Comments on: Win a Copy of Words that Stick: A Guide to Short Writing with Big Impact

By: Patty

Patty — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:01:41 +0000

Great comments, everyone! I promise to address each on in detail on a future post. For now, however, here is a bit of feedback.

Angie: if there is a niche-related pattern in the small jobs you’ve done so far, leverage that experience to gain your first client away from those low-paying services. Since you’re freelancing on the side, starting with just 1 client would be best from a customer service perspective.

Joni: As long as there are writers willing to write for poverty pay, there will be low paying jobs for those writers. I do feel it’s a bit de-valuing to the freelance writing profession in general. But I don’t think those low-rate jobs affect commercial copywriters in the B2B or B2C markets. Regarding your multi-topic blog question, I think it’s fine to tackle a variety of topics on a single blogging platform as long as your information is organized well so people can find the specific information that applies to them.

Valerie: Information overload is very overwhelming! To end paralysis through analysis, pick a single niche so you have a place to begin. As I preach, whether your niche is an industry or a type of writing (like Web copywriting), it helps you focus on a direction forward. Let’s say you decide to focus on Web copywriting. While still learning about the other types of writing, learn everything you can about creating Web content. Build a portfolio with that focus (even if you have to do gratis work or create before and after “samples). Then you’ll be ready to target that specific market. (P.S. AWAI offers such great programs. Kudos for you for building your knowledge this way!)

By: Valerie Schaeffer

Valerie Schaeffer — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:27:40 +0000

I have various writing courses for copywriting (through AWAI), and I find that I am just overwhelmed. I am working on a basic course, but I’m often getting information about Web copywriting, SEO, Autoresponder copywriting, etc…I just don’t know where to start. It seems that the technology is increasing so fast that I feel like I’m falling further and further behind.

Thanks.

By: Joni Scanlon

Joni Scanlon — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:45:59 +0000

You pose a question I have been grappling with as I prepare to launch a new business and website. I’ve developed expertise in several areas through work and personal interest-med +sci,urban planning, green, education, etc. I opted to keep them all in the mix so it’s not boring and your writing stays fresh. As for writing on the cheap, don’t do it! You’devaluing our work.Look for a placement agenvh s/ad Creative Group or cold call local agencies + see if they neef help.

Question:What’s your opjnion of a multi-topiv blog

By: Angie L.

Angie L. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:45:49 +0000

I do a lot of low paying article writing and small jobs through elance. My question is how to move beyond this kind of work so I can earn enough money to someday quit my job. Right now I can’t afford to freelance full time. Thanks.

By: Patty

Patty — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:43:08 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Fiona. There’s nothing wrong with being a generalist – especially since this has approach has worked so well for you for so long! But focusing on a niche makes you more valuable over time because you become a “specialist” and can charge a premium. (This, in turn, can give you the freedom to pursue your passion.) When considering your niche, ask yourself what type of writing are you really, really good at? (For me, case studies would be my #1 pick.) Next, ask yourself what industry would most benefit from your overall knowledge? (Again, for me, that would be construction software developers.) Choosing a niche doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck there forever. It just gives you a starting place to establish your expertise.