HOW TO FIND YOUR NICHE AS A FREELANCER
So you want to become a freelancer, but you have no idea where to start? Choosing your niche is the first step to becoming a freelancer, and there are so many to choose from! This article will go into how to choose your niche, examples of the different options available, and what to do if you are new to the niche.
Choosing the right niche for you is so important when starting your freelancing career, as it allows you to focus on a specific area or market, and therefore allows you to build a sustainable business that you can grow over the years. Becoming a freelancer isn’t a quick-get-rich-scheme, it is a way of earning a living, remotely if you choose to, for the rest of your life - it has longevity, and therefore choosing a niche means you can become an expert in that area, you can distinguish yourself from your competitors, and attract the clients who are looking for your unique skill set.
So, how do you choose your niche?
There are some things to consider when choosing what specific area you want to get into, and firstly you need to do a bit of self assessment to figure out what you like, what you dislike, what your skills are etc. We all strive to be able to enjoy our work, so choosing a freelancing niche that you’re genuinely interested in and will give you job satisfaction is so important.
First, identify your skills - make a list of your skills, expertise, and experiences. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing?
Next, determine your interests by considering what topics, industries, or activities you're passionate about. Also, consider your long-term goals - ie. if you want to travel as you work you might want to consider a niche that allows for remote working.
And finally, assess your experience. Reflect on your past work experiences, education, and training. What areas have you worked in before? What knowledge do you have that could be valuable to clients?
Once you have done your self assessment, the next stage is to do some market research, to see where the demand is - there is no point in freelancing in something that no clients will be looking for skills in. Research industries and sectors that are experiencing growth or have a high demand for freelance services, investigate other freelancers or agencies operating in your potential niches and check out their services, pricing, and client base to understand the competitive landscape. Go one step further and talk to your potential target audience - i.e. the people you will want to work for - and get an insight into their needs, pain points, and preferences. Getting all of this information will help you make a decision that’s not just based on what you’d like to freelance in, but what there is a need for and where you can make money!
Once you have all of this information, the next stage would be to match this with a niche. And there are so many to choose from! Below are just SOME examples:
Copywriting: If you have a knack for writing persuasively, copywriting can be a lucrative niche. Businesses often need copy for websites, advertisements, email campaigns, and more.
Graphic Design: If you're creative and proficient in graphic design software, offering design services for logos, branding, marketing materials, and websites could be a great niche.
Web Development: With the increasing demand for websites, specialising in web development can be profitable. You can focus on specific platforms like WordPress, Shopify, or offer custom web development services.
Social Media Management: Many businesses struggle to maintain an active presence on social media platforms. If you're skilled in social media marketing, you can offer services such as content creation, scheduling, and community management.
Video Editing: Video content is becoming more prevalent across platforms. If you have video editing skills, you can specialize in editing and producing videos for businesses, YouTubers, or other content creators.
SEO Consulting: Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for businesses to improve their online visibility. If you understand SEO principles, you can offer consulting services to help businesses optimize their websites and content.
Virtual Assistance: As businesses increasingly operate remotely, there's a growing demand for virtual assistants who can provide administrative support, manage emails, schedule appointments, etc.
Content Marketing: Content is king in the digital age. If you're skilled in creating various types of content such as blog posts, articles, videos, or podcasts, you can specialize in content marketing services.
E-commerce Consulting: With the rise of e-commerce, businesses need guidance on setting up online stores, optimizing product listings, and implementing effective marketing strategies.
Programming/Software Development: If you have coding skills, specialising in a particular programming language or technology stack can lead to high-paying freelance opportunities, such as building custom software or mobile apps.
It’s also important to note that you should be open to adapting and refining your niche based on feedback from clients and your own experiences. As you gain more insights and expertise, you can adjust your niche strategy to better align with market demand and your professional goals. This is not a one-time decision; it's an ongoing process of self-discovery, market analysis, and adaptation, so stay flexible and open-minded as you explore different niches and refine your focus over time.
If you still feel confused and wondering where to start, please feel free to reach out and I can help. You can email me on hello@amynicholson.co.uk