This is something of a mantra for me: Find the gap!
Too many freelancers build up a body of expertise in a particular area and then dive straight in.
Maybe they decide to be a writer or copywriter in the alternative health industry. Or the financial industry. Or the software industry.
They choose those industries because they are interested in them.
But there is a problem here. If you jump into an industry or industry niche without first figuring out whether there is a gap for you to work in, then you’ll be competing head-to-head with dozens, hundreds or even thousands of other freelancers.
You don’t want to do that. You don’t want to have to compete with other freelancers for every job that comes up.
What is “the gap”?
It’s where there is high demand and low supply.
As an example, a small group of software companies develop programs for the hospitality industry. These software companies have to promote their programs to hotel chains, spas, independent restaurants and even B&Bs. They need copywriters to help them create their promotional materials.
But while they find tons of copywriters who have experience writing copy for hotels and resorts, they can’t find anyone who also has experience in B2B software sales.
That’s a gap. There is demand, but little supply.
I don’t know whether that example is accurate, but you get the idea.
Smart freelancers dig deeper than just choosing a niche by industry or industry sector. They do a little more research. They get away from the crowds of competing freelancers. They find the sweet spot where there is sufficient demand from companies with decent budgets, but very little supply of qualified writers.
Some of the most successful freelancers I know work in narrow niches.
These writers have found profitable gaps, far from the attention of other freelancers.
When you find a profitable gap and make it your own, you transform your work and your life. You are no longer having to fight for work, nor are you having to defend your prices.
Instead, you become a real authority within that gap, rarely have to compete for new projects, and can raise your prices because you are THE expert in your area.
So do it. Find the gap and fill it. Before someone else does.
If you feel you might need help identifying the exact right gap and opportunity for yourself, check out my one-on-one coaching service.