Writing Basics: Starting a New Niche

Are you planning on venturing into a new niche and struggling? It is understandable. Trying to navigate work deadlines and self-learn at the same time can be difficult. If you are a writer, you need time to collect your thoughts about what you need to streamline content. If you are pressed for time and feeling overwhelmed, this guide can help you through this phase.

Here is a quick breakdown of how to get started!

Content Basics

When you start writing for a new niche, go back to the basics and build from there.

Most writers are quick to adapt, I know I am! 😉 So, our first instinct is to jump ahead and pick it along the way. But it might not always be the best approach.

Try to Learn

Direction in content is important. You may not have all the answers but find as many as you can.

When you begin with the intention of learning, you’ll understand the questions you need to ask and the questions you need to answer yourself. No one can help you figure that out. So, try to learn as much as you can. This will help you structure your thoughts.

When it comes to content, there are no hard and fast rules. Everyone has their way of doing things. However, here are a few things you need to know:

• Understanding of the product/service
• Target audience (who, where, preferences, problems)
• Understand market gap/ways business aims to add value. Use it for content
• Purpose of the content (information, promotional, etc)
• Tone of voice and brand vision
• CTA (determines engagement and goal of content)

Research the Niche

So, for figuring out which question you need to answer yourself, go back to content basics. As clichè as it may sound, put on your writer’s cap.

Research the niche to build an understanding of the product/service. See how much information has been shared with you. If you have any content that can be used as a reference, check that. If you do, you can use it to build knowledge about the industry and research further for clarity. See if you understand the audience and their pain points. Understand the market gaps that the brand is planning to fill. This can give you an idea about the customer’s pain points and how you can add value to your content.

If the gaps have not been identified, do your research and ask questions.

Determine a Direction

Research will help you but establishing a direction is essential. At the end of the day, you are writing a business and it must have a brand voice. It is possible that they might not know it themselves. In such a case, ask the right questions. This can help them understand what is required and establish one.

The sooner they set the tone and brand vision the better. It will become easier for you to determine the content angle.

Communicate

Healthy communication is important from the start. Put in the required effort and give it your best. Be open to new ideas and flexible in exploring new ways of working. Present solutions, if you can. At the same time, know how to push back when needed. Make sure you communicate the constraints you are working with.

In the meantime, do what you do best. It is tough but just keep at it.

You Need to Start Somewhere!

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves to slow down, trust the process and see the results unfold. 8 years and counting, I catch myself reminding and vowing to stick with this approach. It has served me well. Hopefully, it will continue to do so.

It is always scary to step into a new niche because there is so much you need to cover. You might be pressed for time as well. This super quick guide can help you get started.

I am curious though, how do you approach a new niche? 🧐