be sure to also consider your expertise. If you’ve been involved in the real estate market, for example, perhaps you can specialize in writing services for that market. By setting yourself up as a real estate expert, you can command higher rates. Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a real estate license (though it would help), just be able to show a potential client that you understand the industry.
If you don’t have the experience, don’t despair: With a little study you can still find an area in which to specialize.
Think of subjects that interest you and search online for opportunities. For example, if you happen to love weddings, search for “wedding writer” online. You may be surprised to find there are plenty of writing services you can offer: from customized vows to descriptions of wedding products to blogging about all things bridal.
One article is not enough to completely detail all the writing services you can offer. And there is no one right answer for everyone. But by taking the time to do some research, you will be able to determine which opportunities best meet your skills and interests.
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Copywriting is writing for business: promotional writing. Copywriters write material like advertisements and compared to most writers, they’re VERY highly paid.
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Writers’ Websites: How to Find Your Way Through the Writing Maze
If you’re a writer, it’s a given that there are several things you need. One important thing is a writers’ Web site. There are many different types, however, so here’s a guide to help you to find your way through the maze.
1. Your own writers’ Web site
Your own site is a major priority. It’s your home on the Web, and it establishes your credibility in the online world. How can you claim to write effectively for the Web if you don’t have your own online presence? It’s fairly easy to create your own Web site but be sure to include the essential information: Sample content, testimonials, a page about your background and, of course, how to contact you.
There is some debate about whether your writing fees should be listed at a writer’s own Web site. Including them makes it easier for the client to decide whether he or she can afford your services. Not including them gives you more wiggle room when seeking clients — theoretically. It’s only a theory, because you can always negotiate.
2. Writing job boards
This type of writers’ Web site allows you to bid on jobs posted by others. These job boards are great for breaking into Web writing, or for trying something new. For instance if you’ve been writing articles but want to try writing ebooks or sales letters, bid on a job and see what happens. However, the best advice is to move away from these boards once you get some experience because bidding tends to keep the pay low.
3. Content mills
While a rather unsavory term, content mills are another easy way to break into Web writing. There are many of these writers Web sites which collect articles to be used on other Web sites. Writers approved to write for the particular mill simply claim the title, write the article to meet the specifications and turn it in. These sites are great for those writers who have weaker marketing skills. The pay may be a little bit higher than those found on the job bidding sites but still on the low side. It pays to compare the content mills, however, they are similar but each one has its own little quirks.
4. Web sites by and for writers
Face it, most of us Web writers do so from the comfort of our own home. While it is nice to work while wearing bunny slippers, it can be a little lonely. Plus Web writing is still in its infancy, comparatively speaking, so it can be difficult to build a career without some guidance. Look for writers’ Web sites that offer guidance as to legal and financial matters, problem clients and writing help. Some of the best writers’ Web sites regularly compile job postings, too.
5. Internet marketing sites
A large part of Web writing is geared toward article marketing. There are many forums which allow writers to post classified ads promoting their services.
Visit several forums and take a look at what other writers are charging for their work. Are your rates within the same ball park? Try posting your own ad and see what happens. The beauty of posting your own ad on one of these message boards is that you can specifically request testimonials in exchange for a lower-than-usual price. Those testimonials are gold in terms of getting referrals for future jobs.
Bet you just thought about a writers’ Web site in reference to your own page, didn’t you? Use each of these types regularly and often and watch your career blossom.
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After several years of trial and error, these days I create blogs which I know will make money: I’ve cracked the code. Not only do my blogs make money almost immediately, they’ll also keep on making money for years to come.
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Professional Writing Training for New Writers: How to Get Started
Professional writing training used to mean a college degree in English, journalism or creative writing. It was time consuming and expensive. Now, however, there are many other ways to get professional writing training. In some cases, you can even get paid while you learn.
Before you start looking for writing training, you need to think about the direction you want to go. Do you want to write novels, short stories or poetry?
Then you should look into books and courses that focus on fiction or creative writing as well as those that show you how to create proposals and query letters. There are plenty of these available online; some of them are even free via writers groups and blogs.
If you want to write nonfiction items, you should put some thought into what kind of writing you want to do: Do you want to write advertising jingles and slogans? Do you want to produce brochures and ads? Do you want to write for newspapers and magazines? Do you want to write books? Do you want to write online copy? Each of these has different styles and ways to break into the field. Look for professional writing training that relates to your areas of interest.
Now think about what you know. Many writing instructors will tell you, You have to know something before you write about it. If you are pondering changing from your current career to that of a professional writer, you will find it easiest to do so if you specialize in topics related to your current career. For example, if you are a real estate agent, you may want to write articles for a real estate magazine. If you are a nursing home nurse, you may be interested in writing articles on elder care for an online health newsletter.
It is perfectly all right if you don’t know what kind of writing you want to do, especially in these early stages. Writing is a very fluid profession and learning to write many types of materials can be very lucrative as potential clients will appreciate your versatility.
Now look online for professional writing training courses that suit your needs. There are many formats available: e-books, online courses, writing prompts. Some offer regular assignments designed to help you build your portfolio of clips or to find clients. Read and compare products carefully so you don’t waste your time or money. Look for a product that includes some one-on-one time with the instructor or author. He or she can steer you in the right direction and help you avoid costly mistakes.
No matter which form of professional writing training you choose, be sure to use it. An e-book or course will do you no good if it just sits in your email box or on your hard drive. Set a regular time each week and actually do the assignments, don’t just think about it. You won’t get started otherwise.
If you really want to earn your living as a writer, look into getting professional writing training today. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you really can make your dream come true.
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Professional Writing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Professional writing, like any other new career, has many pitfalls. Here are just a few of them (and what you can do to avoid them).
1. Typos and other errors. There is nothing that can sink a writer’s reputation faster than submitting work that is filled with mistakes. While you may think you’ve been automatically checking for errors as you write, it’s always worth reading it over again, preferably several hours after you’ve finished writing. Also, have someone else read your work. Writers have blind spots when it comes to reading their own work. They know what they meant to say but sometimes don’t realize they didn’t exactly say it that way.
2. Not meeting the client’s needs. In professional writing, you are selling your writing services to the client. What he or she says goes. So, when you get a new assignment, make sure you understand exactly what the assignment is: If the client wants 500 words on dog grooming, don’t turn in 450 words on dog supplies.
3. Not meeting the client’s expectations. It’s amazing that so many professional writers neglect to nail down the details of their work in writing. Before doing one second of work on a project, write a brief agreement about the job and have the client acknowledge it — in writing. The agreement should include such details as a brief job description, deadlines, editing/rewriting policies and, of course, payment details.
4. Lack of payment. Many beginning professional writers, in their eagerness to get started, accept the first job that comes down the pike. They work hard and turn in a glowing piece of work to rave reviews by the client. However, weeks later, they realize that the client never actually paid them and what’s worse, emails and phone calls requesting payment go unanswered.
That’s why when working with a new client, you should insist on a deposit before starting work. Your work agreement should also include contact information and payment provisions. Here’s how to charge for your writing services.
5. Low payment. When starting out in your professional writing career, you may need to accept some low-paying work at first in order to create some work samples. However, once you’re even slightly established, you need to go after better-paying gigs.
By gradually increasing your rates, you’re showing potential clients that you are indeed a professional and that you know your services are worth it. Establishing reasonable rates also gets you out of the starving artist mindset and boosts your confidence.
6. Time traps. It is so easy to get into a research mode and never leave it to do any actual writing. “Oh, I’ll just check read this one movie review first and then I’ll get to that real estate brochure. I’ve got time.” Next thing you know, you’ve searched for the cast of the movie (including the star of that obscure sitcom from years ago), a recipe cited in the movie, the health effects of an ingredient in that recipe etc. Instead, commit to a specific time for research and writing. Alternately, allow yourself internet search playtime only after your real work is done.
These are the most common professional writing pitfalls. Fortunately, they are easy to avoid once you know they exist, allowing you to get on with your new career.
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