Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
Many ghostwriters such as myself are able to diversify their workload. We can write about almost anything with a certain degree of success. However, specializing in a topic you are interested in will undoubtedly be beneficial. It’s all about being excited regarding your work and looking forward to the task.
What Topic Specialties Do for You
Since 2012, I’ve covered a wide scope of topics for various clients. I’ve completed works ranging from animal descriptions to travel plans. However, there are specific topics where I excel simply because I enjoy them.
For instance in the past, many Textbroker managers know where to go if they need someone to work on an Internet or Computer managed client. That’s because of my background history and my proficiency when it came to such jobs.
How does topic interest make an impact in your writing?
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Higher Quality of Work
When you’re writing about something that interests you, the quality may be somewhat higher. This is because the topic has your full and undivided attention. It’s something you enjoy, so your mind is more focused.
Attention to detail and providing factual information are the hallmarks of any good ghostwriter. And those two areas are more apparent when you’re writing about something you enjoy. It’s almost like you give it a part of yourself, even if the client adds his or her name to it.
Speed of Writing
You may discover you’re also writing those topics at a much faster pace. When you don’t have to think about the information, you can write unfettered. Often, I draw from personal experience and knowledge and write nearly twice as fast.
Don’t get me wrong, good typing skills are a must for a freelance ghostwriter to make significant amounts of money. My last test demonstrated I can move at about 60+ words per minute with an exceptionally high accuracy. But if you’re heart isn’t in the topic, you’ll definitely move slower or have to pause often to think about what you’re writing.
Eager to Research
Being interested in a topic contributes to your capacity to do research. This is a vital component for clients as you want to make sure they receive the most valid and up-to-date information possible. The more thought-out a piece is, the more likely the client will be back.
If you have interest in the task, you essentially want to research information for yourself as well as the client. You already want to know more about the subject, so you’re more likely to put in the effort to find all that you can.
All of this combined makes for a great experience for yourself and the client.
Higher Quality Clients
One thing I can attest to is the repeat business of clients for areas I specialize in. In fact, my primary retaining client wants content related to web hosting, marketing and WordPress…three areas I love to delve into. This is because I demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in those areas as I have a strong interest in the content.
When you specialize in a certain area, clients are more likely to pay you higher for your work. This is because all of them want high-quality content that can drive traffic. While you can still sell work to clients whose topics are less than ideal, there is a significant difference from those who give you work in your specific field.
Boosting Reputation
With a higher quality of writing comes a greater reputation in the professional world. There is a reason why I was on the top of many lists on brokerage sites for specific content. It’s this reputation that helps bring in more work and more money.
Even though I feel comfortable writing about nearly any subject matter, I am more known for my expertise in technological fields. And that’s not a bad thing as it helps drive in clients looking for specific work who are willing to pay.
Should You Focus on a Specific Topic?
You have a lot of benefits when it comes to focusing on a specific subject. However, you may have times when the workload is just too low to pay the bills. This is why you should always consider being diverse when it comes to freelance writing. Sure, the quality isn’t as high. However, sometimes a client just needs something basic.
Being diverse also gives you an opportunity to explore new topics you might not have considered before. For instance, I started Textbroker by focusing on Computer and Technology pieces. When the workflow in those categories were low, I explored other sections. That’s how I found my knack for Internet, Business and Marketing.
The point is that you can specialize in one type of content, but you may have skills elsewhere as well. Don’t assume that you’re only good in one thing. You may miss out on some very interesting and lucrative opportunities.
What If a Client Wants Something You Know Nothing About?
There’s no shame in turning down work, even if you need the money. Personally, I feel it’s better to turn down a job than to give out half-assed work the client may not appreciate. It’s not always about money. For me, it’s professionalism.
Case in point: I refuse to work with Apple in any regard. I don’t like the company practices and I don’t like the products. When a client requests something positive about the company, I respectfully deny the request. This is because I know I cannot be objective about the company because of my strong feelings against it.
On the other hand, what if it’s something you might have interest in but know nothing about? Then, it will be your opportunity to see if it’s something you might like. That’s how I started with the Marketing category. The client liked the work and I somewhat enjoyed the topic. So, I started to write more of it.
Specialty and Diversity
One of the reasons clients love working with me is because I am good at being diverse. However, there is a significant difference between a topic that interests me and one I have to research. It’s OK to specialize in something, but keep your options open. Flexibility is why I’ve been writing since January of 2012.
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