Specializing in a niche as a freelance writer can help you find more clients and stand out against the competition. But choosing a niche can be a tough decision, especially when some pay better than others. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to five of the most profitable writing niches for freelance writers.
Read on to find out which niches pay the most, what they involve, and how you can pursue work as a freelance writer.
What Is a Niche?
In freelance writing, a niche is an area you choose to specialize in. This could be a particular subject matter, such as travel or medicine, or a certain format, like blog posts or journal articles.
We cover more about choosing a niche in our blog post on the subject. But to summarize, specializing in a niche can allow you to:
- Find clients more easily
- Offer a more competitive service
- Earn a higher rate of pay
Of course, some niches are more profitable than others.
5 Most Profitable Writing Niches
Below, we’ve outlined five niches that can earn you the most income in the world of freelance writing:
- SEO content writing
- Software as a service (SaaS)
- Finance and cryptocurrency
- Mental health and wellness
- Elearning
Keep reading to find out more about these niches.
1. SEO Content Writing
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is a tool that improves the rank of web pages in search engines. The more optimized written content is, the higher up it will appear in search results. This translates to a higher click-through rate, which means more visitors to a page.
As a result, SEO writing is a highly sought-after skill when it comes to creating blog posts and other web content. It involves:
- Researching the right keywords to use
- Avoiding keyword stuffing
- Deciding on the appropriate format for content
- Organizing content clearly
- Writing content that is unique
Experienced SEO writers can charge between $500−$800 for each blog post they produce. The average yearly salary is $40−$60k.
To start working as an SEO content writer, consider taking a course in SEO so that you can grasp the ins and outs of how it works.
Being able to demonstrate an understanding of keyword research tools will also be a point in your favor.
2. Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a service (SaaS) refers to companies that develop and then rent out cloud-based software. Well-known examples include Microsoft, Zoom, and DropBox.
SaaS content writing is a particular form of technical writing that combines various aspects of digital marketing. SaaS writers will be expected to:
- Explain how the software or service works
- Write case studies demonstrating the software in use
- Produce service comparisons
The average salary for a SaaS content writer in the US is $65k.
If you have any sort of background in technical writing or marketing, then SaaS content writing could be for you.
3. Finance and Cryptocurrency
It shouldn’t come as a shock that jobs in finance tend to pay well. Freelance financial writing is no different.
With this niche, you can expect to write:
- Financial reports and analysis
- Blog posts
- Personal finance guides and tips
- Finance textbooks
If you want to get even more specific, cryptocurrency is a hot finance topic that pays well due to its complexity. Freelance financial writers charge an average of $0.30−$0.50 per word, with the average annual salary working out at between $60−$80k.
Having a background in finance or a relevant degree, such as economics, will help you find work as a freelance financial writer. Alternatively, you can build up a portfolio by setting up or submitting to finance blogs.
4. Mental Health and Wellness
Self-care, mindfulness, and alternative medicine are all part of a booming wellness industry that’s estimated to be worth a staggering $4.5 trillion.
Mental health and wellness writers will typically produce long-form blog content. They may also find work writing marketing materials for alternative healthcare companies or producing self-help guides focused on topics such as:
- Self-care
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Gratitude
- Yoga
- Aromatherapy
- Supplements
- Burnout
- Anxiety and depression
In general, health writing jobs can earn you an income of up to $55k annually, while some health and wellness blogs may pay up to $2k per article.
Specializing in mental health and wellness as a freelance writer doesn’t require a particular academic background, but it’s useful to have a solid understanding of self-care and mindfulness practices. Being able to demonstrate your own experience with the subject matter is also especially helpful.
5. Elearning
The elearning and online course industry has seen a boom in the past few years, with the elearning market expected to be worth $325 billion by 2025. Depending on their role, it’s no surprise that successful freelance writers can expect to make $50−$100k a year in the elearning industry.
Specializing in this niche can involve:
- Developing course outlines
- Producing long-form course content, quizzes, and video scripts
- Creating supplementary materials, such as resources, blog posts, and guides
You’re most likely to find well-paid work in the elearning industry if you have a relevant degree or background in education. But if you don’t possess either of these, then being able to demonstrate a passion for learning and an understanding of how elearning works can help you get a foot in the door.
Becoming A Freelance Writer
If you want to learn how to become a freelance writer, our Becoming A Freelance Writer course offers all the answers. Sign-up for a free trial, and start your journey today!
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3 Reasons You Need to Find Your Freelance Writing Niche7 Freelance Writing Skills You Need to SucceedWhat’s the Average Freelance Writer Salary?5 Types of Freelance Writing Client
