There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the United States which has a large impact on job creation. One of the job possibilities that small businesses offer is writing. This can be a very promising writing niche, but you need to know how to break into the business.
In order to help you with the whole process, we’ll answer some of the most asked questions when it comes to attracting the attention of potential clients and starting this writing journey.
Who will you write for?
There are two types of content you can produce for small businesses:
- B2B (business-to-business)
- B2C (business-to-consumer)
Considering that converting the consumers with effective content is the goal for any type of business, B2C writing is a very attractive writing niche. It can include writing blog posts, ads, marketing content, and any type of content which integrates their product.
Some find it to be more interesting than B2B writing because you’ll be writing for the consumers. The content you’ll create will, therefore, be more engaging and imaginative.
The writing style, in this case, is more entertaining but you’ll still need to provide some relevant facts and do your research.
Of course, B2C writing largely depends on the business’s industry. It is best if you write for businesses whose work you support and find interesting. On the other hand, in B2B writing, you need to create content that is direct, well-researched, and valuable.
You’ll be writing for other business owners and marketers so the writing style is more academic and statistical. What you’ll be mostly creating are case studies, white papers, blog posts about business improvement, articles about new technologies, etc.
B2B content demands that you do thorough research. Those who love to keep track of industry news and do more technical writing can find it really interesting and challenging.
While B2B writing may not be for everyone, B2C is definitely more approachable.
Where to look for the clients?
Finding clients is the most difficult part of writing for small businesses so you need to know where to look.
You can start by inquiring if any local businesses need a content writer. Also, spread the word that you are writing for small businesses. You’ll be surprised how effective can word-of-mouth be.
Feel free to even write directly to the business you admire, asking them if they would need some help from a professional writer.
Pauline Farris, a writer at GrabMyEssay gives the following advice: “As a writer, you need to show initiative. Don’t be afraid to approach the businesses you want to work for because they may not know that they need your services until you point it out.”
One of the most popular ways of finding writing jobs is using online job platforms. This is not surprising since we live in an era of technology.
Browse through the websites such as Upwork where you can see the posts by employers and apply for the jobs you like.
How to introduce yourself to clients?
There is only one chance to make a first impression so how you approach the clients is crucial.
If you want to introduce yourself to business owners who aren’t looking for a writer you can send them an introduction letter or an initial email.
In case you are applying for job posts, you should always include an inspiring cover letter.
Both situations demand that you show prospective clients how their business can benefit from your services. Put less focus on you and more on them.
Mention the relevant benefits of hiring a writer. For example, saving time on writing and focusing on other aspects of business, creating posts which are aimed at converting customers, having someone on the team who knows how to approach B2C and B2B content, and so on.
Emphasize that while having a writer is an investment, it is an investment that will ultimately bring more profit because high-quality content is the one which converts.
You can even go a step further and suggest some ways in which you would improve their content and how that will help their business.
Before you send your email, introduction letter, or a proposal, always proofread and edit your emails. You can use online tools such as HotEssayService, SupremeDissertations, and Grammarly. This is imperative because sending introductory content with mistakes and errors can be an instant deal-breaker.
What do you need to know and prepare?
Another important aspect of breaking into small business writing niche is getting to know the industry and who will you be working for.
Start by inquiring about your potential employers and their work. This is especially important when you get to the interview.
Don’t show up and try to convince them that you are willing to learn. Present yourself as an expert in that field because that is what they are looking for.
“When trying to land a job in a small business writing niche, you need to be willing to learn. Business owners want someone who is capable of finding all the right information and who shows enthusiasm for that industry,” says Christopher Mercer, an editor at IsAccurate.
There are certain things you should do to prepare yourself for this line of work such as:
- Prepare a portfolio of relevant writing (you can write some new posts if you don’t have anything that is relevant for that industry)
- Inquiry about the business
- Keep up with the industry news
- Learn how to optimize content
- Look into their social media accounts to learn more about them
These are just some basics you should cover so that you can show the potential employer that you are a professional.
Are you ready to take over?
Now that you know all the essentials about how to approach small business and break into this niche, you can start with the search. These guidelines can keep you in the right path and help you to present yourself in the right light.
Writing for small businesses will not only bring you profit but also valuable experience and lots of new information. If you are ready for a new challenge, let this be it.
