With the emergence of the coronavirus reaching pandemic proportions during the first quarter of 2020, thousands of freelance writers around the world found themselves in a dilemma.
In addition to the fact that dozens of print magazines have reduced frequency or stopped publishing altogether, travel writing and event coverage were once potentially lucrative niches that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
But don’t worry, because with a little creativity and a willingness to adjust and adapt, freelance writers can tap into other avenues where they can redirect their talents and skills.
Here are some specialties freelance writers may want to consider:
Writing and editing resumes
With the high number of COVID-19 cases posing a major threat to the global economy, many secure and stable employees have lost their jobs. They could turn to remote work, settle for part-time work or underemployment (at least for the time being), or choose to go freelance.
As a result, the demand for competent resume writers has never been higher. You must show your ability to write or edit resumes by having some samples. If you are an absolute newbie, here are profitable ways to build a portfolio:
- Reach out to college or university students who may need a resume to get into an internship or volunteer program.
- Recent graduates are ideal clients; they are often eager to land entry-level positions right away.
- Skills-based resumes are essential for graduates of vocational, business, or technical courses.
- Get old copies of your friends’ resumes and repurpose a chronological resume into a skill-based one, and vice versa.
- Talk to IT professionals, as they are constantly updating their credentials.
- Introduce yourself to people who might be in the process of a career change/change.
- Consider “high risk” job applicants, “special cases” such as the failed entrepreneur or stay-at-home parent looking to re-enter the workplace, the differently abled, or those with significant gaps in their employment history.
Proofreading
If you have a keen eye for detail: misspellings, awkward sentence structures, misplaced punctuation marks, etc., give the review a try. There are a fair number of documents that need clarity to achieve desired results, not just a good command of English: book reports, theses, dissertations, college admissions essays, business plans, grants, etc. Proofreaders usually charge per page, and a standard page consists of 220 words.
Write about fashion niches
While certain niches have dwindled in 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions, there’s a whole new range of topics that can serve as a goldmine for article ideas. Consider the following:
- Plants and plant care.
- Cope with work from home arrangements
- Help kids with online classes
- Simple craft projects to keep kids preoccupied at home.
- Health and fitness concerns
- Popular hobbies during quarantine
- online sale
Writing online dating profiles
This may seem a bit surprising, but there are many singles who are serious about finding a suitable partner for marriage, or at least a long-term relationship.
I’ve also noticed a growing trend: Divorced and single parents, or those who have sobered up from an addiction, are finally getting to that healthy place where they can date again. There are also niche sites for BBWs and people with disabilities.
You don’t need to lie or embellish existing attributes just to make your customers look more attractive. If they haven’t yet earned a college degree, briefly mention any online or adult education classes they’re taking.
Big, beautiful women who like yoga or riding bikes can be fun and exciting for men who enjoy outdoor activities. Even introverted singles can present themselves as “someone who enjoys moonlight walks on the beach, adult board games on the weekends, dates at specialty bookstores or souvenir shops, or conversations over coffee.” .
