- Despite what you may have heard, there is real money to be made for professional writers in today’s job market.
- Content holds a crucial role in the digital marketing process, which means a high demand for those with the skill, dedication, and love for writing.
- Here’s what you should know if you’re looking to enhance your earning power as a professional writer.
Your parents and loved ones most likely meant well when they tried to steer you away from a career in writing. We’ve all heard the familiar cautionary tale, not only from our family members, but also from other writers.
I’ve heard it said that if someone can talk you out of being a writer, you should probably let them. That’s not to suggest that I don’t think writing is a great profession, or that I don’t wholeheartedly love what I do, but an observation that this career simply isn’t for everyone and requires serious dedication.
But for those who are committed to the pursuit, the job outlook is surprisingly favorable. Of course, the chances of becoming the next NYT #1 Bestseller or an Oscar-Winning screenwriter are no better now than they were in the past, but thanks to a high demand for quality content, professional writers no longer have to relegate themselves to earning pennies for their hard work.
Here’s what you should know about earning an income as a writer in today’s digital market.
Content Reigns Supreme
Our worlds are becoming increasingly digitized which means that businesses are investing more than ever into content creation in order to reach their audiences on a meaningful level. The amazing thing about digital content is that the demand for fresh material is endless. This creates a potentially lucrative opportunity for quality writers who can produce a consistent supply of engaging material.
Whether it’s social media, website text, direct to consumer marketing, blogs, or video, writing is an integral part of content creation. Relevant, high quality content can help businesses increase their reach, visibility and their bottom line. It’s no wonder that the need for great content writers is at an all-time high.
Traits You’ll Need To Succeed
Let’s be frank, to earn money as a writer you first need to hone your craft. That means having the education and training to satisfy certain parameters. The demand for content certainly hasn’t made the process of good writing any easier; in fact, it has only added the need for marketing savvy.
Any good copywriter needs to be an expert in grammar, a dynamic storyteller, and be proficient in all of the current marketing trends and SEO standards. There’s no shortage of low-quality content floating around on the internet, which only makes demand for quality work that much higher.
To earn money as a writer, you’ll need a fair share of discipline, organization, and love for the craft. You may be a brilliant wordsmith, but to earn a steady income, you still need to invest sufficient time to produce large volumes of writing every day. Without these three elements, the unstructured lifestyle of a writer can quickly turn into a downfall.
How To Monetize On Your Writing
If you’re still interested and serious about earning money as a writer, you’ll need to get serious about the following steps, in this respective order:
Hone In On Your Expertise: It may seem like you should write for the broadest possible audience, but the opposite is actually true if you want to turn your writing into an income. Hone in on a specific niche that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about.
Learn About Your Audience: One of the most important things you should know as a writer is your audience. Who you’re speaking to should naturally dictate what tone and information you choose to share, according to your audience’s needs and pain points. This is true for every piece of content you produce.
Become Useful: You may be a great writer, but to earn an income you must make your writing useful to someone else. Do your research to understand the company you are hoping to work for, then cater your writing to their target audience and their marketing goals.
Share Your Work: As a writer, you should let your work speak for itself, and that means being able to show a strong portfolio of published work.If you’re just starting out, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can publish your own writings through a personal blog, or a platform such as Medium. In fact, sharing valuable, content on highly visible platforms can draw the attention of potential clients and grow your authority on a subject matter in the process.
Final Thoughts
Any writer entering the workforce or hoping to earn an extra bit of income should consider the high demand for content marketing. This doesn’t mean you should give up on your dreams of writing the next great fiction novel, but it does give you the opportunity to apply your skill towards a real income and support yourself on your journey to realizing your artistic vision.